Sponsored Project: Bridge To Belonging
Interior Designers
Yasmin Childs & Alejandra Castaedagomez
CMF Designer
Laura Lin
Stage 1. C.L.A.S.S Agency
The C.L.A.S.S. Agency is committed to promoting positive lifestyle and behavioral changes through access to prevention, intervention, and substance abuse treatment. To expand their community impact, C.L.A.S.S. partnered with the College for Creative Studies (CCS) to design a community center that aligns with their values. As part of the design process, our team visited the site in Detroit, where we met with the youth and staff to understand their needs and ensure the space would be functional, inclusive, and empowering for all.
Stage 2. Design Strategy
Our design strategies for the C.L.A.S.S. community center focus on creating an environment that nurtures connection and creativity. The first strategy, Nurture Through Nature, incorporates raw materials, organic furniture shapes, and abundant plant life to bring the outdoors indoors, promoting well-being through biophilic design. The second strategy, Play and Sense, encourages creativity and engagement with interactive spaces, movable furniture, and bold, vibrant colors, offering a flexible, dynamic environment that invites exploration and personal expression.
Floor 1:
Floor 2:
Stage 3. Details
Tactile: Our design incorporates tactile details to engage the senses, featuring a sensory wall with turnable circular shapes and ceramics with textured patterns. Iridescent glass and playful curved shapes with threaded elements invite visitors to interact with the space, enhancing the sensory experience and encouraging exploration through touch.
Playful curved shape patterns with threads to touch
Tactile and sensory wall with turnable circular shape
Record Wall: The "Record of Our Lives" wall invites the community to share their aspirations and personal stories by writing them down and hanging them on the wall. This interactive feature encourages self-expression and fosters a sense of ownership and connection within the space, allowing individuals to contribute to the collective narrative of the community. It serves as a powerful visual representation of the shared experiences and dreams of all who engage with it.
Outcome
The final design fosters a sense of belonging and community, offering modular, multi-functional spaces that accommodate diverse user needs within limited constraints. Vibrant colors, rich textures, and local artistry bring the space to life, creating an inviting environment that reflects the identity of its users. The project successfully extends C.L.A.S.S’s reach, promoting connection, inclusion, and wellness while empowering community relationships through thoughtful, user-focused design.