Future Factory

Residential Co-Living Design Project: Enhancing Quality of Life for Mentally Ill Young Adults

Within the context of an urban co-living initiative situated in Rotterdam, the objective of this project was to meticulously craft a co-living space that addresses the specific needs and aspirations of mentally ill young adults. This endeavor necessitated a comprehensive research-driven approach, as the focus was on creating an environment that contributes positively to the mental well-being of the residents.

A pivotal step in this undertaking involved the deliberate selection of the target demographic – young adults facing mental health challenges. Extensive research was conducted to gain insights into the nuances of mental health and its interaction with physical spaces. By scrutinizing elements that could exert either a favorable or adverse impact on mental states, a foundation was laid for informed design decisions.

The initial phase comprised iterative space sketching, with a discerning evaluation of each concept's viability to accommodate the intended design elements. A thorough analysis of the requirements and preferences of the target group followed, informing the development of a comprehensive checklist. The translation of these requisites into spatial layouts involved a meticulous process of trial and adjustment, aiming to optimize the chosen spatial configuration and conceptual framework.

The culmination of this meticulous process yielded "The Future Factory" – a co-living environment tailored to empower young adults grappling with mental health challenges. The paramount emphasis on research resonated with the overarching objective of the project, underscoring the informed nature of the design choices.

This endeavor proved profoundly enlightening, as it marked an opportunity to design for a marginalized segment of society. It necessitated a profound understanding of the interventions that could tangibly enhance the quality of life for this demographic. The integration of critical feedback throughout the process facilitated self-reflection, expediting the decision-making process and enhancing its efficiency. Interrogating design decisions and their alignment with the conceptual framework became a normative practice, fostering a more rigorous design approach.

An intriguing dimension that emerged was the exploration of color psychology and its potential to influence emotions and well-being. This newfound perspective on color's significance in design added a compelling layer to the project. A significant realization surfaced – the weighty responsibility that designers bear in shaping the experiences of occupants. This profound insight underscored the role of the designer in crafting spaces that possess the capacity to make a transformative impact on individuals' lives.

The experience of conceptualizing and materializing a space tailored to the needs of a vulnerable demographic was a formative one. It underscored the necessity of extensive research, comprehensive understanding, and ethical design practices. Factors such as financial feasibility, health-enhancing features, and social impact were scrutinized in great depth before arriving at design conclusions. This project underscored the fusion of design and social responsibility, leaving a lasting impression on the importance of using design as a tool for improving the lives of marginalized individuals.