The Journey of Life

Teenagers find that there are not many spaces designed specifically for them to go to for extra help outside their own schools. Therefore, the brief was to create a library that provided all the resources to help them with their studies. The space should be welcoming and give the teenagers a sense of belonging.

The concept of the project focuses on the journey of teenagers as they progress through school and into future career paths. The space will also encourage them to explore other interests and hobbies to help them develop into strong minded individuals.

A large part of the design takes inspiration from the idea that everyone’s journey is not a straight path. Therefore, the overall design of furnishings and ways of navigating through the space reflect this windy pathway.

Contextual Mapping

This project centres around the Annex building which is currently part of the Art, Architecture and Design School of London Metropolitan University. The building is situated in a very good location in Aldgate, London which is near many bus stops and key underground stations such as Liverpool Street, Aldgate, Aldgate East, Tower Hill, and Whitechapel.

The local area also has many shops, restaurants, and cafes which the community can come together and socialise. An important aspect of the area is the location of the schools that many teenagers are currently studying hard to progress into future careers.

History of Aldgate

Research

There are a few libraries/study spaces available in the area for teenagers to go to out of school hours such as the Idea Stores, Artizan Street Library & Community Centre, and youth community spaces. However, from the primary research interviewing current teenagers, they had said that these spaces did not work for them. They either wanted something that was designed in a more mature aesthetic i.e., less colourful which was associated to be more childish, for example, the Idea Stores or provided more specific resources to help them in deciding what to do in the future which their schools did not offer.

Therefore, the aim of the project was to create a space only for teenagers between 14 - 18 Years old, which is when they are at the stage of taking on their GCSEs and A Levels to process into higher education or into careers that will shape their futures. This new space will hopefully encourage teenagers to develop themselves and explore other hobbies and interests, but most importantly this place will give them a sense of belonging which they feel like the area is currently missing.

Outdoor rooftop space during the evening.