New Horizons and Street Bean Visit

Visiting the New Horizons shelter really made me consider organization in a more in-depth manner. While there are designated areas where certain activities take place, there is no definition of space. Of course, for the purpose of the building, an open layout is more practical. In residential terms, however, I feel that some sort of structure is needed, whether it’s with full or partial walls, or placement of furniture.
For this space, I think that it is important to consider the environment that teens face when they aren't at the shelter. By then determining positive qualities that these circumstances lack, a space can be designed which creates a retreat for the teens who visit New Horizons. Throughout the tour, I noticed that while it is intended to be an inviting space, the lighting does not aid this aesthetic at all. In some areas where lights should illuminate the entire space (namely the office cubicle portion), it was far too dark. In the area open to the teens, the lights were very harsh and cold, which is not comforting at all.
My personal recommendation for upgrading the area that the teens use would be to more strongly create the sense of distinct areas by using different types of lighting for the different areas. This would maintain the open floor plan which is necessary for the function of the space while forming a feeling of a more comforting and homey space.