Tallinn’s public spaces ignore young people’s needs, says psychologist Grete Arro, who proposes a youth mayor to help shape the city around them.<\/p>\n
Arro, a senior researcher at Tallinn University, notes while many towns and cities feature playgrounds for small children, as well as consumer points for adults, the in-betweeners \u2014 young people \u2014 seem to remain largely off the radar.<\/p>\n
The issue has been in the spotlight lately after reports of antisocial behavior by a small minority of young people congregating in a central Tallinn park.<\/p>\n
Speaking to Vikerraadio show “Huvitaja,” Arro said: “Young people are like an in-between stage that interests no one.”<\/p>\n
To address this, when planning urban spaces, city authorities should quiz young people themselves about what kind of environment they need. Arro referred to studies which demonstrate that young people want safe and pleasant places where they can simply spend time together, socialize, and express themselves, but without the constant pressure to buy things on an often tight wallet.<\/p>\n
“This pressure to buy and consume is actually completely idiotic,” said Arro. Tallinn in particular lacks public places intended for young people where they feel they have the right to exist, she went on.<\/p>\n
The capital could install a mayor for children and youth, similar to the night mayor [sic] position which the previous administration set up. This role would require a person who understood child and youth development and the impact of urban space on young people, while also helping ensure their needs are better taken into consideration in city planning. “They would conduct genuinely valid and reliable research with children and young people and ask: What do you want?” Arro explained.<\/p>\n
In her view, spaces intended for young people should not be designed based on adults’ assumptions, but together with young people themselves.<\/p>\n
Poorly planned spaces can, according to Arro, actually push young people away. She highlighted the concept of hostile architecture, which describes urban design solutions which can feel exclusionary or controlling toward youth. She said that young people need both safety and the opportunity to spend time independently together. Good visibility, good lighting, the ability to mill around in groups, and a feeling that young people are welcome in public space are all important.<\/p>\n
Arro pointed to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, as a positive example of public space, describing it as being full of large trees, wide parks and promenades, and numerous public ping-pong tables. Youth there spend a lot of time together, playing table tennis or simply sitting and talking, she said. “You can see that the city is full of young people,” Arro noted, adding this demonstrates how, even with relatively limited resources, it is possible to create public spaces where young people have reasons to spend time together.<\/p>\n
She also highlighted the Oodi Library in Helsinki as a good example. Here, young people can spend time free of charge engaging in activities like playing instruments, sewing, or simply just being. “If you create good public space, it fills up immediately,” Arro said, adding in her opinion, cities should have youth clubs and semi-public spaces placed in every district.<\/p>\n
These spots could include both indoor and outdoor areas, youth workers, and the possibility to buy something for a small fee, but the main purpose would be to provide a place for socializing and spending time together.<\/p>\n
Trees, greenery, and natural environments improve the sense of safety and support the mental health of young people too. “The more lush and natural these areas are, while still not being dangerous, the more beneficial they are,” she said.<\/p>\n
City leaders should rely on knowledge and research when designing public spaces, rather than focusing only on economic considerations. She also criticized car-centric urban design, which she says reduces safety and worsens the quality of public space.<\/p>\n
Arro also suggested the possibility of using city-owned spaces for youth-run caf\u00e9s or gathering places. “The city certainly has enough premises,” she concluded.<\/p>\n
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