Promising Youth: Retroactive Cultural and Public Infrastructures in San Jerónimo

Abstract

Youth delinquency in Asunción, Paraguay is a prevalent issue that stems from socioeconomic factors, a lack of public space, and a broken penal system. San Jerónimo is a neighbourhood in Asunción whose community deals with delinquency from their own youths and surrounding urban environment. The use of a retroactive infrastructure focus on cultural arts programmes alongside public spaces contribute to community change by restoring a sense of belonging for youths and the spatial dignity of the community. Physically, the design highlights the industrial site in form and existing building conditions with the transformation of warehouses into contemporary spaces to accommodate the development of youth support programmes alongside a public space designed for safety and community engagement. The result is a contributory place for a promising youth future and a community that is transformed through a common platform in which members relate to each other.