Bright Colors, Big Heart, Courtesy of Dvira Interiors

By Murrye Bernard

Community centers don't always get the design-star treatment. But the Jewish Youth Network's new home in Richmond Hill, Ontario, created by Toronto-based designer Dvira Ovadia and her team at Dvira Interiors, isn't your average community center.

In fact, "community center" almost feels too small of a description. There's a café with walls clad in lush greenery. A rooftop terrace dotted with bright accents of color. Art studios. Lounge spaces. Built-in reading nooks. A massive gymnasium wrapped in graphics that practically radiate energy. Everywhere you look, there’s something inviting you to stick around a little longer.

It feels less like a youth center and more like a campus built specifically for young people. Which, frankly, is what makes the project so successful.

"The vision was to create more than just a functional youth hub," Dvira says. "It was designed to encourage resilience, self-expression, cultural engagement, and meaningful connection for a new generation."

To support everything from educational programming and athletics to social events and creative activities, the building needed to accommodate a wide range of experiences under one roof. Instead of separating those functions into disconnected zones, Dvira focused on making a flexible environment that feels cohesive, energetic, and easy to navigate.

The visual language helps. Bright blues, greens, yellows, and oranges pop throughout the building, creating vibrant moments without overwhelming the space. Warm wood finishes ground the interiors, while environmental storytelling and inspirational messages transform walls into opportunities for discovery.

What I appreciate most is how naturally the cultural references are integrated into the design. Dvira says she never wanted to separate the modern elements from the cultural ones, “but rather to have them coexist naturally within the same design language"

That philosophy shows up throughout the project. Jewish values, traditions, and history are woven directly into the experience through exhibits, graphics, artwork, and architectural details. A wall dedicated to Torah study includes cozy built-in alcoves for reading and reflection. One of the most memorable examples is a deconstructed Star of David constructed through integrated lighting. Instead of announcing itself immediately, the feature reveals itself gradually as visitors move through the space. "We wanted the symbolism to feel immersive and discovered naturally," Dvira says.

More than anything, the project radiates optimism. Every space feels designed to foster gathering, learning, creativity, and connection. It's welcoming without feeling precious, meaningful without feeling heavy-handed, and playful without losing sight of its purpose. At a time when so many people are searching for places where they can feel connected, that's a pretty powerful thing to build. ⬥