Abstract



This study aimed to examine the impact of biophilia on enhancing children’s creativity and improving the characteristics of child-friendly cities. Biophilia, defined as the innate human tendency to connect with nature, was considered in this research as a key factor in fostering children’s creativity and creating more suitable urban environments for them. In terms of purpose, the study is applied research, and in terms of nature, it is descriptive–correlational. The statistical population comprised all children aged 7 to 12 years in District 2 of Tehran, from whom a sample of 386 participants was selected using the Cochran formula and convenience sampling. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire containing 26 items, whose validity was confirmed through expert evaluation and reliability verified by a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient above 0.7 for all variables, indicating high instrument reliability. Data were analyzed and hypotheses tested using statistical methods, including correlation analysis and structural equation modeling via LISREL software. Regression analysis results indicated that biophilia has a positive and significant effect on enhancing children’s creativity while simultaneously improving the characteristics of child-friendly cities, including access to green spaces, safety, and facilities for children’s creative activities. Findings suggest that strengthening children’s connection with nature through biophilia-based urban planning can not only improve their creativity but also enhance the quality of life for children in urban environments and lead to cities that meet child-friendly standards. These results can assist policymakers and urban planners in designing more suitable spaces for children.