Though there is a large population of young people living in the Williamsbridge area, there are not many spaces programmatically dedicated to youth. My design seeks to bring together two aspects of Jamaican culture, Alumni Associations, and youth dominance in track and field as well as other sports, to produce an architecture for the young people of Williamsbridge. Located at the intersection of Gun Hill Road and White Plains Road, my project takes advantage of the existing structure of the elevated subway track. I chose to create a network of recreational, athletic, and mentorship spaces. This complex consists of a few common elements: sports facilities, indoor mentorship, and recreational spaces, and exterior seating and circulation, all tied together by an elevated track that circles the network. This space will be organized and run by a collective of ambassadors from local alumni associations, and offer a place for youth to gather. Here they can gain exposure to professionals and simultaneously expand on the existing dominance of the Caribbean community in international athletics. I imagine the space being used at multiple levels, by top-level athletes training for competitions, by intramural community leagues, and by casual community members gathering for spontaneous scrimmages. I also imagine young folks who find their way here for games being drawn to the interior spaces by alumni leaders organizing programs.
