Vulnerable young people can sit together and relax in this courtyard space designed by Emerge Associates for outdoor healing and respite, at the Youth Withdrawal and Respite Centre in Perth, Western Australia.
Emerge Associates delivered the charity project with the support of the Property Council of WA, LD Total, Rural Stone Company, Mission Australia Housing and Benara Nurseries.
More than $9000 worth of Linea Seats were donated to the courtyard by Street Furniture Australia as part of a competition run with AILA National and AILA WA to find a local charity project to receive break-out furniture from the 2021 International Festival of Landscape Architects, held in Perth.
The DAYS Youth Centre project was chosen by a panel of judges from AILA and Street Furniture Australia based on the impact it will have on the community.
The Centre supports young people aged 12-21 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, with a range of free and confidential alcohol and other drug services. The courtyard provides a safe outdoor space to facilitate reflection, healing and recovery.
Concept design by Emerge Associates. Click to enlarge.
Peta-Maree Ashford, Director of Emerge Associates and landscape architect for the project, said, “I couldn’t stop smiling when I saw these vibrant furniture pieces in situ at the Mission Australia DAYS centre. The colours bring the garden to life and joy to the DAYS clients and staff who use it. Again sincere thanks to the judges and Street Furniture Australia for recognising this worthy project.”
Mission Australia DAYS Program Manager, Jacob Davis said, “The furniture donated by Street Furniture Australia has been placed in the courtyard area of the withdrawal unit. The bright colours of the benches donated has been greatly received by the young people who have commented that they have added some much-needed vibrancy and colour to the courtyard.”
“The furniture is of very good quality and will be a feature of the DAYS program for many years to come. Mission Australia would like to thank the team at Street Furniture Australia for the donation, it is very much appreciated.”
