Using GIFscapes to examine young people’s affective experiences of urban spaces

Abstract

This article proposes Graphics Interchange Format (GIF) as a novel methodology to investigate the affective experiences of young people in urban spaces, a group often excluded in urban planning processes. Drawing on children’s geographies, non-representational theory, and digital geographies, we introduce the concept of GIFscapes to evoke the relational, sensory, and emotional dynamics shaping our interactions with urban environments often overlooked by more traditional research methods. The paper is based on research for a community consultation in Uxbridge, London. It developed a participatory methodology with young people who chose GIFs to express their perceptions of Uxbridge’s town centre. We show how GIF’s affective capacity elicits insights into the youth’s affective experiences of urban environments as well as provides an engaging platform for dialogue to discuss their uses, perceptions and needs from urban environments. Our discussion reveals how important mundane urban atmospheres, such as rhythms, maintenance, and uses, are in shaping young people’s perceptions and attachments to place and highlights their views on neglected urban infrastructures, insufficient inclusive spaces, and social marginalisation. By demonstrating how GIFs enable accessing nuanced affective experiences of urban atmospheres, this research advances the field of children’s urban geographies and affective geographies. The article emphasises the value of embracing digital methods in urban studies to create cities that are physically functional and emotionally and experientially responsive.