In awe of Charlotte
Where do young people find awe, wonder, and connection in Charlotte?
“In Awe of Charlotte” explores the relationship young people in Charlotte, North Carolina have with their urban environments in order to inform new ways of designing cities where people can truly thrive. In partnership with local community based organizations, we worked with 40 youth citizen scientists who captured 1,000+ photos showcasing where they feel safe, connected, joyful, anxious, and in awe across the city.
This participatory, youth-led research revealed that they feel a sense of awe in everyday places—through nature, neighborhood food spots that foster belonging, and small aesthetic details that signal a city that cares. At the same time, they identified quite a few systemic barriers, such as high-speed traffic, poor maintenance, and inequitable access to green space that limits their ability to move freely and experience the city in the ways they want to.
Building on these insights, we outline five key moves to create a more caring city, from empowering youth leadership to advancing inclusive mobility. The work reframes the city not simply as infrastructure for efficiency but as places that can nurture a higher quality of life for all.