Adolescence and the cultural landscape: public policy, design decisions, and popular press reporting

This paper sets forth a broad understanding of the historical and social context within which places are created (or not created) for teens in the United States. The paper addresses three questions: Has there been an increase in reporting on teen issues and if so, what does it mean? How does the design of places reflect the needs and use of places by teenagers? Can landscapes be designed which will help facilitate the development of teens? The study finds that many of the issues relating to teens, such as curfews, drinking, and gangs, have been reported for over forty years while others, such as teen suicide, drugs, and AIDS are unique to contemporary teens. Teenagersʹ needs and use of places have been manifested in public policy and design through an increase in the restrictions on teen activities. In particular, curfew laws have been reinstated in many communities and skateboarding controls have been added. Lastly, the study shows that certain environments are important to the emotional and social development of teens, yet those needs typically have not been translated into designs.