To most, the metro stations and train cars in Copenhagen are mundane, only being used as a means of transportation, to go from A to B, or to say hellos and goodbyes. However, to the children, it is a place where their imagination can run free. Through small details, the design of the metro train cars are inclusive for everyone: walking, in a wheelchair, for strollers, for bikes, those using canes, and children. These details include elevators, smooth transitions from platforms to trains, open spaces in the train for wheelchairs, bikes, or strollers, and stickers for the children.
Upon arrival to Copenhagen, the metro was one of the first things I needed to understand, for it was my way to school and downtown. When asking around about advice, a popular answer I received was, “Oh, it’s so easy. If the kids can do it, and they love to do it, so can you.” Ever since hearing this, children on the metro seems to be all that I can notice. Whether these kids are commuting home from school by themselves, or all in safety vests on the way to a preschool field trip, or playing at the front of the train, I have learned that kids in Copenhagen love the metro. Growing up, I have never had to take public transportation, let alone to get to school by myself. It was a massive shock to me that children love the metro, and frequently use the system without supervision.
One of the key reasons I have noticed children love the metro is the attention the architect put for children. Although a simple design, each metro system has a “control center” for children to play with at the front of the train car. This is a sticker that looks like the controls for functions such as stop, go, open/close doors, and the speed. The children are able to “press” the buttons, allowing them to believe they are controlling the train car.
The first time I noticed these stickers was during a quiet ride home, where no children were present. I was able to appreciate the sticker, knowing its purpose immediately, even though it was not labeled. After noticing, I made a note to look for children playing at the front, curious if the children actually enjoyed this addition to the metro. Sure enough, the next day, a swarm of children were playing at the front! Although I did not know what they were saying, language and imagination goes without needing translation.
Overall, even though this is a mundane way of transportation that does not need to be specifically “child-friendly”, I was impressed that the city makes an effort to promote imagination and play throughout the entire city.
Author: Lizzy Gardner
Work Cited: Photo of Girl: https://twitter.com/SidewalkStarts/status/1151579006250172420; accessed 17 November 2019.
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