THE IN BETWEEN: REHABILITATION CENTER FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN

When thinking of architectural spaces, the thought of indoor and outdoor spaces comes to mind, where a group of functions take place within, depending on different functions different spaces are required, where space has a clear definition in the spectrum of outdoor and indoor architecture, yet what about the in between of these far ends?  where the transitional spaces aren’t only transitional yet habitable and functional as well, can these spaces be defined as one definite term, or are they a mixture that results in a new spatial format?

This project challenges the definition of space, where outdoor and indoor meet to create the functions within, where not only spaces aren’t defined by boundaries, but the transitional spaces in between serve as an independently connected space, where they are connected yet defined at the same time, where space has an absolute closure yet without a definite introduction.

As the project is targeted towards young people with a different age groups range, it contains different functions targeted for each group, while the main function is a shelter and residence it also provides different educational facilities for different age groups, as well as different social facilities included within, therefore the project contains a variety of different functions that preform and are introduced into one space without clear boundaries and limitations, yet still provide the privacy and closure each function requires without the usual architectural elements that help clarify the definition.

The project starts off by breaking the program functions into equal masses following a systematic grid, that forms to create a network of mass and void system, where the voids serve as circulation distributors the masses contain the variant functions the project contains. The masses are distributed on four different levels throughout the project, in which two intersecting main circulation loops are introduced in between, the main circulation loops include an intersecting network of ramps that transport the users in between the levels from one space to another, containing different ramps going in and out between the masses to the upper and lower levels of the project , taking the user into a journey through the different facilities of the project between the spaces while exploring the surrounding environment, making transportation enjoyable for the users.

The masses of the project are covered by supported slabs that contain several openings and voids where nature is let in to be one with the project, the openings make up levelled gardens between the masses, creating a consistent grid of mass and nature on the ground, while the voids created in the slab create  light tunnels that allow lighting and ventilation to travel throughout and in between the masses of the project, where the user is subjected to life in between nature without boundaries, allowing nature to be a part of the daily routine for each individual.

The slabs provide different spatial definition and feel to the areas collectively, where they follow an organic flow through the project alone with the main circulation loops, the user is allowed to experience architectural spaces through a different point of view, where the masses follow a systematic consistent grid that is broken by the organic circulation loops that intersect with one another.