YOUTH CENTER

A new social synergy reference

Working with: Hannes Monserez / Jebbe Houttekier / Katarzyna Jegorow

The main assumption of this project is the social synergy that will help youth in adapting to and further life. It is important to include in the project (not just the architecture, but the entire Rojm extended social system) inhabitants of Mechelen.

The building gives an added value to the site, not only for the youth that use the interior space, but also for the people that are living near by. The façade has a new language changing the existing strict symmetry by pulling through the park-concept into the building. The idea “From negative to positive” has been the essence of the process to create a new reference of the site.

Nature is a main character of this project, because it is important for the youth to create a new and good atmosphere. The entire system is linked to the green environment.

Children and young people have a sense of having their own space, which is only available to them. The fact that the observation is not direct, just visual, makes the youth feel more free. Another way to make the life that holds after studies easier for the youth is to start an independent life by living in apartments by their own.

However, young people have a sense of having their own space and a kind of isolation from others. With this small interventions, both groups have a sense of security.

INFRASTRUCTURE AS A PUBLIC SPACE

At the specified location there is development concept of underground parking.

As the idea of our project is to transform the negative into positive points, we decided to use a parking space for our own purposes (eg polyvalent space for exhibitions, events, etc..).

We decided therefore to expose the entrance to the park in a more friendly. We also wanted to put more light into parking. Thanks to this, we use the space at the same time not only for performance but also for entertainment and leisure.

Very important for CPTED considerations was to preserve a sense of privacy. Youth, adapting complex of ROJM EXTENDED for their own needs, giving him a private assumption. Therefore, the entire control should be as subtle as possible. Indirect application of the measures, such as visual control, or the ability to offer youth work in the center (in the cafeteria, as guardians of the younger groups) can teach them responsibility. Another way to adapt to the environment of young people is to start an independent life by living in homes with a guide (guide living in dwellings).

Crime prevention is difficult to achieve in a subtle way, so young people do not feel been watched. If the observation will be very visible, youngs will feel like a prisoners, controlled, observed, unwanted, with assigned tag. It is very important, for the community living in the area, also come around to the youth, identified primarily with crime in the city. So are proposed: semi-private spaces, transparent, large holes that allow insight to the interior, but without direct access, put the whole of the sport at a lower level, so that people can look at playing down the youth.

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