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Finalist: Interior Design
L.Y.E.C: LAO YOUTH EDUTAINMENT CENTER
L.Y.E.C: Lao Youth Edutainment CenterA youth center that aimed to raise awareness about sexual and reproductive health through edutainment OverviewThe Lao Youth Edutainment Center (L.Y.E.C.) is a dedicated space to address the critical gaps in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education among Laotian youth. Given the high adolescent birthrate in Laos, driven by limited SRH […]
L.Y.E.C: Lao Youth Edutainment Center
A youth center that aimed to raise awareness about sexual and reproductive health through edutainment
Overview
The Lao Youth Edutainment Center (L.Y.E.C.) is a dedicated space to address the critical gaps in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education among Laotian youth. Given the high adolescent birthrate in Laos, driven by limited SRH education, cultural taboos, and societal norms, L.Y.E.C. seeks to provide a culturally sensitive and youth-friendly solution through edutainment and adaptive reuse architecture. The center aims to foster an engaging, safe, and comfortable environment where young people can access essential information, resources, and support on SRH matters without stigma or discomfort.
Context and Problem Statement
Laos faces a pressing challenge with adolescent pregnancies due to a combination of inadequate SRH education, cultural perceptions of child marriage, and limited accessibility to reproductive health services. Many young individuals refrain from utilizing formal clinical facilities due to discomfort and the social stigma surrounding SRH topics. This issue is further exacerbated by entrenched gender norms that restrict open discussions and access to accurate health information.
L.Y.E.C. is conceptualized as an innovative intervention that leverages edutainment education delivered through engaging and interactive experiences to increase awareness, foster behavioral change, and equip Laotian youth with knowledge that enables informed decision-making regarding their reproductive health.
Design Narrative
L.Y.E.C. is envisioned as an inviting and inclusive space that integrates traditional Laotian culture with modern amenities to create a safe and engaging learning environment. The center preserves the historical charm of its location through adaptive reuse, ensuring that it remains contextually relevant while incorporating contemporary design solutions for accessibility and youth engagement.
The spatial organization of L.Y.E.C. is centered around creating a dynamic and interactive experience, with designated zones for workshops, counseling sessions, multimedia edutainment activities, and social gatherings. By blending entertainment with education, the center dismantles barriers to SRH learning and fosters an open and judgment-free atmosphere for young individuals to explore sensitive topics.
Key Design Elements
Impact and Vision
At its core, L.Y.E.C. is more than just a youth center—it is a movement towards reshaping how SRH education is perceived and delivered in Laos. By providing an alternative to clinical and formal healthcare settings, the center empowers young people to take charge of their reproductive health in a setting that is approachable, engaging, and supportive. Through its innovative blend of education, culture, and entertainment, L.Y.E.C. strives to reduce adolescent pregnancies, challenge restrictive gender norms, and improve the overall well-being of Laotian youth.
Ultimately, the L.Y.E.C. model aims to serve as a replicable blueprint for youth-driven SRH initiatives, fostering a future where all young individuals have equitable access to the knowledge and resources they need to make informed, responsible decisions about their health and future.
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L.Y.E.C: Lao Youth Edutainment Center Overview Context and Problem Statement Design Narrative Key Design Elements Impact and Vision
A youth center that aimed to raise awareness about sexual and reproductive health through edutainment
The Lao Youth Edutainment Center (L.Y.E.C.) is a dedicated space to address the critical gaps in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education among Laotian youth. Given the high adolescent birthrate in Laos, driven by limited SRH education, cultural taboos, and societal norms, L.Y.E.C. seeks to provide a culturally sensitive and youth-friendly solution through edutainment and adaptive reuse architecture. The center aims to foster an engaging, safe, and comfortable environment where young people can access essential information, resources, and support on SRH matters without stigma or discomfort.
Laos faces a pressing challenge with adolescent pregnancies due to a combination of inadequate SRH education, cultural perceptions of child marriage, and limited accessibility to reproductive health services. Many young individuals refrain from utilizing formal clinical facilities due to discomfort and the social stigma surrounding SRH topics. This issue is further exacerbated by entrenched gender norms that restrict open discussions and access to accurate health information.
L.Y.E.C. is conceptualized as an innovative intervention that leverages edutainment education delivered through engaging and interactive experiences to increase awareness, foster behavioral change, and equip Laotian youth with knowledge that enables informed decision-making regarding their reproductive health.
L.Y.E.C. is envisioned as an inviting and inclusive space that integrates traditional Laotian culture with modern amenities to create a safe and engaging learning environment. The center preserves the historical charm of its location through adaptive reuse, ensuring that it remains contextually relevant while incorporating contemporary design solutions for accessibility and youth engagement.
The spatial organization of L.Y.E.C. is centered around creating a dynamic and interactive experience, with designated zones for workshops, counseling sessions, multimedia edutainment activities, and social gatherings. By blending entertainment with education, the center dismantles barriers to SRH learning and fosters an open and judgment-free atmosphere for young individuals to explore sensitive topics.
- Interactive classrooms and multimedia zones for gamified learning and digital content on SRH.
- Flexible learning pods that accommodate individual counseling and group discussions.
- Warm, inviting interiors designed to ease stigma and encourage open conversations.
- Privacy-enhancing features for personal consultations and self-paced learning.
- Incorporation of Laotian architectural motifs and traditional aesthetics.
- Sustainable reuse of an existing structure to maintain historical significance and reduce environmental impact.
- Dedicated spaces for peer discussions and mentorship programs.
- Community-driven events to normalize conversations around SRH.
At its core, L.Y.E.C. is more than just a youth center—it is a movement towards reshaping how SRH education is perceived and delivered in Laos. By providing an alternative to clinical and formal healthcare settings, the center empowers young people to take charge of their reproductive health in a setting that is approachable, engaging, and supportive. Through its innovative blend of education, culture, and entertainment, L.Y.E.C. strives to reduce adolescent pregnancies, challenge restrictive gender norms, and improve the overall well-being of Laotian youth.
Ultimately, the L.Y.E.C. model aims to serve as a replicable blueprint for youth-driven SRH initiatives, fostering a future where all young individuals have equitable access to the knowledge and resources they need to make informed, responsible decisions about their health and future.
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