The genesis of this proposal is playfulness and flexibility. It does not rely on high end technology nevertheless aims at sustainable initiatives that reduce energy consumption and recycling. As we believe passive design is the key to environmental balance, The Youth and Women's Leadership Center was conceived to benefit from the natural environment.
The proposal looks at recycling ship containers as a structural base for the development. This is not an original concept as it has been tested before with other building types however, it overcomes the purpose of a quick building system. The containers would then be cladded with “Viroc” panels, a wood and cement board, weather and fire resistant and recycled timber / plywood panels. This assembly is low tech and looks at materials that are widely available, reducing overall costs and increasing efficiency during construction.
The articulation between the building programme and the playing pitches relies on permeability though the site, the relationship with the surrounding buildings and the functional necessities that a facility of this type requires. The Center is organized along a central “Community Spine” where players and pedestrians exchange ideas, encouraging social integration and community play. This area is covered with fabric, reducing the heat inside the buildings and providing a pleasant outdoor amenity. The provision of fences thought this area is planned to allow diverse operational models in a safe environment. These can be completely open during operational hours making the Center a permeable and playful infra-structure.
A series of other activities have been added to the programme as the Dance School / Club and an Internet Room / Library. With the fast spread of technology we believe that providing a media for education will ultimately empower youth to improve socioeconomic conditions for themselves and their families. Currently “Room to Read”, a NGO based in San Francisco is looking look to launch operations in South America. More information can be found at www.roomtoread.org .
Enterprise Business Units have been planned in Phase 2 on the Southern side of the side along the main road as we believe to have the main traffic flow. In addition, we propose a series of pavilions on the northern site (Phase 3) which can be leased to other members of the community. This will generate some income that could be use by the Center to offset running costs overtime. The position along the northern street opposite to the residential buildings has been strategically thought to generate a community / marketplace for the neighborhood. Landscape is provided to encourage residents to seat, play, read and socialize.
Initially the seating provided accounts for around 350 spectators around the main pitch however if proved necessary throughout time, we propose to increase that capacity to 700+ in a possible Phase4. Other programme can be added along the life of the Center by stacking more modules above the existing ones.
In conclusion we expect this model to be flexible, to change according to needs, to be spontaneous, to engage with the community and hopefully become part of it.
