RELIEF PACKAGE

Year: 2023

Instructor: Ramiro Diaz-Granados

Partner: Wan-Yu Chen

This project focuses on addressing the issue of food scarcity in Allensworth, a community located in California’s Central Valley. The area, despite being agriculturally rich, lacks access to fresh and nutritious food, leading to it being classified as a food “desert.” To combat this problem, the project aims to establish a farm lab that serves as a hub for sustainable agriculture.

The farm lab will act as an educational and innovative space, where individuals can learn about sustainable farming practices and participate in workshops. It will also foster collaboration between farmers, farmworkers, and other stakeholders in the food sector. By creating a network that connects local farmers, suppliers, and distributors, the project seeks to promote the production, distribution, and consumption of fresh, locally sourced food.

The goal is to transform Allensworth into a vibrant community with improved access to fresh produce. By integrating architecture, agriculture, and sustainability, the project envisions a future where the farm lab becomes a center of agricultural excellence. It will empower the community to take control of their food systems and build resilience.

This project has two phases and uses a system to move different parts. It considers the local climate, farming practices, and the community’s schedule. First, the design is delivered and unpacked to create the foundation. In the first phase, accessible spaces and amenities are placed on the base. In the second phase, programs related to the school are added based on the school’s schedule.

In the second phase, educational spaces like classrooms, labs, and communal areas are added onto the foundation. These spaces prioritize an optimal learning environment through elements like natural light, ventilation, and sustainability. Movable and fixed greenhouses are integrated to facilitate planting and practical learning experiences.

The gantry system plays a crucial role in this project. We have reimagined the gantry as a beast-like character that remains present even after construction, becoming part of the ongoing assemblage. Similar to oxen pulling a cart, this beast-like gantry performs tasks by stacking and arranging program spaces, reshaping the landscape. It not only provides essential infrastructure such as elevators, stairs, and energy but also brings delight and affection as a character. To bring this concept to life, we will use AI text-to-image generators and 3D modeling techniques to transform the industrial gantry into beast-like characters. These characters not only assist in construction but also engage in seasonal performances within the assemblage. They also incorporate water storage and a greenhouse, serving as an overview point for Allensworth.

In summary, the gantry system is transformed into beast-like characters that contribute to the ongoing assemblage. They perform construction tasks, entertain through seasonal performances, and provide essential functionalities like water storage and a greenhouse.