Hair Cadets
2024
Following from my previous work Roots, this project follows hair loss. I wanted to create a space that currently doesn’t exist, a safe space purely dedicated to the installation of wigs, specifically for children. I have used themes of ecopsychology and play to encourage a positive environment in light of a traumatic experience.
The Kennedys Sausage site in Peckham, London is currently being used as a studio by Raqib Shaw. The location has an open garden and natural space that the user can enter for fresh air. The site offers natural lighting aligning with ecopsychology.
The Levels
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The framework represents my idea of protection without coming across as a ‘cage’ through the use of carefully selected windows that let users look out to the garden and up to the sky. Each window, depending on the location, interacts with each level, for example, the balcony section of windows is mostly transparent which is very intentional.
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The roof is all about engaging with nature which touches on ecopsychology, a way of boosting mental health by being in nature. This inspired me to use the theme of space and nature as a way to engage children. Everything leads the user up to towards the roof.
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The first floor is a base for the onsite wig makers to make any alterations for each wig and for users to take the time to style and try on different wigs. Installing can take place in an open area or private space allowing freedom of choice.
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The ground floor is for socialising or taking a private moment for play. Since my target demographic is children, the importance of play as a way of developing their minds and growing into their personalities in key to having in setting branded as positive and safe.











![third_floor_plan_[Recovered].jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/679256088b641d3a985c8a4f/0a4ee547-687b-4791-a23b-8e66e9b175ab/third_floor_plan_%5BRecovered%5D.jpg)








This is the final model featuring way-finder characters for each point of interaction in my design. "Hair Cadets" encourages children to experience play and develop their personalities through trauma. This building is dedicated to helping children express themselves while navigating the trauma of hair loss due to conditions such as chemotherapy or alopecia.