The Teenage Territory
This pattern is shaped by
Problem
Teenagers need a place that is neither home nor school — a territory they control, where adults are present but not dominant, where they can be loud, experimental, and autonomous. When this territory doesn't exist, teenagers colonize spaces not designed for them (parking lots, stairwells, empty lots) or retreat entirely into screens.
Evidence and Discussion
The teenage territory is not a youth center (too programmed), not a park bench (too exposed), not a bedroom (too isolated). It is a semi-sheltered space with seating, power outlets, WiFi, and no scheduled programming — a place to hang out, make noise, and be seen by peers. Skate parks, basketball courts, and covered pavilions serve this function when they're designed with teenage input.
Therefore
in every neighborhood, provide at least one space designed with and for teenagers — semi-sheltered, with seating for groups of eight or more, power outlets, WiFi, good lighting (for safety, not surveillance), and tolerance for noise. Position it where teenagers are visible to the community but not under direct adult supervision. Design it with their input — the space they choose is the space they'll use. Accept that it will be loud and messy; that's how you know it's working.