Healthy Youth in High Rises research

In the spring of 2023, Urban Minds partnered with researchers from the University of Waterloo, the University of Toronto, and Western University to conduct a research study on youth health, urban design, and high-rise living. The study aims to support new and existing collaborations between researchers, knowledge users, and youth to enhance interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral approaches to knowledge mobilization. Particularly, understanding the intersection between youth mental and physical health with high-rise built environments and design. 

The research undertook a series of interviews with youth in Toronto and the Region of Waterloo which included: (1) a focus group to explore and understand how the built environment and design influence youths’ physical and mental health; (2) engaging in individual and small-group participatory mapping exercises where youth will point out specific locations related to positive or negative experiences related to their health; and (3) semi-structured go-along interviews in high-rise neighborhoods to further understand how high-rise built environments and designs influence youths’ health. 

As the Principal Knowledge Users, Urban Minds were engaged throughout the research process to help produce findings that are effective in making informed decisions about health policies, programs, and practices. Team members worked closely with researchers during the brainstorming stages for effective research and data collection methods. Additionally, team members also helped researchers facilitate the focus groups, participatory mapping exercises, and semi-structured go-along interviews. 

This study was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) through the Healthy Youth Catalyst Grants.