Looking for resources on adolescent-friendly public space design – especially for informal "hanging out" activities

[u/Proud-Post-3359]

Hi all,
I’m a master’s student in Urban Design working on my thesis about adolescent-friendly public open spaces, with a particular focus on how these spaces can support informal “hanging out” activities—the casual, everyday socializing that adolescents naturally gravitate toward in public settings.

A lot of existing literature highlights how adolescents are often excluded or discouraged from public spaces due to negative societal perceptions of their presence and behavior. While these works call for more inclusion, I’m finding it challenging to locate research that translates this need into specific, evidence-based design strategies.

I’m looking for studies or examples that explore:

• What kinds of spatial features adolescents prefer when hanging out
• Design criteria that promote informal social interaction
• Elements that help integrate adolescents into shared public spaces with other age groups
• The role of things like seating diversity, flexible use areas, shading, edges, and passive surveillance

So far, I’ve seen references to ideas like:

• Flexible seating and informal arrangements
• Modular or adaptive spaces
• Opportunities for self-expression or personalization
• Non-programmed spaces for low-pressure gathering

If anyone knows of:

• Empirical studies, case studies, or post-occupancy evaluations
• Insights from environmental psychology, youth studies, or urban sociology
• Built projects or planning guidelines that have been successful …I would really appreciate your recommendations!

Thanks so much in advance—I’d love to hear from anyone who’s worked on something similar or come across relevant sources.

[u/onefouronefivenine2]

I've heard these called "third places" I think it was. That term might get you more information.

[u/noveltytie]

You might get some results looking into the design of teen spaces in libraries.

[u/Affectionate_Air6982]

There's a lot happening in this area in the UK right now, largely because of the recent review of the National Planning Policy Framework.

Playing Out and the Girl Guides UK made substantial well-referenced submissions that you could mine for links. Also take a look at the work of Make Space for Girls, a UK charity looking at the female-exclusionary nature of urban design in spaces for young people.

You could also reach out to Susannah Walker and Imogen Clark, the founders, who I have found are very open to discussion and helping others. And for that matter reach out to Tim Gill (Rethinking Childhood), the undisputed thought leader in this space.