The Mapp Community Centre evolved from a design process that included an intensive phase of participation with the main user groups and the local community.

The spatial organisation considers the diverse needs of the various user groups:

• A nursery catering for babies and children up to 5 years of age

• A youth club for children from 5 to 14

• A social club for people with special needs

Low energy and running cost strategies for the building and its outdoor spaces have been developed with environmental consultants Battle McCarthy, and include:

• Use of natural and toxin-free materials

• Geothermal heating system and solar water heating

• Effective distribution of daylighting to reduce the need for electrical lighting

• Natural ventilation systems