Urban development has increasingly prioritised consumption and profit, often at the expense of social infrastructure. This has led to the exclusion of young people from the city. Being too old for playgrounds and with little to no economic agency to participate in the consumer-driven society, young people have been pushed to the edges of the city.
The drastic decline of third spaces impacted by development, increased costs and budget cuts has forced out community infrastructure. As a result, young people are left with fewer spaces to go outside of their home and school, contributing to feelings of isolation. Young girls are heavily impacted by this, as many of the spaces provided are gendered and create unsafe environments. There is currently a prevalence in mental health issues amongst young people compared to previous generations due to a varying degree of factors such as social media and increased societal pressures.
Throughout this project, I will explore how architecture can respond to these issues, creating opportunities for young people to feel supported by the city. Through the integration of play within the built environment, utilising it as a tool for social interaction, creativity, and empowerment. The project aims to provide a permanent space in the city for young people to gather, and feel a sense of belonging.