The social sustainability of neighbourhood-schools : a qualitative study with Iranian children and youth about their neighbourhood perceptions

The design of neighbourhood facilities must take into consideration an understanding of a range of residents to create flexible and sustainable communities. The current study focuses on the participation of young residents from Kerman, Iran, highlighting how it can strengthen the possibilities for socially sustainable neighbourhoods. It also presents a creative option to evaluate the needs of young residents, in order to improve their well-being and satisfaction within their neighbourhood and a critical facility, the neighbourhood-school. This study employed a rating and ranking questionnaire to better understand the youth's views, in conjunction with drawing and painting as a method for children's participation. This paper offers an approach to a participatory research process with children and youth using a social sustainability perspective, to better understand their neighbourhood perceptions.