BEFREE Youth Campus

This project was the initiative of the One Economy Foundation a non-profit dedicated to
promoting the social welfare of underprivileged communities. The goal was to establish a
facility that would give young people from underprivileged neighbourhoods a safe, inclusive,
and non-judgmental space to co-create. The client envisioned a one stop centre that would
facilitate the youth in various ways, however the funding was limited and therefore the
project had to be phased. What has been constructed is only phase 01 of a much larger
master plan that is planned to roll out over the next couple of years.
PHASE 01 consists of the following; – – – – – –
Clinic,
Psychosocial centre,
External activity area,
Multimedia room (unconventional radio studio),
Stem centre (activity hall, PC lab, external library, kitchen, kiosk),
External gym,
The site is part of a much larger erf that is owned by the Ministry of Youth Sports and
National Services. During the apartheid era, these grounds were home to the migrant
workers compounds, which was imploded in the late 1980s. The site was reasonably flat
with a slight slope to the south with no adjacent structures to the north, east and south
boundaries, except for a steep slope on east and southern boundaries of the site. These two
edges proofed to be critical in the conceptualization of the design, as the western edge of
the site borders the Football for Hope arena that is completely fenced off.
Our aim was to design a structure that will serve as a landmark for the younger generations
in the neighbouring communities by utilizing playful materials, multipurpose areas, and
natural elements. More importantly, we introduced community involvement in the building
process, in an effort to foster a sense of ownership among the residents, especially in light
of the security and vandalism issues that these communities are currently facing. The
following is what was required of the main contractor during the construction process. – – –
A certain percentage of local artisans skilled and non-skilled had to be had to be part
of the workforce.
Constant information sessions were provided around what the purpose of the centre
is and how it benefits the community. This included demonstrative and participative
construction works during the construction with various youth groups of the
community.
All artwork and murals were done by artist from local communities.
The two structures that made up phase 01 were placed around the edges of the property to
provide safe interior areas where young people may go without being affected by the social
difficulties they encounter on a daily basis. These spaces are sometimes shaded, semi
shaded, open, semi-open, or both depending on the demands of the user. We were able to
establish passive activities around the east and south boundaries, which encounters the
most pedestrian traffic around the site. The meticulous placement of the buildings created a
focal point, located on southeast corner of the property, which aims to pique interest and
entice onlookers to investigate the landmark further. These boundaries provide artwork,
communal areas, and seating that is designed to evoke a sense of place.
The two structures comprise of a medical facility and a STEM Centre. The medical facility is
internally focused due to the intricate and multifaceted nature of its operations. It caters to
a wide range of health needs for adolescents and young adults, including sexual health and
support for victims of gender-based violence (GBV). The primary objective was to establish a
non-judgmental environment, necessitating careful design to avoid any preconceived
notions about the purpose of each room within the facility. Consequently, labels such as
“consultation room,” “examination rooms,” and “testing rooms” were deliberately omitted.
Instead, colours and creative artwork were introduced around the doorways to create a
visually appealing and welcoming atmosphere. Furthermore, the procedure room was
strategically positioned to ensure the privacy and isolation of patients undergoing medical
procedures, allowing them to exit through a separate door from the one they entered.
The clinic is equipped with a Psycho-social center that provides services such as social
workers, peer counseling, individual counseling, and group therapy. These facilities are
interconnected with the clinic, enabling users to transition smoothly between spaces
without having to leave the premises. This design fosters safe and non-judgmental
circulation paths for the users.
The STEM Centre or “THE PLUG’’ as referred to by the client, offers versatile spaces both
inside and outside the building. At its core is an activity hall that connects seamlessly with
the surrounding areas, such as the semi-enclosed library and reading space, the PC
workstation, the robotics area, and the external courtyards to the east and south. This
design allows activities within the activity hall to extend into these external spaces.
Additionally, the centre features a kitchen with a kiosk that serves an external deck, as well
as an external gym for self-defence and physical training. The gym and library are unique in
that they were constructed using shipping containers, adding a playful and innovative touch
to the centre. To further enhance the recreational aspect, the centre also includes a radio
and multi-media room, providing a safe platform for entertainment, education, health
services, and psycho-social support.
The design of the #BeFree Youth Campus is characterized by its vibrant and playful nature,
evident in its bold use of colour, materiality, and functionality. This intentional boldness
aims to create a landmark that stands out within a marginalized community. By doing so, it
provides a space where young individuals can dream and envision their potential without
the societal pressures that exist beyond the walls of the centre.
The transformation of the old migrant workers compound into this landmark is symbolic of
the conversion from a symbol of oppression to an edifice of hope, growth, and renewal. The
roof plains are repurposed as walls, which in turn create functional spaces. This puzzle-like
approach to design ensures that every element contributes to shaping this significant
structure.
The #BeFree Youth Campus stands as a testament to the power of architecture to inspire
and empower. It serves as a beacon of possibility and opportunity for the youth within the
community, offering them a space where they can explore their aspirations and strive for a
brighter future.