This project reimagines a youth centre for Toxteth through the lens of biology, identity, and community. Drawing inspiration from “mitosis”; the process of cell division that supports growth, repair, and regeneration; the scheme reflects the evolving identities of young people as they discover who they are and who they wish to become. In the same way that cells multiply and adapt, this space aims to nurture individuality while strengthening collective identity, offering a framework for personal development rooted in culture and community.
The design is deeply informed by Toxteth’s layered history and its vibrant, diverse population. As someone passionate about creating spaces that feel authentic, empowering, and responsive, I was especially drawn to the idea of designing a third space; one that exists outside of home and school, where young people can feel ownership, experiment with identity, and grow with each other. The architectural language reflects this dynamism through flexible layouts, community-led programming, and the symbolic use of timber to express organic growth and renewal.
The scheme is more than just a building; it is a platform. A place where older youth mentor younger ones, where culture is not just represented but actively shared, and where spatial transformation mirrors the changes within its users. Through this project, I explored how architecture can respond not just to physical needs, but to emotional and cultural ones too.
Ultimately, this is a space where regeneration is personal – a living structure that adapts, heals, and celebrates the identities it holds. The project has allowed me to explore how conceptual frameworks like biology can guide meaningful design, and how architecture can become a catalyst for social connection, pride, and future-building.
Gallery
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