Intentionality is a trap: Considering carers in the inclusive design of public play spaces in metropolitan cities

Challenging the limitations of adult-led, child-centric approaches in urban public play space design, this study advocates rethinking inclusive design through a 'children plus carers' paradigm. This framework relationally considers the dynamic network of children, carers, and play spaces, addressing the situated needs of both groups. Drawing on qualitative field observations and interviews with 23 carers across six public play spaces in Hong Kong, the study identified three carer roles – supervisor, co-player, and independent leisure seeker – and four unintended consequences stemming from rigid child-centric design, including compromised safety, play segregation, unmet carer needs, and design inflexibility. Based on these findings, the study proposes design implications for flexible, intergenerational, and inclusive play environments that integrate adult leisure and play dynamics, thereby fostering family bonding and social cohesion in metropolitan contexts such as Hong Kong.