BTB Youth Centre
The site associated with this project is situated upon Berkley Street Liverpool 8. Berkley Street is rich in history and culture. One of the most profound characteristics that illustrate this, is the fact that this street initially acted as a pipeline for the community which passed straight through from upper parliament street, prior to it being blocked in response to the uprising of Liverpool 8. This transition of the site was an authoritative act intended to fragmentize the community. Considering this, the youth centre will inevitably combat this negative aspect by instilling a reason for next generation of the community to unite within a new space, regardless of their historical background and culture.
A generous amount of neglected greenspace initially opposed the Greek orthodox church from which the youth centre is being proposed. Close attention has been paid to the immediate surroundings of this site and one of the characteristics that stood out is the numerous subtle tags of graffiti that have been projected onto the gables and facades of the neighbouring context. What is interesting about this aspect of the site is that the youth have never been documented carrying out this anti-social behaviour, instead they are forced to do it off the radar out of fear of being apprehended.
In response to this activity, the concept that that will ultimately drive this project is to adopt these youthful behaviours that are frowned upon by the community (but still present in the area) and provide this type of activity with the nurturing, nourishment and control that it needs in order to guide those who exhibit the behaviour towards something that can enable them as a younger generation, to develop a skillset stemming from their illegal activities which will in turn, allow them to grow their confidence through something that they are familiar with and provide them with more opportunities for the future.
Especially during the important stages of their adolescence, these personal deeds can be turned into something that can be applied into the real world without any repercussions, instead, these Anti-social behaviours will be carried out alongside a governance.This youth centre will act as a steppingstone leading up to college, music industries and performing arts.
Sustainability will be the priority in both the construction of the building as well as how the building and its inhabitants operate throughout. A portion has been dedicated to the recycling of materials, and this will be integrated in the activities in which the youth centre provides for the youth.
