University Archives

Emma Jo Fulk 

Thesis Studio Advisor: Virginia Stanard 

Thesis Research Methods Advisor: Claudia Bernasconi 

External Advisor: Ceara O’Leary 

ARCH 5100-5200 | 5110-5210 Thesis Studio and Thesis Research Methods 

Fall 2025 - Winter 2026 

School of Architecture and Community Development 

University of Detroit Mercy 

I, Emma Jo Fulk, certify that I have not used Generative AI in any way to complete this work 

YOUTHSCAPE  

Designing a process for restorative urban neighborhood development through the lens of teens and their social networks. 

This study investigated the qualities of teens’ social connections, their developmental needs, and the qualities of social spaces within the Virginia Park Community of Central Detroit. Society today views teens as a liability and obstacles to overcome instead of assets to the community (Johanon), and teens are more anxious and disconnected now than in previous years (Borba). Public spaces have the capacity to “foster social interactions and generate a feeling of community” (Soja), yet teens have been historically excluded from social spaces (Travlou), which has therefore led to increased isolation and decreased well-being. Three primary research questions asked: How can Detroit’s social spaces foster the well-being of youth through restorative urban development strategies? What urban forms, processes, spaces, programs, and/or spatial characteristics support the development of a sense of belonging in teens? How can Detroit’s physical environment support the positive development of adolescents through its typologies and existing conditions? To address these questions, this study employed methods such as visual ethnography, interviews, precedent analyses, mapping, and literature review. These methods were conducted to understand how youth desire to be engaged with, their priorities within their social spaces, and the context of Virginia Park Community’s built environment. Findings uncovered the social connections between teens, their peers, and siblings as well as the successful engagement and design strategies of existing youth spaces. These findings, along with a comprehensive process of combining methods and existing models, has led to a development of a framework for creating restorative youth-centered social spaces in the context of urban neighborhoods that is rooted in the character and engagement of youth. 

Work Cited 

Borba, Michele. Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine. G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 2022. 

Soja, Edward. “Third Spaces in Architecture.” Rethinking the Future, 2025, www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/architectural-community/a10494-third-spaces-in-architecture-edward-soja/. 

Travlou, Penny. “‘Teenagers and Public Space.’” OPENspace, July 2003.