Building Futures Beyond the Walls: Designing Thoughtful Third Places That Uplift and Guide The Next Generation

Abstract

Youth and young adults (ages 10–21) are particularly responsive to their surroundings due to ongoing cognitive, emotional, and social development. During this formative period, architectural environments can either reinforce disengagement or support positive growth by shaping how young people experience safety, belonging, and agency. Third places, defined as spaces outside of home and school, offer critical opportunities to support youth well-being; however, many civic-oriented facilities prioritize visual appeal and accessibility over psychological intention and cultural relevance. In under-resourced urban contexts such as Washington, DC, this misalignment contributes to social isolation and limits opportunities for identity formation and meaningful engagement. This thesis examines how architectural design strategies informed by environmental psychology can cultivate youth-centered third places that actively support well-being and opportunity. The research integrates ethnographic observation, participatory design workshops with middle school students, and comparative analysis of recreation and community centers across Washington, DC. The findings emphasize the importance of environments that foster a sense of ownership, support autonomy within legible and secure spatial frameworks, and encourage sustained social interaction. In response, the thesis advances a design framework that positions architecture as an active contributor to youth development rather than a neutral backdrop. Through a site-specific architectural proposal, the research demonstrates how thoughtfully designed civic spaces can function as preventative and empowering environments that strengthen community resilience.