This was an interesting paper because it advocated the role of what we might see as negative spaces.
Robinson study followed youth subculture and the role of space within that culture arguing that space should be considered a member of the 'group' itself because it is an initiator, it enables the occurrence of events.
Poorly lit spaces such as parks and graveyards encouraged risk taking behaviour because at night it could conceal their occurrence. Robinson believed that such behaviour was essential to the development of the adolescent mind in acquiring its boundaries and mimicking the sorts of behaviour that they are deemed to young for.
From personal experience I can say that we sought out these spaces when we were younger many people had their first experiences whether it be smoking, fighting, sexual relations, consumption of drugs or alcohol. Away from the prying eyes of adults the you were able to do the things you ususally wouldn't be able to do. And the negative aspects of ones own personality and understanding the behaviour of others is essential in the development of young minds into balanced adults.
In a society where there is little amenity for adolescents is it fair that we intrude on yet another of their spaces? Perhaps young peoples utilization of space is more complex and essential to their development than we might think.
