The built environment encompasses the physical structures and spaces that form the foundation of urban life, including buildings, infrastructure, public areas, and transportation systems. As cities continue to expand and confront complex challenges such as population growth, social inequality, and technological advancements, it is essential to incorporate diverse perspectives in planning and design processes. In particular, engaging young people under the age of 30 ensures that urban development aligns with the needs of future inhabitants. Here we examine the rationale for involving the next generation, supported by empirical evidence and case studies, and discuss strategies to foster more resilient and equitable urban environments.
Current urban challenges and the role of youth
Urban areas worldwide are experiencing significant pressures. In 2025, the degree of urbanisation stands at 58 per cent globally, with projections indicating an increase to 68 per cent by 2050. This expansion intensifies issues like housing affordability, congestion, and resource allocation, often exacerbating disparities in access to quality spaces.
Young individuals, particularly from Generation Z and subsequent cohorts, possess unique attributes that position them to contribute effectively. Raised in an era of digital connectivity and heightened awareness of global issues, they prioritise inclusivity, technological integration, and environmental considerations. Excluding their input risks perpetuating outdated frameworks ill-suited to contemporary demands. Furthermore, the diversity within youth populations – encompassing migrants, indigenous communities, and marginalised groups – can reveal overlooked inequities, such as inadequate safe spaces in underserved neighbourhoods that impede social cohesion.
Recent studies affirm the value of youth engagement. For instance, research on meaningful youth involvement in environmental initiatives demonstrates that incorporating young voices leads to innovative solutions and sustained commitment. By integrating these perspectives, urban planning becomes more representative and forward-looking.
This aligns with insights from the What is The Future for Cities? podcast episode 337R, which summarises research on child-friendly cities, highlighting that incorporating children’s rights and voices into urban decision-making addresses inequalities and creates safer, more inclusive spaces for all:
Benefits of youth involvement
The inclusion of young people in built environment decisions offers multiple advantages. It promotes innovation, as youth often propose unconventional ideas unconstrained by traditional norms. Through participatory mechanisms like design workshops, they can contribute to features such as green infrastructure or digital mobility solutions, enhancing urban functionality.
Additionally, such engagement develops essential competencies. Participation equips young individuals with skills in leadership, collaboration, and analytical thinking, preparing them for future roles in urban governance. Educational collaborations, including internships and specialised curricula, further reinforce this capacity-building.
From a social standpoint, youth involvement enhances community bonds. When young people influence their surroundings, they exhibit greater stewardship, which research links to reduced antisocial behaviour and increased civic engagement. In diverse societies, this process facilitates intergenerational and intercultural dialogue, promoting unity.
Economically, youth contributions can optimise resource use. Initiatives like youth-advocated active transport systems decrease reliance on vehicles, lowering costs and environmental impacts. Moreover, as digital natives, young people anticipate the implications of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence in urban management, ensuring adaptability.
A qualitative study from 2024 highlights how youth in high-violence communities adapt spaces for safety and social interaction, underscoring the need for planners to leverage these insights.
As explored in the What is The Future for Cities? podcast episode 339R, a summary of The Sovereign Child, non-coercive approaches to raising children foster autonomy and problem-solving skills, enabling them to contribute innovatively to urban challenges like environmental adaptation and social equity:
Case studies of youth engagement
Empirical examples illustrate the impact of youth participation. In Medellín, Colombia, youth have played a pivotal role in urban transformation. Historical programs focused on peacebuilding through public space design have evolved into current strategies outlined in the 2025-2027 Action Plan, which emphasises expanded citizen participation, including youth, to strengthen accountability and innovation in governance. These efforts have reduced violence and fostered community ownership in a city now approaching four million residents.
In Rotterdam, the Netherlands, the youth council advises on urban policies, influencing developments like multifunctional green spaces that address flooding while providing recreational opportunities. Recent initiatives, such as student ideas for the Rijnhaven area through the Schools Reinventing Cities program, demonstrate ongoing commitment to youth input in sustainable urban design. The city’s 2025-2028 cultural plan further supports inclusive approaches across neighbourhoods.
Singapore provides another model with the Our SG Heritage Plan 2.0, which actively involves youth in cultural preservation and urban reimagination. A 2025 media release notes a significant rise in youth engagement with heritage, empowered through opportunities to contribute ideas and lead projects. Initiatives like the Outstanding Youth in Intangible Cultural Heritage Award recognise young practitioners, blending tradition with modern urban needs.
These cases reveal that structured youth involvement yields tangible, enduring benefits, though careful implementation is required to avoid superficial participation.
Similarly, in episode 338 of the What is The Future for Cities? podcast, Alison Watson, founder of Class of Your Own, shared how her Design Engineer Construct curriculum empowers children from age 11 to engage with the built environment, building confidence and resilience through hands-on urban design projects:
Strategies for effective involvement
To integrate youth effectively, urban stakeholders should employ targeted methods. Digital platforms, including applications and social media, enable widespread consultation, accommodating geographical constraints. Interactive tools, such as virtual city-building simulations, can elicit valuable feedback for actual projects.
Partnerships with educational institutions are critical. Offering courses, hackathons, and practical experiences in urban planning demystifies the field and encourages professional pathways. Youth advisory councils with substantive authority, including budgetary influence, ensure continuous and impactful input.
Inclusivity remains paramount, requiring outreach to underrepresented groups via community-based events in marginalised areas. International frameworks, such as the United Nations’ New Urban Agenda, advocate for youth roles in creating equitable cities.
A 2025 analysis of youth participation in green policies recommends customised approaches to amplify young voices in local decision-making.
Envisioning improved urban outcomes
Youth engagement can lead to cities better equipped for future uncertainties. Enhanced resilience might emerge from innovative disaster mitigation and adaptive designs. Socially, more accessible and affordable spaces could mitigate inequalities.
Environmentally, youth-driven priorities for expanded green areas and efficient systems would improve quality of life. Economically, such cities attract investment and innovation, supporting urban technology enterprises. Culturally, diverse contributions enrich spaces, reflecting multifaceted identities.
By 2050, with today’s youth in leadership positions, early involvement will have laid the groundwork for dynamic urban landscapes.
This vision echoes the discussion in episode 340 of the What is The Future for Cities? podcast, where Aaron Stupple and Logan Chipkin argued that treating children as sovereign individuals in urban contexts promotes creativity and long-term societal progress, reducing issues like inequality and fostering adaptable cities:
Addressing barriers
Challenges include perceptions of youth inexperience, which mentorship programs can counter by facilitating knowledge exchange. Resource limitations in developing contexts may be alleviated through partnerships and funding mechanisms. Digital access disparities necessitate hybrid engagement models combining virtual and physical elements.
Ongoing evaluation, using indicators like implementation rates and participant feedback, allows for refinement of strategies.
Incorporating the next generation into built environment processes is vital for advancing urban futures. Their innovative perspectives and long-term investment ensure more inclusive and adaptable outcomes. Evidence from global examples and research supports this approach, urging planners, policymakers, and educators to prioritise youth participation.
Through concerted efforts, cities can evolve into thriving spaces for all generations.
Next week, we will explore urban spatial language and its importance for the urban character, and more!
Ready to build a better tomorrow for our cities? I’d love to hear your thoughts, ideas, or even explore ways we can collaborate. Connect with me at info@fannimelles.com or find me on Twitter/X at @fannimelles – let’s make urban innovation a reality together!
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