We often reflect on the spaces that young people move through every day. Spaces designed for them, but not always with them. Places full of programs, schedules, predefined activities, and goals to achieve.
And yet, what we observe is something both simpler and more radical: young people often just need safe spaces.
Spaces that don’t necessarily need to be filled, but inhabited. Places where they can feel comfortable, free to decide how to be, who to be with, and what to do. Spaces that don’t demand performance, but presence.
La Camera a Sud at Moltivolti is one of these places. Here, young people can walk in without having to prove anything. They come together simply to spend time with one another, without any particular purpose, or to talk about important things; to organize assemblies or simply to dream; for an impromptu party or a long conversation.
The space changes shape according to the people who inhabit it.
And there is a valuable lesson they teach us every day:
We don’t always need to propose pre-designed activities, fill every moment, or guide every interaction. Sometimes, it is more powerful to take a step back and make room for choice, spontaneity, and self-determination.
Creating safe spaces also means this: trusting.
Trusting that young people already know how to give meaning to the spaces they inhabit, if only they are given the opportunity to do so.
At La Camera a Sud, we learn that when a space is truly open, it becomes relationship, conversation, conflict, celebration, silence.
It becomes life.
