Urban Convergence
This studio project is an investigation into how the creation of undefined urban commons can improve social cohesion and intersectionality for the youth and their communities in Sheffield as a diverse, post-industrial city. The proposal embraces all the cultural, social and economic interactions of the city and it’s population, in order to produce a synthesis of differing intersections and urban elements - realised through the creation of a series of urban pavilions that vary in use and cater to the social needs and desires of the youth in Sheffield as the key user group.
There is often a stigma surrounding the youth living in urban areas, especially areas that suffer from greater deprivation and lack of adequate services, they can often be depicted as anti-social or unproductive due to the lack of dedicated common spaces and/or social support. The site in Sheffield is located in an industrial area that lacks any dedicated spaces for the youth, hence why the main demographic focus of this project focuses on creating spaces for and uplifting the urban youth, investing in their social well-being as the future of our society.
Other key features of this proposal include the masterplanning and mapping in relation to the existing urban intersections and social interactions that occur on the site in Sheffield, purposely allowing programmes to be organically formed based on social movements, everyday social activities, and the intersections of urban life. Ultimately aiming to create pavilions that provide common spaces that fill any gaps missing in local services, improving the quality of life for the local community and empowering its urban citizens.
