Thesis: Vanya Srivastava

This thesis project aims to explore the role of arts-based third spaces in promoting equitable urban development  and positive youth outcomes in Philadelphia. Third spaces, defined as informal environments outside of home and school settings, provide crucial platforms for youth expression, identity exploration, skill development, and community engagement. The research recognizes the spatial dimension of the issue, acknowledging that access to third spaces represents a spatial equity challenge. Physical barriers such as distance, transportation infrastructure, and built environment features, as well as social and cultural factors like perceptions of safety and belonging, can impede youth from accessing these spaces, particularly those from marginalized communities. The study seeks to investigate the current state of arts-based third spaces for Philadelphia youth, identify the challenges and barriers to their accessibility, and explore elements that contribute to their effectiveness, both physically and socially.