Volunteers of America Youth Resource Center
The Volunteers of America Youth Resource Center is designed to provide a safe and healing environment for the homeless and at-risk youth of Utah. Authentic and uplifting, the building enables healing and progress for those who are underserved. The Center represents a combined vision of community leaders, design team, and young clients experiencing homelessness. Serving as an anchor for the surrounding Granary neighborhood it provides a framework based on choice, dignity, and acceptance. A calm and porous environment, the building allows ample transparency to the exterior while providing safety and privacy. Youth have an opportunity to project their identities and express their creativity with a gallery wall, a display corner, and an exterior art wall. Inside the interior is organized around a courtyard and a sky-well that fills the building with light and air, while providing safe multi-functional space for both programmed activity and quiet respite.
SERVICES: Programming, Architecture, Landscape, Interior Design
AWARDS & RECOGNITION:
Best Projects Merit Award, Engineering News Record Mountain States
BEST of the Best Award & “Serve” BEST Award, IIDA Intermountain Chapter
AIA Utah Honors Award
Design Challenge
DURABILITY WITH HIGH USE
Designed to withstand intense use over time and with operational costs in mind, the durability of materials was paramount. Timeless monochromatic materials were used in installations that change infrequently such as the flooring and tile.
Information
BY THE NUMBERS
Salt Lake City, UT | 20,000 SF | 2016
Earth Centered
High performance exterior envelope and daylighting through clerestory skylights.