The €2 million grant awarded by NWO is part of their commitment to promoting innovative, socially relevant, and impact-driven research. With this grant, NWO acknowledges the importance of the SPACES mission and provides us with the opportunity to collaborate on an urgent societal challenge: making urban environments accessible and inclusive for all children.
Children with physical or chronic disabilities still often face barriers in today’s urban infrastructure when trying to take part in play and sports activities. The consequences are profound: it leads not only to social exclusion and feelings of loneliness, but also hinders the development of vital skills such as self-confidence, independence, and resilience.
SPACES aims to break this cycle of structural exclusion. By identifying and addressing physical and social barriers, and working together with children and other stakeholders, we aim to develop urban spaces where every child feels welcome, safe, and acknowledged.
SPACES is a broad-based partnership in which academic institutions, social organizations, designers, architects, playground developers, people with lived experience, and governments join forces. This collaboration offers a unique opportunity to fundamentally rethink and redesign urban infrastructure to better reflect the diversity of its users.
Consortium partners include: Utrecht University of Applied Sciences, Utrecht University, Delft University of Technology, City of Utrecht, Stichting Mensenkenners, LAPPSET, MUST, Empower Mij Projecten, INK Social Design, RIVM, Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, K-J Projects / Wheelchair Skills Team, Stichting het Gehandicapte Kind, Speelnatuur, Sport Utrecht, SOLGU (Municipal Consultation for People with Physical Disabilities Utrecht), Cartesius Living Lab, and InContact Bijzonder / Samen voor Elkaar 030.
Co-creation is at the heart of SPACES. In collaboration with children, parents, designers, policymakers, and researchers, we will explore and design urban infrastructure that actively encourages participation in play and physical activity. This includes attention to both the physical environment and the social context in which children interact.
The project closely aligns with Utrecht University's strategic theme Dynamics of Youth, which focuses on enhancing the well-being of children and young people.
SPACES marks a step toward a truly inclusive society in which every child has the space and opportunity to participate. The awarding of this NWO grant highlights the importance of that mission and empowers us to create lasting, structural change — grounded in and shaped by the lived experiences of children.
We are grateful for the trust placed in us by NWO and look forward to building a truly inclusive urban environment together.
Learn more: Read the press release from Utrecht University (in Dutch): NWO-subsidie toegekend om participatie van kinderen met een beperking of chronische ziekte te bevorderen.
