Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Urban Places for Youth

Bowman, Shannon

Abstract Details

2013, MCP, University of Cincinnati, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning: Community Planning.
Urban planners became interested in learning how to design public spaces to better suit the needs of people in general. However, users of the city include distinct demographics, such as age groups. Many studies have examined the effects, needs, and preferences of the built environment for adults and children, yet one cohort of the city that is often ignored in planning discourse is adolescents. Though they have been regarded as having separate needs and desires from children and adults, little is known about the types of urban public places they prefer. This thesis investigates what a group of youth in East Oakland, California regard as desirable places to spend time in. Previous studies show that youth prefer qualities such as green spaces, areas for social exploration, stimulating areas of interest, and secure mobility within their built environment. Yet the Oakland youth prioritized elements of security, the availability of food, and active recreational options at no cost in addition to the findings from literature. Furthermore, the feelings of the Oakland youth provide important implications for planners in the City of Oakland since the youth expressed great frustration with the lack of exciting and safe places to go in their communities. Enhanced urban spaces can promote positive youth interactions, civic engagement, and community health in Oakland. Recommendations from this thesis include future collaboration with the city to create more youth-friendly sites that include their desired elements of space, as well as improved safety and alternative transportation options.
David Edelman, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Christopher Auffrey, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
106 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Bowman, S. (2013). Urban Places for Youth [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1378195163

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Bowman, Shannon. Urban Places for Youth. 2013. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1378195163.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Bowman, Shannon. "Urban Places for Youth." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1378195163

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)