Teenage years are critical in forming a positive personal identity. And for a foster teenager, this development becomes even more complex due to a history of displacement, estrangement and potentially abusive relationships along with other experiences. 

Our challenge was to design a home for foster teenagers which promoted and supported the development of personal identity. 

The project consisted on designing nine floors where teenagers could explore and define their personal Identity Development. That is why each floor explores a different type of identity: family, cultural, community, urban and individual.

Individual Identity: the way one sees themselves.

Family Identity: biological family, as well as the family one makes.

Community Identity: the relationships which exist between the residents of the building.

Cultural Identity: encapsulates creative outlets, expression and engagement with the local neighborhood

Urban Identity: relationship to the city.

In my case, I was in charge of the first two floors and the basement. The design and the program were based on the fact that  Harlem offers a long and rich history of a flourishing arts community. By providing studio arts, performance and radio slash podcast programming, the tradition of the neighborhood is honored. These programs promote the development of a cultural connection to the immediate neighborhood. Through a mentoring program within the studios and theatre, teens will build positive relationships with adults. Those who desire to do so, will be granted the opportunity to learn making skills such as carpentry, woodworking and pottery (to name a few), handing them the tools to establish a viable career in their future. By including the infrastructure to support the recording of podcast programs, their voices can be heard. The ability to create, perform and be heard will boost their sense of self, and ultimately their sense of identity.