The importance of open spaces for young people: the example of the Youth Center, Buchte in Bremen

written by Anna-Lee Clarté, Volunteer, Naturfreundejugend Germany

Youth centres are homely but not home, educational but not school (St Croix and Doherty 2023: 1039)

The use of public space and how it affects social life is subject to ongoing research and debate. Multiple actors and interests compete for this space, often resulting in the growing commercialisation and privatisation of public spaces (Talen 2000: 345).

However, public and open spaces are an essential component to the development and socialisation process of young people. Spaces such as public libraries, parks, public museums, community centres and youth centres provide the conditions for informal learning.

In 1989, the sociologist Ray Oldenburg developed the concept of ´third places´ as a neutral place, distinct from home and work. A place of socialisation, human connection and community. The example often provided in that case is coffee houses. For young people, youth centres can make office of this ´third place´ outside of home and school. They denote of the importance of spatiality in youth gatherings and youth work (St Croix and Doherty 2023: 1030).

Each young person lives and envisions these spaces differently but each one attributes to them a sense of belonging. The informality of the space offers in theory non-judgemental support, safety, relaxation and freedom which might not be found elsewhere.

Young people are free to choose how they want to use this open space, if they want to participate in some activities or simply be able to ´exist´ in this environment alone or with others.

Youth centres, as well as offering a secure and relaxed space, favourable to the formation of friendships (Aronson and Gerdner 2021: 266), also enable young people to meet and engage with others from different backgrounds as their own.

They can be a window towards a political education and an introduction to an infinite range of topics such as identity, health, climate change… As well as a promotion of the importance of youth participation.

The longevity of these environments is crucial: open spaces should be available for a long period of time in order to be a space where young people can always come back to.

All in all, youth centres contribute to the development of social and emotional skills and provide a free space favourable to self-expression and growth.

Example of the Bucthe in Bremen

In the context of the implementation phase of LOCALY, project coordinators met in Bremen, Germany, beginning of December 2024, to familiarise themselves with the project conducted in the Buchte. The Buchte is a German Young Friends of Nature youth house in the centre of the city of Bremen that serves as a meeting place for many self-organised groups. In this space, an open youth group has the possibility to meet every week on Fridays for some activities supported by youth workers. As the house is at disposition every day, they can also benefit of the space freely.

This space has become for young people a neutral ‘third place’ to hang out, cook together, play or have deep conversations outside of the home or school’s more structured context. Youth workers establish a connection with the participants and encourage them to put forward their needs and ideas. They are at the forefront of organised projects and are confronted to the responsibility that they require. This space enables young people to find themselves in the city and grow alongside their peers. The Buchte and those that keep this place what it is, is thus a perfect example of the opportunities and benefits open spaces entail.  An open space that should be protected and multiplied.

References

  • Aronson, O; Gerdner, A; 2021. Youth centres, structured leisure activities, and friends of native and foreign origin: A two-wave longitudinal study. Journal of Leisure Research.
  • Muge, A; 2005. “Questioning the ‘Publicness’ of Public Spaces in Postindustrial Cities.” Traditional Dwellings and Settlements Review 16, N. 2.
  • Oldemburg, R; 1989. The Great Good Place.
  • St Croix, T; Doherty L; 2023. ‘It’s a great place to find where you belong’: creating, curating and valuing place and space in open youth work. Children’s Geographies.
  • Talen, E; 2000. Measuring the public realm/ a preliminary assessment of the link between public space and sense of community. Journal of Architectural and Planning Research. 17, N. 4.

 

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