Evaluation of school gardens in the context of child-friendly planning and design: The case of sanliurfa province

Interactions in school buildings take place between children, adults and the spaces they spend time in. These interactions significantly affect not only the present life of children but also their future lives. If children engage in positive interactions in the school environment, their school attendance and success are positively affected, and in parallel, their future expectations become optimistic. These gains seem possible only with child-friendly environment and school criteria.In this study, it is aimed to evaluate the child-friendly school concept in the city of Şanlıurfa, based on the planning and design principles of school gardens. In the research conducted using the literature review technique, some primary schools in Karaköprü, Haliliye and Eyyübiye, which are the central districts of Şanlıurfa, were determined as a sample study area. Selected schools were evaluated in many aspects. These evaluation criteria were determined as spatial competence, socialization-participation, equipment and security. At the end of the research, it is seen that the playgrounds of the examined schools are not suitable for individual and group activities. Considering the relevant standards, it is seen that the garden area and open areas per student are quite inadequate.In line with these data, some suggestions were presented for school gardens in the context of child-friendly design criteria. Attracting children's attention with the colors, physical conditions and activities of school garden designs will enable them to adopt their schools more. There should be playgrounds and sports areas, benches positioned for resting, afforestation for sunshade and shading, and soil areas as well as the area of the school gardens. It is recommended to have a security unit in order to ensure the safety of everyone in the school. It is also important to have service approach and parking areas. These criteria should be evaluated as a whole and school garden designs should be created in the context of child-friendly design.