https://doi.org/10.1051/epjconf/202532801029
Landscape Design Criteria for Children with Special Needs
Architectural Engineering and Environmental Design Department, College of Engineering and Technology – Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, Alexandria, Egypt
* Corresponding author: Amaalelattar55@gmail.com
Published online: 18 June 2025
Play-based learning is essential for children's cognitive, social, physical, and sensory development, particularly in natural environments. However, there is a global shortage of inclusive playgrounds despite nearly one billion individuals living with disabilities. This gap arises from the lack of prioritisation in landscape design and the absence of clear development criteria. This study analyzes all-inclusive playgrounds to establish comprehensive design principles that integrate the needs of children with disabilities into landscape architecture. Key principles such as accessibility, visual continuity, and sensory engagement are emphasized to translate these needs into practical design solutions. By addressing these factors, this research advances the development of inclusive playgrounds, ensuring equitable and meaningful play experiences for all children.
Key words: disabled children / inclusion / special needs / playground / landscape
© The Authors, published by EDP Sciences, 2025
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.