Homelessness of youth is a common problem in many parts of the world Fig: 1 - Homeless youth end up on the streets and are vulnerable to violence and undernourishment.

Vulnerable youth

Youth is said to be the driving force of a nation's economy. Their position is hyped up as they represent business owners and leaders of the coming future. But their position in society is falsely indicated as many of them are struggling to make ends meet in their present. For them, the future remains uncertain.

Homelessness is on the rise in almost every city around the world. Different sections of the population face this issue due to a myriad of reasons from inflation and economic problems to scarcity of resources. Affordable housing demand has surged in the last few decades.

The population of youth being homeless is a huge concern in developed countries. This community is especially vulnerable since they lack stability, support, and guidance at this age. They face unique challenges, as they bounce from one housing system to another.

How can we create a stable home for the unguarded youth in dense urban cities?

There needs to be a shelter and safe space for the vulnerable homeless youth Fig: 2 - These youth find shelter in abandoned spaces for protection, but with no amenities for basic living. (Credits: Getty Images)

A place like home

Homelessness is a condition that is forced on youth due to collective socio-economic reasons and varying personal circumstances. The state of helplessness can have a deep impact on the psyche of any young individual.

There are several issues that may push young people towards homelessness. Any type of abuse (physical, mental, sexual, narcotic), joblessness, or generally being outcast due to impairment or sexual orientation. As they turn to the streets and society to escape the danger they fear facing at home, they are exposed to new urban threats.

Besides the pressures of making it on their own, they are susceptible to crime, harassment, mental depression, or trauma from past experiences that make life difficult for them. Unemployment, in particular, would be a concern to youth due to lack of education, skills, or access to job facilities.

Will a housing solution be sufficient to uplift the at-risk young individuals?

A housing centre for youth would be a step forward in their protection and growth Fig: 3 - Homeless young people need communal spaces with a safe, positive environment for their betterment. (Credits: Tatjana Plitt)

Brief of the Competition

Brief: Design a transition center for homeless youth with housing and other facilities that would equip them with skills for independent living.

It is to be designed so that an array of services can be provided to the youth that come from diverse backgrounds in order to help them give a safe, stable, and inclusive home. It must also act as a learning center to help them acquire life skills, special skills, and create networks.

The well-being of young people is a priority. Homeless people often face prejudice in society so it is necessary that the center design is in harmony with its neighboring context. The spatial design must be flexible, low maintenance, and economical to host multiple users over short durations. It will be occupied for not more than 1 year.

The aim is to create a healthy community for young people. Privacy and interaction must be guided in the layout as per the nature of the activity. The aesthetics and functionality must be balanced to create a mix of open and closed spaces.

Design Objectives

Accessibility: All services must be accessible to every member of the community by creating barrier-free designs.

Convenience: The areas must be low maintenance with careful material choice and space configuration. The center needs to be independent of mechanical interventions (as possible).

Community: There must be spaces where the young people can interact and participate in social events but at their own choice.

Context: The design must respond to the (existing) site conditions. The wider socio-cultural, economic and environmental settings are to be considered in the design approach.

Site

Step Forward, Transition Centre design for homeless youth site Toronto, Canada

Around 20% of Canada’s homeless population is youth (13-24), that is, 40,000 people in any given year. This includes homeless youth, street youth, street kids, runaways, and so on trying to live independently. The faction of women and LGBTQ is the highest, along with indigenous and black youth. Housing is a priority of most of these homeless individuals.

The site is located in Toronto, Canada. On any given night, 1500-2000 youth are homeless in Toronto city. Nearly half of the population of homeless youth is faced with mental issues, addiction, or physical disability. The youth shelters are reaching their maximum occupancy capacity and the demand for this typology has risen.

The site is at the edge of the neighborhood of Humber Summit, Toronto. It is well-connected to the rest of the city through transport networks and a mix of activities for recreation, education, and business. The site has commercial outlets in the vicinity which makes it convenient for the youthful occupants of this typology.

Site area: 3286 sq.m
Height Restrictions: 8 meters
Maximum Built-Up Area: 3286 sq.m
Ground Coverage: 30%
Setbacks (as per CAD plan)
Coordinates: 43°45'39.6"N 79°10'19.1"W

Program Outline

The following programmatic outline is the point to begin your design at. You can add more functions and activities in relevance or modify the below design program.

Spaces to live: One-bedroom and two-bedroom dwelling units for 60 individuals.

Spaces to learn: training kitchen, library, workshops, studios, classrooms.

Spaces to interact: multipurpose hall, lounge facility, community garden, open-air theatre

Administration: reception, offices, meeting rooms, carer's room

Services

Step Forward

OVERVIEW