Abstract:
Global studies indicate that youth face a lot of pressure and stress. Research shows that leisure is an effective coping mechanism to destress. Youth of Islamabad use digital leisure to express self and destress. However, the rise in internet usage by 35.9% from 2021-22 in Pakistan is concerning. Excessive dependence of youth on digital means is unhealthy as it leads to isolation, withdrawal from the real world and disconnection from the people around them. Despite being the largest age group of Islamabad, youth leisure options are limited. Since digital leisure is an important part of youth expression and identity, design concept and type of leisure program is derived from the analysis of elements in digital media that intrigue youth and translating them architecturally. The thesis proposes creative leisure architecture as a vessel to merge the physical and digital realm of youth, by celebrating youth expression and strengthening their bonds with the public. Creative leisure acts as an informal learning and social platform to express youth identity and creativity. It can instill in youth a sense of ownership by inclusion of their leisure needs in public space and engage youth through acceptance and opportunities to exchange and cherish diverse creative and healthy experiences. Through architecture, expression of youth interests can be communicated to different age groups, thus increasing comprehend-sion and bridging gaps between generations. Surveys, interviews and literature review are conducted to understand youth leisure interests and accessibility, functionality and specificity of programs. Site was selected in G11 according to youth activity, youth influx, ease of accessibility, and site laws. Precedent studies of similar existing buildings and their strategies are analyzed to aid in design concept and approach.
