The youth of Amsterdam-North face pressing socioeconomic challenges, including poverty, social exclusion and limited access to education and recreational facilities. These conditions contribute to stress, loneliness and a weakened sense of community, exacerbated by gentrification and stigmatization. This research examines how a youth center can serve as a supportive space for empowerment, social interaction and mental well-being among vulnerable youth. Central to this research is the role of architecture in creating such a center. The research introduces a three-part framework - social, social and spatial dimensions - to analyze how architecture can respond to these complex needs. A set of architectural parameters, including transparency, flexibility and appropriation, guides the assessment of the case studies. The findings are intended to inform architectural strategies that promote empowerment and inclusion through youth-focused design in Amsterdam-North.