Youth nightlife in Rome’s VIII municipality: results from survey

Abstract

In urban settings characterised by demographic ageing and shrinking youth populations, urban space is increasingly shaped by intergenerational asymmetries in visibility, needs, and political attention. However, the implications of these processes for younger cohorts remain underexplored. This study explores how young people engage with evening and night-time life in Rome’s VIII sub-municipal subdivision - a territorially heterogeneous area characterised by both advanced population ageing and a strong youth presence linked to universities and cultural infrastructures. An online survey was administered to residents and regular users of the area, stratified by age groups (15-34, 34+), to analyse spatial practices, patterns of nightlife participation, and intergenerational perceptions. Results show that young people are highly present in the area’s nightlife and tend to report more negative perceptions of safety and noise, while older respondents express more caution and concern. Although generational differences emerge in rhythms, behaviours, and expectations, the findings also highlight areas of coexistence and shared urban experience. The study offers preliminary insights into how age-based dynamics shape access to and perceptions of urban space during the evening hours.