ECOMM 2010 session: Building bridges between generations Jan Christiaens / Sarah Martens Whats wrong with youth / elderly today?

Agenda Shared problems, shared approaches? Streetchat: the problem Discussion ! Closing remarks

Kids and youngsters child friendly space participation of kids and youngsters campaigns (Traffic Snake Game, Connect, …) safe routes to school

Kids and youngsters Project: Child friendly public space in Brussels Engaging children in designing a town square 1 st meeting Learning to locate the school on a map of the city Talking about the direct environment of the school building 2 nd meeting Walking in the neighbourhood finding out what they like and dislike in public spaces Encourage and facilitate vision building on the public space (square in this case) 3 rd meeting What is important in public spaces? Showing the results to designers, press and policymakers

Kids and youngsters An ideal square has… benches dust bins lawn chips stand trees picknick – spots drinking fountains bicycle stands water street lighting

Kids and youngsters Most indicated problems difficult traffic situations difficult crossings for pedestrians and cyclists heavy traffic public space is not funny, challenging public space refrains kids from being autonomous participants in every day traffic

The elderly Message Smart Mobile Seniors Educational sessions Pooling projects …

Message: action research Needs Analysis Sint-truidenLeuvenMonsGemblouxBrussels Courtesy Tailored and targeted information on PT Courtesy Respect on buses Focus on youth Infrastructure Courtesy Citizen participation Lack of info about needs and desires of elderly population Accessibility of PT Courtesy Congestion, Noise pollution

Streetchat: the problem approach kids and elderly brought together for a Walk of Experience sharing of experiences, problems, habits, solutions, … come to a joint conclsusion and influence policy target groups senior citizen councils youth councils problems no real interest lack of time whats the added value?

Discussion Round 1: added value? Is there an added value in working together with two generations? Is our feeling of shared problems and experiences genuine? Will it make a difference?

Discussion Round 2: target group How to involve both generations? How to contact them? Where do we find them?

Discussion Round 3: method How to work with both groups? Which methods are best?

Closing remarks Conclusions What do you take home? What would you suggest to improve?

Thanks for your attention and cooperation ! Jan ChristiaensSarah Martens