THE BELL JAR PROJECT

by Orkidea Shala

For my project I have decided to design a youth centre for 14 to 18 year olds struggling with anxiety and depression. Many counselling and therapy clinics already exist in the Clerkenwell area however the aim here was to make a ‘safe’ space for people of this age range to interact in and enjoy. The project is influenced by Sylvia Plath’s book ‘The Bell Jar’ which is based on the main characters’ feelings of entrapment and her attempt to escape this.
I have decided to use natural materials, which are proven to respond to mental challenges in a positive manner, such as cork and concrete to make the inhabitants feel as comfortable as possible. In addition, I have decided to expose the space to more natural light by cutting through the roof to make the space adaptable for plants. Natural light has also strongly been linked to increased energy.