ENGAGE Toolkit
Toolkit available here
How do we engage young people more meaningfully in the design of their built environment?
Fulfilling social value commitments requires the involvement of all stakeholders, yet the needs of children and young people (CYP) are often overlooked. To address this industry gap, engaging CYP in the built environment through outreach initiatives is crucial, extending beyond mere tick-box exercises. But there is also a need to recognise the value of outreach and engagement beyond built projects and planning applications.
'Engagement' in the built environment can take an array of forms, from one off activities through consultations to long-term co-design processes. ENGAGE seeks to illuminate this diversity, spotlighting the opportunities and challenges of involving children and young people in urban planning and design.
The ENGAGE toolkit emphasises why engagement is essential, providing examples of best practices and adaptable outreach methods for meaningful engagement with children and young people in the built environment by built environment practices and individuals.
The Toolkit was launched on the 26th June 2024 at TurnerWorks with speaker Lineup: Dhruv Gulabchande, Narrative Practice, Jennifer Pirie of Henley Halebrown,Tringa Kelmendi, Turner Works, Antonio Capelao, Architecture for Kids CIC, Clare Bond, formerly of SWArchitects, and Victoria Thornton, TET.
Supported by: Marchus Trust
ENGAGE: Discover Your City Superpowers!
✷ Discover Your City Superpowers! ✷
An interactive workshop empowering young urban adventurers to observe, explore, and reimagine the places they call home. Together, we’ll uncover how everyone, no matter their age, can play a role in creating happier, healthier communities.
When: Friday, 14th March
Time: 10.30-12noon and 12.30-2pm
For: Children aged 5-7 & 8-12
📍 Where: RIBA, 66 Portland Place, London, W1B 1AD
🎟Ticket: email imagine@thorntoneducationtrust.org or learning@riba.org to book a place.
When: Saturday 15th of March 2025
⏰ Time: 11am - 4pm
🎓 For: open to families (drop in)
📍 Where: RIBA, 66 Portland Place, London, W1B 1AD
🎟 Tickets: get yours here.
ENGAGE TOOLKIT FOR PROFESSIONALS!
ENGAGE is a series of drop in workshops for professionals wishing to learn how to engage, develop and deliver activities and projects with children and young people in mind, inspiring them to become future 'city shapers'.
Friday 14th of March 2025
⏰ Time: 4-7pm
🎓 For: young architects and associated professionals
📍 Where: RIBA, 66 Portland Place, London, W1B 1AD
🎟 Tickets and further information: email here or here.
ENGAGE Symposium
Last autumn, we organised the ENGAGE Symposium discussing this issue with a number of key stakeholders contributing to the theme. This event was held in association with the London School of Architecture,
Recordings of each session are now available (approx 20 mins) together with a full unedited recording of the full day’s symposium. (click here)
Symposium Themes and Speakers:
Introduction: Victoria Thornton, Chair, TET (click here)
“OPENINGS”: Neal Shasore, Director, London School of Architecture / Part O Commission (click here - note 8 mins into video)
“OPPORTUNITIES”:
Russ Edwards, Project Director at Latimer by Clarion Housing Group (click here) Fiona Macdonald and Matthew Springett MATT+FIONA (click here) Jo Harrop, Director, PLACED (click here) Stephanie Edwards, Director, Urban Symbiotics (click here ) Claire Miller, Askew Cavanna (click here)
“OBLIGATIONS”:
Simeon Shtebunaev, Urban Planner, Educator and Researcher, Youth Inclusion Consultant (click here) Rebecca Palmer, Senior Children and Young People’s Participation Officer, GLA (click here) Bonnie Kwok, Principal Urban Designer & Youth Engagement Lead, Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service (click here)
