The Routledge Handbook of Designing Public Spaces for Young People is a thorough and practical resource for all who wish to influence policy and design decisions in order to increase young peoples access to and use of public spaces, as well as their role in design and decision-making processes.
The ability of youth to freely enjoy public spaces, and to develop a sense of belonging and attachment to these environments, is critical for their physical, social, cognitive, and emotional development. Young people represent a vital citizen group with legitimate rights to occupy and shape their public environments, yet they are often driven out of public places by adult users, restrictive bylaws, or hostile designs. It is also important that children and youth have the opportunity to genuinely participate in the planning of public spaces, and to have their needs considered in the design of the public realm.
This book provides both evidence and tools to help effectively advocate for more youth-inclusive public environments, as well as integrate youth directly into both research and design processes related to the public realm. It is essential reading for researchers, design and planning professionals, community leaders, and youth advocates.
SECTION 1 Introduction WHY we need to include youth in the creation and use of outdoor public environments.
Chapter 1 A Fundamental Need: Linking youth development to the public realm
Chapter 2 Freedom to Flourish: Why independent mobility and access to the public realm is important for youth development
Chapter 3 Risky Play: Why children love it and need it
![The Routledge Handbook of Designing Public Spaces for Young People: Processes, Practices and Policies for Youth Inclusion [Hardcover]](/itemImage/2/8/8/1/2_6674479.jpg "The Routledge Handbook of Designing Public Spaces for Young People: Processes, Practices and Policies for Youth Inclusion [Hardcover]")