2023 HDR Curtin round - Sustainable Child-Friendly Neighbourhoods in the context of high densities urban development

Curtin University, Australia

Updated: over 1 year ago
Location: Perth, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Deadline: The position may have been removed or expired!

Status: Open

Applications open: 8/07/2022
Applications close: 18/08/2022

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About this scholarship

In consideration of issues of liveability in rapidly densifying urban environment, the role of Green spaces and recreation and shared spaces is currently being reassessed and reconsidered. Under conditions of high density, several attributes such as. functional mix, public-private interface, urban rhythms, and dwelling size play big roles in open space accessibility to urban residents (Dovey and Pafka, 2014). This complexity requires a careful balance and planning and allocation of resources to support the thriving of inclusive and sustainable communities. It is well researched and acknowledges that green and shared recreational spaces have a positive effect on mental and physical well-being and by providing psychological and stress relief, fostering social cohesion, encouraging physical activity, (WHO 2016). This is particularly significant for children. And a growing body of literature is concerned with liveability for children by creating more playful urban environments (Krysiak 2020, Andrews and Warner 2019). Playing in natural spaces support and contributes to children’s health and development (Tillmann et all 2018). Currently the Murdoch Children's Research Institute is working on developing a set of indicators and data visualisation for use by communities, policymakers and practitioners aiming to support the design of child-friendly neighbourhoods. The UNICEF Child-friendly Cities Initiatives mapping shows a minimal engagement with its initiatives in the context of developing counties and, in particular, South-East Asian countries. In cities of developing countries, where the level of poverty is high, there is a high need for fundamental services and amenities relative to health, education and housing to be delivered, investment in recreational open spaces and green areas is a low priority and often ignored in the development agenda by authorities (Krysiak 2017).  This research will aim to explore what are the opportunities and needs in south-Asian developing countries to support child-friendly urban development that responds to the cultural, political, socioeconomic and environmental context. 
While many scholars have looked into the importance of child-friendly outdoor recreational activities, however a more inclusive and participatory approach is yet to be developed.  In this regard, the project aims investigate following research questions: 


• What does it mean for a healthy and child friendly neighbourhood in high density urban context?
• What indicators practically play a significant role in creating a sustainable child friendly community at the neighbourhood level?
• What are the design considerations of open and recreational space in high density context that can improve quality of life? 

 

An Internship opportunity may also be available with this project.


  • Future Students

  • Faculty of Humanities

  • Higher Degree by Research

  • Australian Citizen
  • Australian Permanent Resident
  • New Zealand Citizen
  • Permanent Humanitarian Visa
  • International Student

  • Merit Based

The annual scholarship package (stipend and tuition fees) is approx. $60,000 - $70,000 p.a.

 

Successful HDR applicants for admission will receive a 100% fee offset for up to 4 years, stipend scholarships, valued at $28,854 p.a. for up to a maximum of 3.5 years, are determined via a competitive selection process. Applicants will be notified of the scholarship outcome in November 2022. 

 

For detailed information, visit: Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships | Curtin University, Perth, Australia.


Scholarship Details

1


All applicable HDR courses


• The applicant should have postgraduate degrees with distinction in urban planning/geography/development studies/environmental management, preferably from a high-ranked university. 
• Research experience in South Asian countries will be preferred
• The applicant needs to have sound knowledge on quantitative and qualitative research methods 


Application process

If this project excites you, and your research skills and experience are a good fit for this specific project, you should contact the Project Lead (listed below in the enquires section) via the Expression of Interest (EOI) form.


Enrolment Requirements

Eligible to enrol in a Higher Degree by Research Course at Curtin University by March 2023


Enquiries

To enquire about this project opportunity that includes a scholarship application, contact the Project lead, Dr Francesca Perugia or Dr Mohammad Swapan via the EOI form above.



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