Workshop aimsThe Spaceshaper 9-14 workshop, led by Kent Architecture Centre, revealed how young people use Fortune Green and how they would like to use it in the future. It aimed to stimulate ideas for improving the space, while reassuring young people that their views matter.

“Spaceshaper 9-14 brings a framework to examine a space,” explains Mark Stonebanks, chair of FoFG. “Having hard data for dealing with the council and funders gives you credibility.”

What happened at the workshop?A variety of activities took place, with participants even creating “postcards from Fortune Green”. Key to the process was a site visit. “You have to get out and visit the site,” says Mark. “You see things in situ that you miss on a plan.”

Who took part?Young people from the families of FoFG members, plus those attending a local play centre, were invited. “What worked well for us was bringing two different groups together,” Mark explains. “Perhaps because they didn’t know each other, they all took it more seriously.”

“Spaceshaper 9-14 gives you hard evidence to deal with the council and funders. It gives you credibility”

What were the results?The workshop showed how Fortune Green is valued by young people. Specific concerns included fly-tipping and a lack of play equipment for older children. The participants even suggested establishing the Young Friends of Fortune Green to help maintain the space.

The findings fed into the ongoing improvement process for Fortune Green. Spaceshaper 9-14 was regarded as a tool for to enrich the process, and aided a lottery funding application for further refurbishment.

Young people discover ways to improve a valuable West Hampstead park

Located in the heart of a residential area, Fortune Green is an important local green space, supported by the Friends of Fortune Green (FoFG). Spaceshaper was used to give local residents and professionals the opportunity to contribute ideas on how to spend some funding for improvements. Two Spaceshaper sessions were run and the second was aimed at younger users, because Fortune Green presently lacks facilities for them.

Spaceshaper

Fortune GreenWest Hampstead, London

Client:�Friends of Fortune Green

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