GROVVE

The first-of-its-kind Youth-centric Third Place brings together a consortium of experts through a well-being-focused collaboration

In line with Singapore’s agenda for a more nuanced approach to youth mental health challenges, ‘grovve’, a new initiative by the National Council of Social Service, rethinks youth access to mental health and wellness. This project, led by FARM, utilises design thinking to consider how a resonant, sensitive and non-stigmatising mental wellness centre can be created and how different mental health service providers can come together to offer more integrated, sympathetic care.

Beginning with the layout, readjustments and positioning of different programmes enabled shared spaces to receive natural sunlight throughout the day. A view of the outside for the working spaces used by the team, or meant for the public, is omnipresent – ensuring they remain connected to the environment so that natural circadian rhythms are maintained during indoor/working hours. Private counselling rooms are consolidated to form an ensemble. Hugged by the surrounding rooms, the counselling ensemble emits an organic and natural sense of support that is comforting and stable. Curvatures continue in each room to consistently communicate a sense of assurance. Selected textiles, lighting and soft furnishings echo similar energy for blankets of security during vulnerable moments. Resulting journey around the form thus mimics and gently shapes in quietly balancing the atmosphere from open, vibrant areas to private spots.

More vibrant areas meant for the Youth Community to occupy are kept dynamic through modular furniture for enhanced usability and space co-opting. Seating islands placed at parts of the large communal central invite spontaneous temporary conversations while empowering options for more intentional gatherings at key spaces.

As Singapore’s first-of-its-kind Third Place dedicated to youth mental wellness, ‘grovve’ represents a bold step toward destigmatising help-seeking. Empathy is embedded through human-centric design, while the activation of shared spaces through diverse programs fosters positive community support. By providing a space where young people can find stability and nurture their sense of belonging, ‘grovve’ champions our vision of Third Places that prioritise Well-being for All.

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