Architecture for Youth

Fall Quarter 2022 - ARCH 683: Architectural Design Track II
Instructor: Elisandra Garcia

Students worked with Trauma-Informed Design research, precedents, and engagement documentation from Parrott Creek to develop proposals for a next-gen school. Here, the idea of school was explored and reimagined to consider the youth’s trauma and educational experience, as well as the need to deliver an educational program without specialized teaching. 

The studio went beyond the school as a single-use building, proposing flexible and shared spaces that could be used when the youth were not in class to deliver a creative secondary program focused on helping youth develop skills as they transition into adulthood. The following are sample works from eight of the students in the graduate design studio.

For other Parrott Creek studios

  • Project 1: Earth and Healing

    The project explores the connection with native landscapes as a form of recovery. It employs horticulture and gardening as places for community and connection. Work by: EJ Del Rosario (MArch 2024)

  • Project 2: Movement and Play

    The project investigated body movement as a form of expression and connection. The architecture motivates youth to stay active and playful. Work by: Alyssa Rupp (MArch 2024)

  • Project 3: Tree Home

    The project developed a home-like environment designed to create familiarity and closeness. It also explores spaces for private reflection through verticality. Work by: Spenser Daigle (MArch 2024)

  • Project 4: Healing Garden

    The project created a nestled garden space within rooms designed to look into courtyards and out into the landscape. Using the site's natural topography generated a subtle intervention. Work by: Spenser Daigle (MArch 2024)

  • Project 5: Ceramics and Healing

    The project hosted a diversity of indoor and outdoor spaces to engage in ceramic classes, therapy, and school work. Work by: Emily Bratt (MArch 2024)

  • Project 6: Sensory

    The project seeks to allow youth to engage with their five senses by creating sensory rooms that enclose a private courtyard. Work by: Maddy Johnson (MArch 2024)

  • Project 7: Stargazing

    The project proposed stargazing as therapy, in addition to STEM-inspired learning spaces that provide students an opportunity to participate in science while having fun. Work by: Hari Deevi (MArch 2024)

  • Project 8: Recreation as Healing

    The project proposed to provide sports programming on the site. The project consists of indoor and outdoor spaces for youth to enjoy sports and recreation year-round. Work by: Sergey Tkachenko (MArch 2024)