Amplifying Young Voices in Urban Design

Panel Discussion | Copenhagen, Denmark

How can cities better support the needs of teenage girls?

Echo Architects brought together architects, urban designers and researchers for a panel discussion exploring how public spaces can become more welcoming, inclusive and responsive to the experiences of young women.

The conversation followed a workshop with 30 teenage girls from Copenhagen, whose ideas and experiences provided the foundation for the evening's discussion. Their contributions challenged common assumptions about public space and highlighted the importance of involving underrepresented voices in the design process.

Panel Speakers

• Abigail Gaines, Make Space for Girls

• Yalda Pilehchian, Senior Strategic Urban Designer, Ramboll

• Mads Birgens, Head of Urbanism, Cobe

Moderated by Rebecca Halstead, Founder of Echo Architects.

Discussion Themes

The panel explored a range of topics, including:

• Safety and comfort in public space

• Designing for social interaction and belonging

• The role of nature in urban environments

• Public spaces for teenagers

• Inclusive design and community participation

• Translating lived experience into design decisions

Why It Matters

Too often, the people most affected by design decisions have the least influence over them. This discussion demonstrated the value of bringing community voices into conversations about the future of our cities.

By connecting young people directly with designers and decision-makers, the event created a space for dialogue, reflection and new perspectives on inclusive urban design.

In collaboration with Make Space for Girls and RIBA Europe.

Supported by the British Embassy Copenhagen.

Photography: Andrea Pražienková.