The Hangout, Raum Utrecht

RAUM is a city lab on Berlijnplein in the Leidsche Reijn in Utrecht, where many cultural events for local residents are organized. Because many new people have come to live in this part of the city in a short time, there is a need for different types of places in the public space. When more and more young people started hanging out on the edge of the Raum location, Raum took the initiative to create a nice place for them. The young people chose Studio L A to design this place. Based on conversations with the young people and their program of requirements, Studio L A designed a movable pavilion within a modest budget where young people can meet each other and appropriate the place through street art, music and lighting. The last two are integrated into the design, but can be controlled by the young people.

The design consists of a (corner) wall that blocks noise to the residential area behind it, constructed from standard concrete duplo blocks. These same blocks are also arranged upside down in a strip. The holes in the blocks are filled with colored concrete. Surrounding it are red-colored blocks, also made of recycled concrete. A circle serves as a place that provokes a different type of use. A simple roof construction provides shelter. The pavilion is designed in such a way that it can also be constructed in a different configuration at a new location (RAUM will have a new building), depending on the needs of the young people.