As head of X...
...I am extremely happy with the Playground's (open spaces at X) new look & feel! Not only because it looks aesthetically appealing, but especially because of the functions the different spaces have; namely relax & recharge, play & connect and cultural fusion. All with a slightly different signature, but with connection as the common denominator in the design language, function and interior.
For some time, we wanted more unity in different spaces on the one hand, so that you would feel welcome in every space at X, and at the same time we also wanted to assign these spaces different functions, so that the spaces could meet a range of needs. With X's research into the needs profiles of young people and the completion of the temporary Exhale project, this gained momentum. It was clear that Exhale met a number of important needs around meeting and ‘being’. When we closed the physical Exhale premises, we decided as X that we felt these needs were so important that we wanted to retain the function and incorporated them into X as much as possible.
So, adjacent to the entrance hall, you will now find a social living room (Stay) and a crafts studio (Make). Besides Make (partly an open space), there are also two new programme spaces; a multifunctional space with a focus on intercultural connection through cooking (Taste studio) and a multicultural space with a focus on dance (Move studio). In addition, the entrance hall has become a dynamic living space and foyer X and Cafe X have also received a small makeover. Meeting and connecting have really been given a central place in the design of X.
As X we hope...
..to encourage and facilitate the personal development of young people. Connection with yourself, others and the world is essential for this. And I truly believe that this environment now maximises all these layers of connection. An environment where you are allowed to fail, ask questions and be yourself. A place where individuals feel heard and seen and where they are allowed to experiment and learn. A place with room for physical and emotional connection. Having a conversation without a phone on the table, playing sports together, or simply taking the time to really hear another person. But also, for example, setting limits to the constant stream of stimuli that floods us every day and making space for reflection.
Ultimately, connection is not a luxury but a necessity of life. It is the basis on which young people form their identity, build relationships and find a place in the world. I think it is therefore important to continue investing in environments and communities that enable this connection, and am glad X is one of them!
