Application of Metaphoric Expression as a Representation of Youth Identity in the Design of a Youth Cultural Center in Bandung

Abstract

Bandung, as a creative city, has a vibrant cultural dynamic with the strong involvement of young people in driving artistic, community, and popular culture activities. This condition demands cultural spaces that function not only as activity venues but also as platforms for expression, collaboration, and identity formation. The rapid urbanization and limited public spaces specifically dedicated to youth highlight the urgency of designing a Youth Cultural Center that accommodates their social and cultural needs. This study aims to propose a cultural space that supports the creative process of youth while strengthening their role in an inclusive and sustainable urban cultural landscape. The metaphorical architectural approach was applied to provide symbolic meaning and foster emotional attachment between space and users. The research employed a descriptive qualitative method, including literature review, site analysis, and precedent studies. The design adopts river morphology through three metaphors: meander as a symbol of freedom in exploration, confluence as a symbol of intergenerational collaboration, and delta as a symbol of the dissemination of creative ideas. These metaphors are embodied in a design that integrates tangible and intangible elements to create a dynamic, reflective, and contextual narrative of youth identity in Bandung. The study concludes that the Youth Cultural Center with a river morphology metaphor approach can produce a cultural space that is not only functional but also meaningful, capable of reinforcing identity, and encouraging active youth participation in shaping the urban cultural ecosystem.