‘youth center level Z’ by MTB architecten, zwolle, switzerland image © robert oerlemans all images courtesy of MTB architecten

john van dijk and rogier groeneveld of dutch firm MTB architecten set off on a collaborative design process with the citizens of zwolle to create the ‘level Z youth centre,’ a result of community input interpreted by the architects, who only took part in the design of the kitchen, toilets, fencing and stairs. the public was allowed to draft their own internal program by placing a wardrobe, dj tower and bar. they also purchased all the sound equipment, lighting, and furniture themselves, which can be completely re-organized and changed by future generations.

situated atop an earthen plinth, the young population wanted a robust structure separate from the urban landscape. few openings are cut into the rusty corrugated steel panels that wrap the facade in order to harness the sound-production from the three main spaces. a double-height multifunctional room contains a stage and sound system for concerts or parties, while the second floor can be used as a balcony into the miniature venue. offices and meeting rooms are found on the second storey, with larger windows for natural light and a smoker’s terrace. by popular demand, the interior is a raw exposed industrial environment with electrical and mechanical services in the open air.

MTB architecten: level Z youth center approach from walkwayimage © robert oerlemans

MTB architecten: level Z youth center entry and courtyardimage © robert oerlemans

MTB architecten: level Z youth center geometric form outlines full-height glazing and  smoking balconyimage © robert oerlemans

MTB architecten: level Z youth center corrugated rusted steel facadeimage © robert oerlemans

MTB architecten: level Z youth centerimage © robert oerlemans

MTB architecten: level Z youth center windows cut out of the rusted steel facadeimage © robert oerlemans

MTB architecten: level Z youth center (left) second storey (right) stairsimage © robert oerlemans

MTB architecten: level Z youth center staircaseimage © robert oerlemans

MTB architecten: level Z youth center curved space allows for different usesimage © robert oerlemans

MTB architecten: level Z youth center suspended lighting rigimage © robert oerlemans

MTB architecten: level Z youth center multifunctional roomimage © robert oerlemans

MTB architecten: level Z youth center site plan

MTB architecten: level Z youth center floor plan / level 0

MTB architecten: level Z youth center floor plan / level 1

MTB architecten: level Z youth center section

project info:

architects bureau: john van dijk, mtb architecten apeldoorn – amsterdam i.c.w. 19 het atelier design: john van dijk and rogier groeneveld client: gemeente zwolle address: klokkengieterlaan, zwolle floorspace: 439 m2 volume: 1921 m3 construction costs:    € 650.000,- excluding technical installations contractor: prins bouw – ’t harde structural engineer: stoel partners – zwolle building physics cons.: cauberg-huygen raadgevende ingenieurs – zwolle