Atlanta third spaces: how architecture can design spaces for at risk youth
Disciplines
Architecture
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Juvenile crimes are rising in many US communities, amplifying stress, anxiety and safety concerns for teens, especially in high-crime neighborhoods where supportive spaces are scarce. This thesis tests whether the environment to design practice in teen focused third spaces, specifically lighting materials and restorative views can measurably reduce stress, anxiety, and violence among youth. Founded in environmental sociology, trauma enforced design and biophilic theory This evaluation centers on creative third space design that locates maker spaces for cooking, coding, woodworking and welding, and ceramics with a calm commons and an outdoor space the design centers on a creative third space prototype that integrates maker spaces such as skill studios, creative labs, and maker spaces, connected to a common space and outdoor learning gardens. Prior school research informs three core factors that guide the design process which are lighting quality, materiality, and views paired with flexible space. Glare controlled daylight supplemented by warm lighting supports calm , attentional focus, and perceived safety.Tactile, durable, youth safe finishes with meaningful acoustic absorption reduce ambient noise, enable de-escalation, and signal care and stewardship. Layered sightlines to nature, opportunities to spill outdoors, and rooms that reconfigure from quiet study to active making cultivate belonging encourage interaction.The intent is to provide a constructive, skill building alternative to destructive options by channeling after school hours into supervised making, learning, and belonging. Context mapping establishes City of Atlanta and Fulton County boundaries and compiles layers for candidate third spaces, high schools, and residential hubs to visualize teen catchments and access.
Keywords: third spaces, biophilic design, and juvenile crime
AI usage brief: AI assistance was used to help organize the outline
Use of AI Disclaimer
yes
Academic department under which the project should be listed
CACM – Architecture
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Robin Puttock
Atlanta third spaces: how architecture can design spaces for at risk youth
Juvenile crimes are rising in many US communities, amplifying stress, anxiety and safety concerns for teens, especially in high-crime neighborhoods where supportive spaces are scarce. This thesis tests whether the environment to design practice in teen focused third spaces, specifically lighting materials and restorative views can measurably reduce stress, anxiety, and violence among youth. Founded in environmental sociology, trauma enforced design and biophilic theory This evaluation centers on creative third space design that locates maker spaces for cooking, coding, woodworking and welding, and ceramics with a calm commons and an outdoor space the design centers on a creative third space prototype that integrates maker spaces such as skill studios, creative labs, and maker spaces, connected to a common space and outdoor learning gardens. Prior school research informs three core factors that guide the design process which are lighting quality, materiality, and views paired with flexible space. Glare controlled daylight supplemented by warm lighting supports calm , attentional focus, and perceived safety.Tactile, durable, youth safe finishes with meaningful acoustic absorption reduce ambient noise, enable de-escalation, and signal care and stewardship. Layered sightlines to nature, opportunities to spill outdoors, and rooms that reconfigure from quiet study to active making cultivate belonging encourage interaction.The intent is to provide a constructive, skill building alternative to destructive options by channeling after school hours into supervised making, learning, and belonging. Context mapping establishes City of Atlanta and Fulton County boundaries and compiles layers for candidate third spaces, high schools, and residential hubs to visualize teen catchments and access.
Keywords: third spaces, biophilic design, and juvenile crime
AI usage brief: AI assistance was used to help organize the outline