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CHILDREN'S ABILITY TO PERCEIVE LANDSCAPE AND CREATE A CONNECTION WITH THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT: HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
Abstract
Although the historical changes in children's perceptions of the landscape have not been studied in depth, according to the different authors, this topic is of great importance for understanding children's perceptions of the environment and the factors influencing these perceptions, as well as for understanding which urban environments are best suited to meet children's needs. This study aims to determine the changes in children's ability to perceive and explore landscapes in a historical context. The main findings are obtained using studies of artwork content and literature systemic analysis. This research has indicated the most important sociocultural factors, such as social reforms, the establishment of compulsory education, and changes in the attitudes of parents that influenced children's perception of the landscape in different historical periods, and how, considering these aspects, children's relationship with the natural environment has changed. Today, children spend more and more time indoors and in virtual environments, and due to that their relationship with the natural environment is getting weaker compared to historical times. The results of this study underline that children have little options to engage with natural settings in today's cities, which are not safe enough. As a result, children go to virtual spaces that provide opportunities to have the experiences they want. This research has also highlighted the importance of understanding what places and environments were important to children when they were still able to experience them independently and applying this knowledge to create a city suitable for children to grow up in.
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