Evaluation

Simple but effective

Although Cowley Teenage Space has a very simple design, it allows young people to use their imaginations and find their own ways of using the space. The design offers a stark contrast to the primary colours of younger children’s play equipment. The teenagers who use the space value it highly and recognise that other estates do not offer this kind of facility.

The most innovative part of this project was the community involvement, with young people playing an integral role in the design process and local people working together to dispel the perception that any young people hanging around are likely to make trouble.

Inspiring other projects

As the site can be seen from surrounding residences, the young people who use it feel safe and demonstrate positive behaviour. The project has given the estate management board the confidence and motivation to develop further play areas for younger children.

The strong relationship formed between the estate management board and Vassall youth club has led to a more structured outreach programme being delivered to young people on the estate. The outreach programme has led to the teenage pregnancy rate falling by 80 per cent and a dramatic drop in the number of complaints from tenants about teenagers loitering and behaving anti-socially. There has also been a significant reduction in incidences of vandalism and graffiti. These changes in behaviour mean that the estate is saving money which can instead be used on further environmental improvements in shared areas.