Youth Centre

International Balkan University

Arbresha Ibrahimi

Project idea

The project addresses a critical contemporary void: the lack of dynamic, non-institutional physical spaces that offer both safe refuge and creative stimulation for the youth. The core idea conceptualizes the youth center not merely as a static facility, but as an adaptable, fluid incubator for collaboration, recreation, and identity-building. Visually anchored by an expressive and bold architectural form, the design breaks away from rigid traditional geometry. By utilizing an open-plan framework and highly versatile spatial configurations, the architecture mirrors the evolving needs of its users fostering a strong sense of civic ownership, community cohesion, and creative expression.

Project description

The project proposes the design of a Youth Center located in the Municipality of Çair, conceived as a multifunctional space dedicated to young adults The building aims to create an inclusive platform for education, creativity, professional development, and cultural engagement, contributing to the social and economic empowerment of the local community. The vision of the project is to establish a contemporary, open, and dynamic center that acts as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and cultural development. The building aspires to become an urban landmark within Çair, connecting traditional craftsmanship with modern technology and creative industries.The youth center is organized into interconnected functional zones divided into 3 main volumes with inclined roofs designed to facilitate a natural flow between high-energy social activity and focused individual work. The project consists of the following key programmatic areas:

1. The first "triangle" is home to laboratories.The Product Laboratories are designed to support both traditional crafts and modern digital fabrication,fostering creativity and skill development. The laboratories provide dedicated spaces for hands-on
learning, experimentation, and production in various disciplines.
a. Wood Laboratory: woodworking and carpentry
b.Silver / Jewelry Laboratory: jewelry design and metalworking
c. Cooking Laboratory: metal fabrication and small-scale sculpture culinary training, food experimentation,
and gastronomy workshops–
d. CNC / Laser Fabrication Laboratory: digital fabrication, 3D printing, and laser cutting .
2. The middle triangle which inside is interconected with the left one form a multifunctional space which consists of
a. Mulipurpose hall which is designed as a flexible indoor space for a variety of events. It is intended for performances, workshops,
and community gatherings, providing a venue for interactive and live activities.
b. Auditorium which is used also for conference facilities
c. A small Restaurant/ Cafe which provides dining and social spaces for users, including seating, kitchen, and storage
facilities. Outdoor extension options are possible for flexibility.
d. Administrative offices
e. Technical spaces
Whereas on the upper floor is a large library and reading area which occupy approximately 390 m² and are designed to support both individual study and collaborative learning, accommodating 200–250 users. The library provides spaces for reading, research, and the preservation of books, ensuring a balance between quiet study, group activities, and archival functions.
3. In the left space we made a ground triangular hole of garden covered inn glass to connect with the underground exhibition gallery space. A space that is designed as a versatile space for showcasing both temporary and permanent exhibitions, including installations. It features a clear height of 5–6 m, suitable for large-scale works and multimedia displays, and a modular partitioning system that allows flexible layout and reconfiguration of exhibits. The gallery also includes dedicated spaces to support curatorial and archival work, as well as exhibition setup.
4. Additionally, the middle roof has also outdoor stairs which are used for an outdoor cinema projecting on the neighbor building.

Technical information

The structural system and material selection reinforce the building's contemporary design while ensuring structural efficiency, high durability, and a vibrant architectural expression.

1.Structural System: The building is engineered using a high-strength steel construction frame. This structural framework allows for lightweight assembly, rapid construction, and wide, column-free internal spans that maximize spatial flexibility for the center's activities.

2.Façade & Envelope: The building envelope is clad in premium concrete tiles, providing a solid, textured, and highly durable exterior finish. This raw, structural texture is dynamically contrasted by the integration of colored window glass panels, which filter natural light into the interior to create vibrant, ever-changing atmospheres inside.

3.Interior Subdivisions: Internal spaces are divided using lightweight acoustic partitions and modular systems, allowing the floor plans to be easily adapted or reconfigured in the future.

Documentation

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