Willem van Vliet

Exploring the Fourth Environment An Examination of the Home Range of City and Suburban Teenagers

In this study of a sample of 148 teenagers from metropolitan Toronto, home range is found to be smaller in the city, in lower social classes, and-in the suburbs only-for girls and younger teenagers. Home range is the spatial manifestation of exploring the fourth environment, which is globally defined as the environment outside the home, playground, and specifically child-oriented institutions. The significance of this fourth environment in the process of growing up is discussed, and some findings are presented that indicate that home range may be related to use and knowledge of the environment. It is suggested that the local neighbor-hood continues to be an important developmental context for young people, and common interests of other population groups are recognized as enhancing the potential for planning that is responsive to childrens needs.In this study of a sample of 148 teenagers from metropolitan Toronto, home range is found to be smaller in the city, in lower social classes, and-in the suburbs only-for girls and younger teenagers. Home range is the spatial manifestation of exploring the fourth environment, which is globally defined as the environment outside the home, playground, and specifically child-oriented institutions. The significance of this fourth environment in the process of growing up is discussed, and some findings are presented that indicate that home range may be related to use and knowledge of the environment. It is suggested that the local neighbor-hood continues to be an important developmental context for young people, and common interests of other population groups are recognized as enhancing the potential for planning that is responsive to childrens needs.

Families in Apartment Buildings Sad Storeys for Children

In this article, it is suggested that apartment dwellings may become a realistic housing choice for a growing number of American families. Some consequences of this possibility are explored. Specifically, results from previous research on the effects of apartment living on children are reviewed. Some problems limiting the reliability and validity of findings to date are identified, and a number of suggestions are made to overcome these difficulties.In this article, it is suggested that apartment dwellings may become a realistic housing choice for a growing number of American families. Some consequences of this possibility are explored. Specifically, results from previous research on the effects of apartment living on children are reviewed. Some problems limiting the reliability and validity of findings to date are identified, and a number of suggestions are made to overcome these difficulties.

Housing in the Third World

This brief introduction to the articles in this issue situates the topics being addressed in the context of questions raised by current analyses of and research on housing in less developed countries. Drawing on several examples, the discussion stresses the need to correct prevailing misconceptions regarding squatters and their housing and, in this connection, to appreciate more fully the existing diversity in housing situations in order to develop policies and practices appropriate to locally specific circumstances.This brief introduction to the articles in this issue situates the topics being addressed in the context of questions raised by current analyses of and research on housing in less developed countri...

The methodological and conceptual basis of environmental policies for children

Abstract The literature on environmental effects on children is pervaded by value‐laden statements. This article stresses careful examination of the factual basis of such statements. Selected research findings on childrens health, play behavior, social interactions, and school behavior indicate a need for environmental policies for children. This need is further augmented by childrens characteristics regarding their level of development, their decision‐making authority, and their economic position. Four approaches to child‐environment congruence are distinguished. A fable then underscores the importance of basing environmental policies for children on a certain and integral conception of how childrens development over time relates to the environment. Space‐time methodology is discussed as one such framework, elucidating contexual considerations that surround research and policies regarding childrens environments.

Communities in Transition

One of the underlying purposes of community planning is the creation of settings that support the activities of households and institutions. In this context, spatial planning aims at the realization and maintenance of a state of congruence between human behavior and the physical environment. The relationships between individual and institutional activities on the one hand and the environment on the other can be analyzed on different spatial levels and for different time spans. Studies range from the scale of “vertical villages” in high-rise buildings (Wekerle, 1976) to “urban villages” (Gans, 1962), to “global villages” (McLuhan, 1968), and from observations on the use of urban parks and playgrounds measuring time in minutes (Gold, 1972; Hole, 1966) to historical research seeking to uncover developments during the course of centuries (Hohenberg & Lees, 1985).

Housing Policy as a Planning Tool

In Israel, housing policy has traditionally been aimed at broader objectives beyond the supply of adequate shelter. Using data from a nationwide survey of young couples (N = 2,591), this study examines the relationship between the governments major housing-assistance program and two principal national goals: a spatially balanced and socially integrated population. The housing policys basic tenet, the provision of extra benefits to those settling in new towns, appears to promote dispersal but to hinder integration. This finding parallels a divergence between standard measures of housing quality and residents own evaluations. The conclusion discusses the importance of considering a plurality of goals and both objective and subjective indicators in policy making.In Israel, housing policy has traditionally been aimed at broader objectives beyond the supply of adequate shelter. Using data from a nationwide survey of young couples (N = 2,591), this study examines the relationship between the governments major housing-assistance program and two principal national goals: a spatially balanced and socially integrated population. The housing policys basic tenet, the provision of extra benefits to those settling in new towns, appears to promote dispersal but to hinder integration. This finding parallels a divergence between standard measures of housing quality and residents own evaluations. The conclusion discusses the importance of considering a plurality of goals and both objective and subjective indicators in policy making.