Cowley Teenage Space
Site and Program
The Cowley Teenage Space is a community-led youth hub situated on a brownfield infill site in Cowley. The program is a "third space" — neither home nor school, but a structured leisure environment that offers a safe and welcoming place for young people to hang out, create, and socialize.
The design responds to three key needs:
- A safe, supervised environment that feels authentic, not institutional.
- A flexible interior that can accommodate different activities simultaneously.
- A high-quality facade that improves the streetscape and signals a modern community asset.
Architectural Concept
The building is designed as a durable, expressive volume that fits the Cowley vernacular while signaling its role as a contemporary community hub. The facade uses a mix of high-quality brick and render to provide texture and permanence, with large windows that bring daylight deep into the plan and create a legible, active frontage.
Key architectural moves include:
- Street-edge engagement: The ground floor is permeable and inviting, with seating and a clear entrance that connects the building to the public realm.
- Daylighting: A clerestory roof and high-side windows provide even illumination without compromising privacy for the occupants.
- Durability: The palette is chosen for its ability to age gracefully under heavy use, with robust finishes on the floors and walls.
Interior Organization
The interior is a loose-fit plan that can be reconfigured to suit different activities. The space is organized into three zones:
- Chill zone: A relaxed area with soft seating, low lighting, and a library of magazines and games.
- Creative zone: A workshop area with large tables for art, music production, and other creative pursuits.
- Active zone: A more dynamic space for sports, gaming, and social events.
The zones are defined by movable partitions, which allow the plan to be opened up for large events or subdivided for smaller groups. A wet zone with a kitchenette provides the necessary facilities for snacks and drinks, a critical component of the hub's program.
Planning and Context
The Cowley Teenage Space is part of Cowley’s regeneration, and the design aims to improve the public realm at the street edge. The building is fully accessible and designed with CPTED principles in mind, with clear sightlines and a controlled entry system that ensures the safety of the young people who use it.