Building together: Baukultur from the perspective of children and young people

Project description

The project investigates how children and young people can develop a responsible role as participants in built environment processes. Participation strengthens the development of an attitude towards social and ecological justice. In addition to the careful use of existing resources, socio-cultural aspects are also a key focus of built environment education. The aim of the project is to raise awareness among primary and secondary school students about the built environment. Together, participatory spaces will be created where children and young people can develop their own perspectives, experiences and ideas of sustainable Baukultur.

The project combines Baukultur, sustainability, communication and participation. Based on participatory research, it explores the following questions: How do children and young people envision a sustainable and fair Baukultur in their living environment? What are the key goals, content and methods of sustainable, participatory built environment education for schools? A children’s and youth advisory board supports the project and contributes its perspective. BauKulturLabs at various locations test the research results in practice.

Sustainable Baukultur requires participatory learning processes. They enable everyone, including children and young people, to actively engage in Baukultur issues. The unique aspects of sustainability-oriented building environment education have not yet been sufficiently analysed. The project is therefore researching the content and methods of sustainability-oriented education in the field of Baukultur across Switzerland and promoting their implementation. Relevant skills are developed together with children and young people, enabling them to contribute to future planning and design processes.

Project implementation

As a result of the research, a handbook for built environment education and a method kit with gamified elements are being developed. The handbook provides essential knowledge for teachers and built environment educators. Participatory BauKulturLabs in schools use artistic and spatial methods to collaboratively develop scenarios for a sustainable Baukultur. Through a deeper understanding of the subject matter, young people are encouraged to actively engage in shaping the built environment and political processes. The project is being carried out by a transdisciplinary team from the fields of built environment education, architecture, specialised didactics, art education, art and geography, as well as civil society stakeholders.