Activity-based place-shaping toolkit developed to capture the views of young people

A pioneering toolkit aimed at capturing young peoples’ views about their local parks, streets and squares has been given a makeover. Spaceshaper 9-14 was launched by Ed Balls MP, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, at Wakefield-based arts and architecture organisation Beam.

To find out more visit www.cabe.org.uk/public-space/spaceshaper-9-14

The activity-based toolkit has been developed to capture the views of young people aged 9-14, who are often left out of decisions that affect their lives. Developed by CABE and Beam, with The Architecture Centre, Bristol and Kent Architecture Centre, it explores what young people think about how local places are used and how they can be improved.

Rt Hon Ed Balls MP, said: ‘I hope the Spaceshaper 9-14 toolkit will help capture the ideas of young people when new public spaces are being planned or improved. When I'm visiting different areas I often meet our young designers, architects and town planners of the future who tell me how they've contributed to key decisions for their school grounds or play spaces. I want to encourage even more young people to get involved in the development of public spaces and I hope this toolkit will help local authorities to facilitate this.’

Fourteen pilot workshops have seen local councils using it to get young people involved in shaping their areas. Spaceshaper 9-14 is based around eight themes that vary from design to use and maintenance. Workshops are led by a trained facilitator and are adapted to each individual site visited. They include map and photo work and role play.

In Southampton, nine and ten year olds said they wanted their local park in the Thornhill estate to feel wilder and have more plants and flowers and their views have been incorporated in a funding bid.

Richard Simmons, CABE Chief Executive said: ‘Young people have opinions about their local parks, squares and streets, but too often they go unheard. Their views matter. Spaceshaper 9-14 is an imaginative new way of getting young people involved and giving them a chance to have their say.’

Robert Powell, Beam Executive Director said: ‘We believe passionately in the importance of meaningfully involving young people in thinking about and changing the places they use - their neighbourhoods, schools, parks and public spaces. We are delighted that the DCSF has supported this project and recognises the important role of regionally based architecture centres like Beam, Bristol and Kent, working in partnership with CABE.’