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As urban populations grow and more people live in cities, their development is as important as ever. When it comes to deciding how these cities will look in the future, young people, who are full of energy and bright ideas, are the best folks to tap. These five awesome organizations and projects are great examples of how the new generation is playing a pivotal role in redesigning their cities.
1. PROJECT 24
WHAT: A temporary art project transforming a derelict, abandoned area of a city center into a vibrant and colorful public space.
WHERE: Bangor, Northern Ireland.
IN DETAIL: 12 colorful artist studios in 6 modern art pods are the focal point of the project that has transformed this traditional city center. With the help of young artists, the striking installments provide visual stimulation and give residents and visitors an enhanced urban experience. The project also includes an event space and a community garden intended to create an inclusive facility encouraging people of all ages to come together to grow their own fruit, vegetables and flowers.
2. PUBLIC WORKSHOP
WHAT: A platform that empowers youth to shape their communities through engaging projects and alternative education.
WHERE: All over the USA.
IN DETAIL: Public Workshop is all about action. Through inspiring curricula and youth leadership programs, young people get the chance to learn about their cities and come up with innovative ways to help shape their futures. One of the many projects that really stands out is Tiny WPA - a program that gives young adults the tools and carry out civic innovation.
3. URBAN INNOVATION EXCHANGE
WHAT: A collection of small-scale initiatives all working together to advance Detroit's growing social innovation movement.
WHERE: Detroit, USA.
IN DETAIL: The Urban Innovation Exchange brings together lots of independent innovators and young creative talents to breathe new life into the city of Detroit. The beauty of this exchange is the diversity of the people involved, who are all doing their own little bit through small projects that, as a whole, create a powerful entity.
4. OUTER URBAN PROJECTS
WHAT: A not-for-profit performing arts organization that motivates young people in a neglected part of the city to have a social impact on their surroundings.
WHERE: Melbourne, Australia.
IN DETAIL: A range of artists and cultural development workers collaborate with young people from culturally diverse neighborhoods to create cross-art collaborations that aim to change the face of these communities.
5. MY CITY TOO
WHAT: A city-wide campaign created by Open-City giving young people a voice for their ideas, aspirations and solutions for the future.
WHERE: London, England.
IN DETAIL: By placing young people at the heart of the built environment policy, the forward-thinking project inspires the next generation to take an active role in London's development. Youth leadership programs create opportunities for youth to get involved in important decision making that will affect the way their city will look.
