From anxiety to action: exploring how participatory architecture can aid youth in coping with climate anxiety

Abstract

We can observe a correlation between a decreased mental well-being of individuals and the rate of temperature increase on our planet. This connection is often referred to as climate anxiety. Most vulnerable to climate anxiety are those with the least amount of power to impact their decisions and surrounding, namely children and youth. Youth are however having an increased risk of feeling hopeless as they are having a better understanding of the complexity of global problems. According to climate psychologist Kata Nylen, a way for us to feel better is if we see that the planet is feeling better and that the society is moving in the right direction. For that to happen we need to take action. This thesis aims to explore how architecture can aid youth in coping with climate anxiety through creating an equal and inclusive process where youth will have the power to impact their environment. Making sure architecture and planning adapts to the new challenges we face and considers all factors in which our profession can help people and the planet. By prioritising making coping available for those most vulnerable, the community as a whole can grow stronger. Through a participatory process, a group of youth get an opportunity to shape a new public space intended for dealing with climate anxiety by taking action and dealing with their emotions regarding the climate crisis at the same time. This thesis tests how the involvement of youth in planning and design can have a positive impact on the well-being of youth. At the same time using architecture as a medium of activism, taking advantage of the impact the built environment has on people. The result of the thesis is a design proposal shaped by youth to develop meaningful coping as well as an analysis of the participatory method which aims to bring a sense of hope and empowerment to the youth participating by involving them in impact their surrounding environment.