A Child-Informed Affordance Framework for Malaysia’s Social Housing Neighbourhoods: Insights from Marginalised Children

Abstract

The neighbourhood environment plays a vital role in supporting children’s well-being and holistic development. However, in urban settings where planning tends to be adult-centric, access to safe and inclusive neighbourhoods remains unequal. Children living in poverty are particularly vulnerable, as they depend heavily on their immediate surroundings to meet developmental needs. In Malaysia, those residing in Program Perumahan Rakyat (PPR), a low-cost housing initiative, face compounded challenges, including spatial constraints and limited access to safe, child-friendly spaces. Their lived experiences are often overlooked, and their rights to participation and development, as outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), remain unfulfilled. This study investigates the neighbourhood experiences of children aged 7 to 12 living in three PPR communities in Kuala Lumpur, using a multi-method qualitative approach, including child-led walks and mental mapping. This study identified six key dimensions of children’s perceptions, including Safety, Nature, Spatial Choices, Comfort, Accessibility, and Sensory Amenities. These themes reflect children’s barriers and aspirations for more supportive neighbourhoods. The findings provide a child-informed affordance framework for urban planners, housing authorities, and policymakers to better design inclusive environments that prioritise the needs and rights of marginalised children.