Design Challenge Title: Community Wellness Spaces Challenge

Challenge Description: In many communities, there is a lack of safe and inclusive spaces where youth can gather to support their mental health and well-being. This challenge invites participants to design innovative solutions for creating community wellness spaces that cater specifically to the needs of youth. These spaces should be accessible, inviting, and equipped with resources and activities that promote mental wellness, foster social connections, and provide support for youth facing mental health challenges.

How Might We Questions:

1. **How might we design physical spaces within communities that are welcoming and inclusive for youth of diverse backgrounds and experiences?
2. **How might we incorporate elements of nature and biophilic design principles into community wellness spaces to promote relaxation, stress reduction, and connection with the environment?
3. **How might we integrate technology and digital tools into community wellness spaces to provide access to mental health resources, educational materials, and virtual support networks for youth?
4. **How might we collaborate with local organizations, schools, and community stakeholders to ensure that community wellness spaces are tailored to the unique needs and preferences of youth in different neighborhoods?
5. **How might we design flexible and adaptable spaces that can accommodate a variety of activities and events, including workshops, group discussions, art therapy sessions, and recreational activities?
6. **How might we ensure that community wellness spaces are staffed by trained professionals or volunteers who can provide guidance, support, and referrals to youth in need of mental health services?
7. **How might we promote community ownership and engagement in the development and maintenance of community wellness spaces, encouraging youth and community members to take pride in and contribute to the success of these initiatives?
8. **How might we measure the impact and effectiveness of community wellness spaces in promoting positive mental health outcomes and improving the overall well-being of youth in the community?

Submission Guidelines:

• Participants are encouraged to develop comprehensive design proposals that address the various aspects of creating community wellness spaces, including physical design, programming, staffing, and community engagement strategies.
• Submissions should include your doodles, conceptual designs, floor plans, renderings, and detailed explanations of proposed features, amenities, and activities.
• Creativity, feasibility, and potential impact will be key criteria for evaluation.
• SUBMIT ANY IMAGES or class project process images to @wellnessartclub using #welcomspacewellness

Benefits:

• Learning to think of community and design solutions may help you and your community receive recognition, support, and resources to further develop and implement their ideas, potentially leading to the establishment of community wellness spaces in real-world settings.
• Participants will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the mental health and well-being of youth in their communities, providing them with a safe and supportive environment to thrive.