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Emilie Ingemoen Rydland

Department: Furniture and spatial design/interior architecture

Nationality: Norway

E-mail: Emilierydland@outlook.com

Tlf: +47 994 99 485

 

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How is it possible, using spatial and visual measures, to create a preventative low-threshold offer for youth?

In my Master’s project, I wanted to explore how to create a preventive low-threshold offer for youth. The aim is to reduce the number of psychological issues and provide better future prospects, for both the target group and for society. The focus has been to create an attractive meeting place that contributes to activation, inclusion and socialization.​​​​​​​

What problem have you wanted to investigate/solve?

In recent years, there has been increased interest in Norwegian media regarding youth who are exhausted and depressed because they feel that they must perform well in all areas of their lives. Adolescence is a vulnerable period that brings about great changes – both physically and mentally. If we can reduce the number of increasing psychological issues and disorders by creating attractive and preventive offers, I feel that this is something very successful and important. I have wanted to look at the role of interior architects regarding this subject and how health promoting measures can create positive effects.

How have you experienced the process? 

The process began with a focus on various factors affecting the mental health of young people, such as social media and schooling. Through surveys, conversations and inspections, I became more aware of the user group and what considerations and measures that need to be taken when planning a preventive offer. I became aware of the importance of creating attractive meeting places for youth which contribute to activation and socialization. Moreover, I chose to investigate similar projects in other countries to see how they are building for youth and what we can possibly learn from others.

How have you chosen to solve this task?

With inspiration from reference projects, I have chosen to locate the meeting place in Barcode and the urban development in Bjørvika. The intention is to show that youth are an important resource for society. We must concentrate on the next generation. Today, the façade of the building appears rather sterile, dark and cold. I have made measures that break up these strict barriers so that the façade arouses curiosity, appears more welcoming and interesting, and has a variation in materials and details. The overall impression shall be open and welcoming to all youth, with activity opportunities both outdoors and indoors. The use of colour and materials reflects the green area outside the building and reinforces the interaction, outdoor - indoor. Social activities, such as cultivation in allotments and cooking, act as a unifying element and provide the basis for further contact. Flexible solutions and variation provide space for conversations, climbing and games that make it easier to connect with others. A mix of recognisable elements and unpredictability allow users to enter into an adventure where new experiences can be created. The solution helps the user group to make their own mark on the building and that it can be adapted for a wide variety of activities based on wishes and needs.

What does this mean for society?

Psychological disorders cost Norway large sums of money each year. Depression and anxiety cost the most. Measures aimed at the population, especially children and adolescents, will help to reduce the level of the number of psychological disorders in the future. It may cost a lot to create preventive measures, but we have to think further ahead to the future. Reducing the number of psychological disorders will also reduce the cost of types of treatment. But for this to happen, we need good, attractive and preventive measures.

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