This article has been subjected to double blind peer review

This article has been published in: Ocula 34, Mobility. Urban space. Learning.

author: Mirko Gentile (Dipartimento di Filosofia “Piero Martinetti”, Università Statale di Milano, IT)

Rewriting the Playful City. How Children See and Use Urban Space

language: italian

abstract: Through a semiotic perspective, this article aims to analyze urban space as a textual form subject to processes of rewriting and translation by its inhabitants. Focusing on urban playful rewriting and observing children’s play as a distinctive manifestation, the analysis seeks to highlight socio-pedagogical challenges associated with the growing residential density in metropolises, making urban spaces less accommodating for children’s play. It also reflects on the ludicization of the adult world and those processes termed gamification, through which it is hoped that children can reestablish a connection with the city, which seems to be questioned in contemporary times.

citation information: Mirko Gentile, Riscrivere la città ludica. Come i bambini vedono e usano lo spazio urbano, "Ocula", vol.26, n.34, pp.51-61, May 2025. DOI: 10.57576/ocula2025-21

Ocula.it publishes articles and essays in semiotic research, with a particular eye on communication and culture; it is open to dialogue with other research fields and welcomes contributions from all the areas of the social and human sciences. See the Editorial Board and the Editorial Committee.