VIRTUAL London.

Abstract

This study focuses on the significance of urban space for young people and, using the city of Zurich as an example, aims to develop approaches to explore the potential for youth participation in decision-making processes of the development of urban space as a contribution to a more resilient and sustainable city. The study focuses on the Covid-19 pandemic, a time of crisis in which urban spaces were not – or only to a lesser extent – accessible to young people. Although young people are to be seen as in a constant state of crisis and vulnerability, their needs during the pandemic have long been ignored and placed behind those of other ‘vulnerable groups’. Initial findings underscore the importance of urban space(s) as not just recreational grounds but as critical ecosystems for socialization, mental health, and identification. Using a variety of qualitative methods such as group discussions and interviews, field trips, sketches, production of videos and literary texts etc., it applies an intersectional perspective, where different educational and socio-economic backgrounds, gender identities, origins etc. are equally considered. The study emphasizes the importance of not only hearing but actively integrating the voices of young people into urban development strategies. At the conference, first results will be presented that will allow the researchers, in close cooperation with young people and relevant urban planning departments of the city of Zurich, to develop strategies on how to enable an institutional anchoring of young people’s participation and consideration of their needs in the future design of urban space.