Teenagers are among the more frequent users of public spaces, yet our public spaces are not designed with, for, or by
teenagers - specifically for teen girls. This session present the results a professional research project that explores how
teen girls’ unique experiences impact their interactions with and feelings of the built environment. This research dives
into how adolescent development, play experiences, and external factors (i.e., society and adults) influence teens'
behavior and interaction with the built environment. This research will be paired with on-the-ground experts who will
share actionable steps to better engage youth in design with their nuanced experiences in mind.
This presentation aims to broaden the lens through which designers, planners, and community builders approach the
public realm and provide the audience with case studies, tools, and techniques to help them in their efforts to
collaborate and partner with teen organizations in their own communities across all phases of the design process. We
also plan to include at least two teens from the Territory program to share their expertise and co-facilitate interactive
workshop activities the will inspire and challenge attendees to find ways to better engage teens in their own projects
and practice.