The Directed Research Programme investigates how urban parks in Ahmedabad can support children’s development through play. While literature highlights the role of play zones in fostering motor, cognitive, and social skills, there is limited research in the Southeast Asian context. This study creates a framework to evaluate urban parks from a child’s perspective, assessing design parameters that enhance skill development and engagement.

The research objectives include understanding children’s needs and perceptions of Ahmedabad’s urban parks, analyzing these insights through qualitative and quantitative surveys, and developing a framework to guide park design and management. The study asks whether a structured framework can identify design characteristics to be preserved or improved by park authorities, promoting child-friendly, developmentally supportive urban environments.