Designing Creative Center : A Place for Creatives and Recreations

Abstract

In response to the accelerating growth of the creative industry, the design of a Creative Communal Center in Medan aims to provide a space that supports both creative production and community engagement. This center functions primarily as a creative hub—offering facilities and infrastructure that foster innovation, collaboration, and skill development for creative practitioners. At the same time, it also acts as a public space that invites the general community to engage with creative content through exhibitions, performances, and various communal activities. The dual purpose of the Creative Communal Center allows it to become a bridge between creative communities and the public, creating opportunities for interaction, appreciation, and cultural exchange. This integration is intended to support the city’s economic and cultural growth while enhancing the quality of life for its residents. The design approach is grounded in Thoring’s Spatial Quality theory, which identifies five key principles essential to the success of creative environments: knowledge processor, indicator of culture, process enabler, social dimension, and source of stimulation. These principles are used to guide spatial decisions that influence user behavior, enhance productivity, and stimulate creativity. Through the careful application of this framework, the Creative Communal Center is envisioned as a dynamic and inclusive space that nurtures exploration, supports creative processes, and contributes meaningfully to the creative and cultural ecosystem of Medan.