Not in education employment or training: architecturally adressing social iIsolation

Abstract

How can architects address the needs of inactive NEETs? “NEET” is a sociological classification of young people aged 16-29 that are Not in Education, Employment or Training and have been so for at least six months. In my thesis, I focus specifically on the subgroup “inactive NEETs”: young people who for various reasons, often connected to mental health issues, are not even applying for jobs or education. Many of them still live at home with their parents. Through phenomenological research I try to understand and represent the lived experience of this group of individuals. Through this research I encounter themes of social anxiety, apathy towards society, fear of exploitative work and experience of childhood bullying to name a few examples. There is also a high prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism and ADHD among inactive NEETs. After concluding my research I start a process of thematic analysis and synthesis around central themes of purpose and “being of need to others”. A case study is conducted of an organisation in Umeå that works exclusively with treating inactive NEETs. I encounter clues that pique an interest in Animal-Assisted Interventions: the use of animals to improve mental and physical health seems like a novel approach for architectural experimentation. The themes are synthesized with programs and a speculative architectural proposal is developed: a combined cat shelter, cat-café, internet café and co-living space run as a social enterprise.