As a non-profit organization that works with local youths, Beyond the Ball is the kind of project that we love talking about. We are proud to have been commissioned to design their main office and activity centre in North Lawndale.
Beyond the Ball was started to keep young local residents off the streets and away from gang activity by providing them with activities and sports after school. By setting up in a lower income area, this centre would provide inspiration and facilities to the younger and most vulnerable members of the community.
We designed the space to double up as a meeting area as well as a gathering space for events. We created bright interiors that would make everyone feel safe and welcome, with an open layout that lent a modern and exciting appeal. We added an office in the front, leading to an open activity space with a kitchenette behind.
The activity area opened out to an outdoor deck for an indoor-outdoor feel at larger events. The organization also owned a vacant lot attached to the property, which we converted to a small commercial space that could be rented out to create revenue.
The community centre is superbly located on the corner of a street, so we opened up the two sides to let in light and to let curious passers-by see that all were welcome.
Keeping in mind the social nature of this project, we created designs and offered services for a minimal fee. Unfortunately the budget constraints of the client meant that the funds for Beyond the Ball had to be moved to another section of their youth program and could not be used for the centre. We look forward to continuing our good relationship with this client when circumstances are better.
Year:
2013