As a Youth Center focused on the mental health of its 12-18 year old demographic, The Park aims to adopt a new approach of client-centered treatment in a different environment from what is currently available. Through a design that manifests comfort, fosters creativity, develops genuine, interpersonal relationships and removes stigma, The Park should inspire youth to nurture their mental well-being.
As the first impression on it's youth members, the first level is designed upon a culture of diversity. All design decisions were based upon fostering conversations, and genuine interactions that allow youth to remain comfortable. Central components of the main level include the social stair, recreation area, community kitchen, and community cafe.
As a third place for youth, the design should accommodate all healthy social activity, including school work, socializing with peers and recreational games.
"The Table" is a combined beverage bar and community kitchen located within the interior of the youth center teaching members the social aspect of cooking and baking. With direct connectivity to The Perk Cafe, youth involved in the community kitchen will bake goods served to the customers.
The Perk Cafe is the only component of the youth center accessible to the outer community. As the bridge between community residents and youth, members at The Park are encouraged to involve themselves in cafe operations by baking goods sold by the cafe in the 'community kitchen'.
THE RECREATION AREA
The second level of The Park holds the art studios, psychotherapy practice, and co-working office.
As a departure from typical medical facilities, the co-working environment allows youth members to feel more comfortable seeking treatment for their mental health.
Murals seen on the elevator faces of both the main and second levels are painted by Alex Proba - who takes inspiration from shapes drawn by her children.
Reception on the second floor is located both central to the tenant elevator and building entrance, allowing users to bypass the social activity on the main level and access the therapy practice directly.
As an alternative therapy, the art studio offers members the opportunity to express themselves honestly, and creatively. Designed to host "open studio classes" and "witness writings," supportive communities are formed between peers.
Almost all spaces at The Park serve multiple functions. The employee lounge (above) and break-out work spaces (right) were primarily designed with the psychologists needs in mind, to offer disconnect from work related stress and comfort in productivity. Furnishings were selected from Haworth to support healthy workplace ergonomics and efficiency.
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