The Youth Smart City: Co-producing the Next Urban Vision with the Young

Abstract

We are living in the middle of several crises: geopolitical, climate, health, social, and urban, just to name a few. In general, we have a huge wellbeing deficit, especially among young people living in an urban environment. The sense of having lost security, community, and meaningful life during the years of the pandemic has led to a life of isolation, loneliness, social exclusion, and even violent behavior and crime. This is because we have lost our inherent connection with others and nature. How to rebuild the community spirit, the human-nature connection, and restore a sense of purpose—that’s the next big agenda in urban development. How to create the Youth Smart City that is co-produced by its people, especially by youth, since they represent the future and the next generation of citizens and the city? We should see the youth as an integral part of the cultural and urban ecosystem and engage them to co-create the future of the city through an ongoing dialogue on how, why, and where we are heading. We should take participation to the next level and move from co-creation and co-design to the co-production of an urban environment with young people. One of the principles of a nature smart city is that the citizens are engaged in its planning, production, and visioning through co-production. This means that the actors are not just consulted or informed, instead, they are involved in the process from the very beginning. They have a strong role in the making of plans, infrastructure, and policy for the city. How can we create urban spaces where the young feel not only engaged but also empowered? Where are they inspired to learn and find out what they want to do for the rest of their lives? How to make a city a place of opportunities for each and every one? Welcome to the Youth Smart City.