Project Future is a community based holistic and youth-led, mental health and wellbeing service situated in Haringey. It seeks to transform the delivery of mental health for young men aged 11-25 who are involved in offending, have experiences of the criminal justice system, and specifically for those exposed to serious youth violence or labelled ‘gang-affiliated’.

Between December 2019 and April 2020, Dana and Paulina Sidhom ran participatory design sessions at Project Future, working with the young men to transform their outdoors space. To restructure and re-vision the space, they employed ‘Arcology’ principles, a comprehensive urban perspective that fuses architecture with ecology. In nature, as organisms evolve, they increase in complexity and become a more compact system.

Starting with a derelict site, filled with waste collected over the years, and invasive weeds, they co-designed the space based on permaculture principles, and to include a cob pizza oven, a food-growing area, a greenhouse, designated stepping paths, fruit trees, shrubs, hammocks, hanging baskets, and Japanese garden features.

All elements were informed by participants’ desires, paying special attention to their needs, as well as anxieties around insects, and reticence about spending time outdoors or getting their clothes dirty with soil. The lead participant, P. developed a real interest in improving the site, and overcame his initial fears by cleaning the rubbish, removing the weeds, and helping to plant two fruit trees. The COVID-19 pandemic halted the project, but under the guidance of Project Future staff, P. planted plants and herbs, and continued to tend to the garden during the summer, which instilled confidence and pride in the area.

Spring 2021 will allow the entire project to resume, with all other elements being delivered in collaboration with the young men.