The New Generation Youth and Community Centre / RCKa

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Text description provided by the architects. Working closely with Lewisham Council, its partners and young people, RCKa developed proposals to satisfy a funding brief for a "world-class" building; from the use of innovative sustainable construction and high-quality design to extensive participation of young people, whose involvement continued through the detailed design, construction, management and governance of the building and services.

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Central to this vision was the creation of a democratic and flexible building that responds to the changing demands of its occupants. A dramatic central space resolves complex site levels and forms a vibrant heart, providing an event landscape that engages and welcomes visitors, and is alive with activity and opportunity.

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Exposed structural timber forms and elegant coffered ceiling and wall finish, selected for its natural warmth and ability to resist post-tender D&B value-engineering. Clean lines and dramatic open spaces aid security through natural surveillance, and result in a bright and vibrant inclusive internal atmosphere.

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External cladding is unified by a gently undulating profile that casts vertical shadows across curtain-like elevations. Reflective foil-faced insulation beneath polycarbonate creates a sunlight-responsive shimmering skin, beneath which is hung delicately faceted porcelain-like ultra-high performance concrete panels: an attractive, tactile and robust base to the building.

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RCKa identified the potential of the site for a significant facility being aware of Lewisham's emerging youth policy and were instrumental in securing project funding.

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The practice's aim was to create a positive place in which young people find inspiration, where they feel safe and secure, and in which they want to spend time.

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