Young Ideas at N17 reflects John McAslan + Partners’ longstanding commitment to education, social inclusion and community engagement. Established in the aftermath of the 2011 riots in Tottenham, North London, the initiative saw the practice open a live design studio within a vacant retail unit on Tottenham High Road, creating an accessible space where local young people could engage directly with ideas about place-making and regeneration.

Learning through participation
N17 operated as both a public-facing design hub and a learning environment. In partnership with the local authority and colleges, it offered work placements, design-led workshops and mentoring to local young people, many of whom had limited exposure to the creative industries. JMP’s staff collaborated closely with teachers and pupils from nearby schools, using real-world regeneration challenges as learning tools.

Projects ranged from practical studies looking at ways of improving the local environment to hands-on training in construction skills, focused on forest recycling. These activities helped to demystify design and construction, demonstrating how creative thinking can positively shape neighbourhoods and public spaces.

Skills, pathways and legacy
Alongside studio-based learning, JMP created apprenticeships offering experience in IT, 3D visualisation, business administration, accountancy and marketing. These placements were directly aligned with students’ academic studies in creative and digital media, design support and ICT, helping to bridge education and employment.

The impact of N17 extended beyond its operational lifespan, with outcomes subsequently showcased at the London Festival of Architecture and the Open House festival. Relationships forged through the project continue to inform ongoing outreach and education initiatives by the practice, which support wider access to the profession and encourage participation from under-represented groups.