A THESIS BY AMANDA RADNER | STUDIO SANDY STANNARD | 2020- 2021 CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY, SAN LUIS OBISPO
Edition 2 | Winter 2021 | Studio Sandy Stannard | California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Thank you...
To my close friends and family for always lending an ear or helping hand
To my cat, Charlie, for supporting me through quarantine
To my professor, Sandy Stannard, for sending me precedents and ideas at all hours, day or night
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WHAT’S THE ISSUE? SCHOOL-TO-PRISON PIPELINE RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PRECEDENTS FOOD DISPARITY COMMUNITY GARDEN PRECEDENTS HOMELESSNESS HEALTHY HOUSING PRECEDENTS PIECE CHAIR FRAMEWORK FOR DESIGN EXCELLENCE RESPONSE SITE CODE ANALYSIS CLIMATE ANALYSIS: WATER CLIMATE ANALYSIS: HEATING AND COOLING BIOREMEDIATION
WHAT’S HAPPENING HERE? THROUGHOUT THE YEAR WHAT’S THE PROGRAM? COMMUNITY GARDEN + KITCHEN RESTORATIVE JUSTICE + PEACEMAKING RESIDENCES, TUTORING, LEARNING
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
PREFACE I was born in Monterey, California in 1998. I’ve spent most of my life surrounded by privileged people and privileged lifestyles. I rode horses growing up as a sport. I attended private, catholic elementary and high schools. I spent most of my time with people who were white and raised similarly to me. My parents are doctors. I have never been scared of being incarcerated or not having food in the fridge. I’m lucky and was born into a privileged family and household. This is NOT the case for most of Monterey County. Beginning this thesis, I realized truly how huge the gap of wealth inequality is in my hometown. Salinas is booming with produce. You drive into town and there’s lines of lettuce, artichoke, and strawberries as far as the eye can see. It’s remarkable, but a staggering number of the individuals who procure the food for our meals don’t have access to it themselves. There is now a fire in my belly. I truly believe that all people deserve safe living situations and healthy food. They deserve to not have incarceration looming over their heads. Have we forgotten Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness? I loved my upbringing, but I recognize how privileged I truly am. Privilege is dangerous and unrecognizable to many, but I think I can use my the understanding of my hometown to help the community that truly sustains us.
(Betsy Malloy Photography)
PREFACE
I’ve adapted the title of this thesis work to be “Esperanza’s House.” This is inspired by the book “ The House on Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros. The book covers a year in the life of Esperanza, a Mexican-American girl who is about 12 years old. Her family moves into a house on Mango Street, but it’s not what she dreamed of. The house is in the center of a crowded neighborhood in Chicago and Esperanza doesn’t have any privacy. She details her desire to escape Mango Street and dreams of a different life. Esperanza’s House is a symbolic embodiment of what she’s been dreaming of.
(House on Mango Street)
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WHAT’S THE ISSUE? SCHOOL-TO-PRISON PIPELINE RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PRECEDENTS FOOD DISPARITY COMMUNITY GARDEN PRECEDENTS HOMELESSNESS HEALTHY HOUSING PRECEDENTS PIECE CHAIR
(Santa Lucia Foothills)
WHAT’S THE ISSUE? THESIS ARGUMENT
WE CAN’T RAISE SUCCESSFUL, DIVERSE, AND CURIOUS PEOPLE WHEN
HOUSING IS INACCESSIBLE
FOOD IS SCARCE
INCARCERATION IS A THREAT
In Salinas, there’s a huge level of wealth inequality. Many Hispanic teenagers are struggling to find adequate housing and healthy foods to fill their bellies. If that wasn’t enough, the dark cloud of incarceration is looming.
How important is food to you? Please take a moment to really think about it. To me, food is life. I say this not just because I love to eat and cook, but because it truly is a unifier of people. Food does so much for us. It allows us to show love, and it helps us through hard times. Food can even be an expression of identity and culture. Food is an expression of culture. Food IS necessary. While I have the privilege to say that, food can be a terrifying hurdle to many. Salinas, California is known as the “Salad Bowl of the World,” but many of its residents don’t have access to the food they need to survive. Monterey County is the third highest grossing agricultural crop producing county in the United States, but despite this bounty, it also has the highest rate of food insecurity in California. (Hunger in Monterey County) Farmworker communities, which are mainly Hispanic, are disproportionately affected by these high rates of hunger and poverty. A staggering 83% of field laborers in the United States are Hispanic, but they only own 3% of farms. For many of the youth here, there is also a struggle to find proper shelter and maintain their freedoms. (Danish, Muna) Forty percent of elementary school-aged children in Salinas are currently homeless and the majority of those homeless youth are Hispanic. (Hunger in Monterey County) Not only are many Hispanic students being affected by food and housing insecurities, the school-to-prison pipeline is a real concern. Students
who are expelled from school are much more likely to end up in prison within one year and Salinas has high number of expulsions compared to neighboring schools. 88% of the students who were expelled from the Salinas school districts in 2016 are Hispanic. (Miseducation) Students in Salinas should have access to healthy foods, safe housing, and resources In order to realize their full potential and avoid being incarcerated. An after-school hub located adjacent to Salinas High School, which would include a large, community garden and full-scale kitchen would allow many to reclaim farming and cooking for their own communities and teach students how to own and operate their own agricultural businesses. The after-school hub would also incorporate therapy resources, restorative justice spaces, and large interstitial places to hangout after a long school day. A portion of the site would also be dedicated to providing dwellings for housing-insecure students and safe parking spaces for those who are currently living in their cars. All students in Salinas deserve access to adequate living spaces, to realize their full potential, and be able to feel the way that I feel about food.
THE SCHOOL-TO-PRISON PIPELINE THE PROBLEM...
Students who are expelled from school are 3x more likely to end up in prison within 1 year
Salinas’ crime rate is 42.17% higher than that of California
88% of students who were expelled from Salinas school districts are Hispanic.
The “school-to-prison pipeline” is a real concern for students in Salinas. In 2016, Salinas High School had 47 expulsions. Students need to be provided resources to stay in school to avoid incarceration and the school-to-prison pipeline. (Danish, Muna)
Salinas, California struggles specifically with a high youth and high violent crime rate. In 2020 alone there were over 500 cases of aggravated assault. (Salinas PD)
74% of the population in Salinas, CA is Hispanic. Latinos are imprisoned at a rate that is 1.4 times the rate of whites. (Melnicoe, Hannah)
RESTORATIVE JUSTICE ...A SOLUTION
WHAT IS RESTORATIVE JUSTICE AND PEACEMAKING? Restorative justice is a different way of thinking about crime and response to crime. It focuses on repairing the harm caused by crime and reducing harm through crime prevention. It allows victims, the community, and the offender to come together to make amends and reintegrate. Peacemaking circles are based on Native American peacemaking practices and they facilitate healthy victim- offender dialogues.
COMMUNITY
VICTIM
OFFENDER
(DJDS)
“We hope to see peacemaking centers in every community in this country and end the age of mass incarceration.” - DJDS
RESORATIVE SPACES IN SCHOOLS
DJDS | CREATING RESTORATIVE JUSTICE SPACES IN SCHOOLS Designing Justice + Designing Spaces is an Oakland- bbased architecture and real estate development non-profit committed to ending mass incarceration by building infastructure that addresses its root causes: poverty, racism, unequal access to resources, and the criminal justice system. DJDS created a guide to establishing resorative spaces within school communities. Through this guide, DJDS explains the best spatial qualities for restorative justice spaces including daylighting, views, and access to nature. (Creating Restorative Justice)
(DJDS)
Restore Oakland is a 20,000 SF space extending over three floors on a reclaimed building in Oakland, California.
RESTORE OAKLAND
RESORATIVE JUSTICE PRECEDENT | DJDS The work of Designing Justice + Designing Spaces counters traditional and punitive architecture of justice (courthouses, prisons, and jails) but creating spaces and buildings for restorative justice, rehabilitation, and community building. Located in East Oakland, Restore is the first center for restorative justice and restorative economics in the country. Restore serves as a hub to end mass incarceration and provide dedicated space for restorative justice programs. Restore also includes a restaurant on the ground floor, where individuals are trained to get front- of- house jobs and incubate businesses from low-income communities of color. The ground floor encorporates multiple entrances - a quiet entry for resorative justice and peacemaking zones, and a much more public entrance community organizing and the restaurant. The main restorative justice room features large windows that make the space welcoming and nurturing. The space includes vibrant colors, fuzzy carpets, bean bags, and other elements to provide comfort and relaxation. (Restore Oakland.)
(DJDS)
The Peacemaking Center has since been serving the community and supporting positive outcomes for those participating.
NEAR WESTSIDE PEACEMAKING PROJECT RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PRECEDENT | DJDS
The Near Westside Peacemaking Project represents a real solution to violence and conflict in the community. The final goal of the project, according to DJDS, was “the adaptive reuse of a vacant building at the heart of the neighborhood.” The process included community design workshops and other opportunities to gain valuable community input into the design and functionality of the Peacemaking Center. The Near Westside Peacemaking Project is the first program in the country, outside of Native communities, to implement both a Native American peacemaking program and a purpose-built space for its use. This project demonstrates the role that architects and designers can play in creating prototypes for social change. (Near Westside Peacemaking Project.)
FOOD DISPARITY THE PROBLEM...
Over 90% of Latinx children lost access to free and reduced-price breakfasts and lunches
1 in 3 children are affected by food scarcity in Monterey County
Latinx farmers only own about 3% of farms - while they make up 83% of field laborers
Monterey County is one of the most productive Agricultural regions in the world, but the people who tend and harvest the produce cannot afford it.
In the “Salad Bowl of the World” levels of hunger and poverty are disproportionately higher in Hispanic and farmworker communities. It is no coincidence that levels of hunger are highest in rural ‘food desert’ areas where our Latinx, agriculture, and hospitality workers live.
The movement from farmworker to farm owner has been a long challenge for Latinx farmers, especially in California. (Kresge, Lisa.)
COMMUNITY GARDENS ...A SOLUTION
HOW CAN COMMUNITY GARDENS HELP SOLVE THE FOOD DISPARITY CRISIS IN SALINAS?
Urban agriculture can be beneficial to the community of Salinas for multiple reasons: 1. Allow a reclamation of land and business by Latinx people 2. Improve food security 3. Gardens in urban areas are positively correlated with decreased crime rates 4. Urban agriculture can teach residents useful skills in planning, food production, and business (Demuro, Katie)
(Untitled, Yisrael Family Farm)
Youth can participate in food/ social justice trainings, learn how to steward the land, and grow food for their families.
THE YISRAEL FAMILY URBAN FARM
URBAN FARMING/ COMMUNITY GARDEN PRECEDENT The mission of Yisrael Family Urban Farm is to utilize urban agriculture as a tool for community engagement, empowerment, and employment. Their hope is to rebuild and restore South Oak Park (near Sacramento) into a place where all families have equitable access to the resources they need to thrive. Their mission is to transform the “hood for G.O.O.D. (Growing our own destiny.)” Project G.O.O.D. specifically brings youth together to have fun while learning where food comes from, how it is grown and how to prepare it. Through team building exercises, hands on projects, and field trips, The Yisrael Family Urban Farm has worked alongside volunteers and neighbors in the construction of backyard gardens. (Yisrael Family Farm)
(Untitled, Soul Fire Farm)
“Using land as a tool to heal from racial trauma, we work to reverse the dangerously low percentage of farms being owned and operated by people of color and increase the leadership of people of color in the food justice movement. “ -Soul Fire Farm
SOUL FIRE FARM
URBAN FARMING/ COMMUNITY GARDEN PRECEDENT Soul Fire Farm recognizes the need for equity in access to land, sustenance, and power in the food system. Soul Fire Farm uses Afro-indigenous agroforestry, silvopasture, wildcrafting, polyculture, and spiritual farming practices to regenerate 80 acres of mountainside land. The majority of the harvest is provided to people living under food apartheid and targeted by state violence. Soul Fire Farm’s sovereignty programs reach over 10,000 people each year and include farmer training for Black and Brown growers, reparations and land return initiatives for northeast farmers, food justice workshops for urban youth, home gardens for city-dwellers living under food apartheid, doorstep harvest delivery for food insecure households, and systems and policy education for public decisionmakers. (Soul Fire Farm)
HOMELESSNESS THE PROBLEM...
9,986 total homeless students in Monterey County
40% elementary school- aged children are homeless in Salinas
90% of Monterey County’s homeless students are Latinx.
Homelessness can be described as sharing overcrowded housing, living in cars, living in transitional shelters, or those whose primary nighttime residence was not designed for human habitation. There are 9,986 homeless students in Monterey County. There are only 78,000 students in Monterey County. That’s 12% for the entire Monterey County. Salinas in itself is even worse off. It comes as no surprise to find out that Hispanic families are disproportionately affected by homelessness and poverty in Salinas. (Letang, Alani) The sectors of the city with the highest level of poverty rates also have the greatest disparities between levels of white and nonwhite. In tract with the highest level of Hispanic poverty- 46%, the racial inequality between white and non-white poverty levels was 34.1% (Melnicoe, Hannah.)
SAFE HOUSING ...A SOLUTION
WHAT WOULD AN AFTER-SCHOOL HUB AND SAFE HOUSING CONTRIBUTE TO THE HOMELESS COMMUNITY OF STUDENTS IN SALINAS? According to Donna Smith (the homeless liaison for youth in Salinas, California) students who are unaccompanied and under 18 don’t have access to shelters because of their lack of parental guidance. An after-school hub and residences could provide inexpensive housing and activities for those students in Salinas who are not housing-secure. It could also allow opportunities for job training, food security, and therapeutic outlets, which many students currently do not have access to. It could be a home for many. (Smith, Donna)
(Worley, Nicholas)
The Peacemaking Center has since been serving the community and supporting positive outcomes for those participating.
SHELTER FROM THE STORM
SAFE HOUSING PRECEDENT | HOLLAND HARVEY ARCHITECTS Shelter from the Storm is a London based homeless shelter that provides 42 beds, freshly cooked food and holistic support to its guests to help them reintegrate into society. Each detail was carefully considered ensuring robustness as well as dignity and a sense of ownership for the guests. Sinks and mirrors are separate which provides guests with something of their own within a communal space. (Holland Harvey Architects)
(Plitt, Tatjana)
With all buildings focused around a central open space, the hub supports a sense of protection and community, encouraging residents to engage with one other whilst mediating their relationship with the broader neighbourhood.
WAYSS YOUTH TRANSITION HUB
SAFE HOUSING PRECEDENT | BENT ARCHITECTURE The Wayss Youth Transition Hub is located in Melbourne’s outer suburbs and provides a home and support network to vulnerable young people on the brink of homelessness. The hub provides facilities and support to equip kids (around 16-18 years old) with skills for independent living and the next stage in their lives. (BENT Architecture.)
Based on Native American peacemaking rituals, peacemaking and restorative justice are methods of resolving conflict that does not involve corporal punishment. The Piece Chair is a convertible backpack-chair that is made from scrap upholstery fabric, recycled cardboard, and found materials, making it affordable and accessible for many. Rather than creating a space for restorative justice through rigid walls and floors, this backpack-chair allows these conversations to happen in more natural ways. The Piece Chair would allow one to bring a piece of themselves into a challenging conversation about conflict and resolution.
THE PIECE CHAIR VELLUM
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FRAMEWORK FOR DESIGN EXCELLENCE RESPONSE SITE CODE ANALYSIS CLIMATE ANALYSIS: WATER CLIMATE ANALYSIS: HEATING AND COOLING BIOREMEDIATION
(Untitled, Wage Law)
“The world today is facing broad and complex challenges that threaten every aspect of our lives. The architect’s call to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public has a new and broader meaning amid challenges such as increasing climate extremes and social inequity. Architects everywhere must recognize that our profession can harness the power of design to contribute to solutions addressing the most significant needs of our time. Every project can be used as a platform for addressing big problems and providing creative solutions. Every line drawn should be a source of good in the world. The Framework for Design Excellence represents the defining principles of good design in the 21st century. Comprised of 10 principles and accompanied by searching questions, the Framework seeks to inform progress toward a zerocarbon, equitable, resilient, and healthy built environment. These are to be thoughtfully considered by designer and client at the initiation of every project and incorporated into the work as appropriate to the project scope. The Framework is intended to be accessible and relevant for every architect, every client, and every project, regardless of size, typology, or aspiration. The Framework for Design Excellence challenges architects with a vision of what the profession strives to achieve, the toolkit provides practical resources to help all architects achieve the vision.” - AIA Framework for Design Excellence
While I plan to respond to all aspects of the framework, I’ve begun to think about a few of these aspects while designing...
Design for equitable communities The project begins to address and suggest opportunities to promote human interaction and health and resilience for a community.
Design for water The project begins to think about utilization of water and rainfall. The project strives to contribute to a healthy regional watershed.
Design for well-being The design begins to address encouragement of healthy lifestyles and connect people with their food directly.
AIA FRAMEWORK FOR DESIGN EXCELLENCE RESPONSE
SITE
SALINAS, CALIFORNIA
Salinas, California is a city in Monterey County. It has a population of about 155,564 and is the most populous city in the county. It’s climate is influenced heavily by the Pacific ocean (as it is roughly 8 miles from the coast.) The city itself is located at the mouth of the Salinas Valley. (Salinas, California)
WHY THIS SITE?
Due to the issues that many Hispanic students and youth face in Salinas, the project needs to be sited in close proximity to local schools in the area. The site (in yellow) is located on the property of Salinas High School, but is less than 1 mile from 5 other middle and high schools. The site is also adjacent to a hightraffic street (Main Street) which allows transportation and necessary access to other key public services.
400 ft 200 ft
800 ft
SITE
SALINAS, CALIFORNIA
Salinas High School
The site is located on Salinas High School property, which means responding to the circulation patterns and existing condition of the school is crucial.
SITE
SALINAS, CALIFORNIA
As shown here, the site is currently a parking lot on the property of Salinas High School. This lot is closest to the side entrance of the school and is mainly used for faculty parking, which could easily be re-designated.
PRIMARY ROADS
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
PUBLIC SERVICES (FAM PLANNING)
EXISTING GREEN SPACES
400 200
800
These diagrams show important access to other spaces, services, and transportation near the site. Primary roads are shown, public transportation route, public services (such as family planning resources) and green spaces that are nearby.
NORTH FACING VIEW SALINAS, CALIFORNIA
Currently, the site is a parking lot for faculty on the south side of Salinas High School. This view of the site is north facing.
public/ semi-public residential
400 ft 200 ft
800 ft
The site is primarily on public/ semi-public zoning but has a small section of medium density residential zoning. The site is also surrounded by semi-public zoning and residential zoning.
CODE ANALYSIS
SALINAS, CALIFORNIA
The site zoning should be conducive to the programmatic elements that will be included in the project.
CLIMATE ANALYSIS: WATER
INITIAL THOUGHTS & DESIGN STRATEGIES Due to the nature of the program (gardening and produce) water and water catchment will be essential to the success of the project. In Salinas, water flows from the Gabilan Mountains to the northeastern side of the City through four creeks. Water from the Salinas River flows into underground aquifers where it continues to follow surface water’s journey to the Monterey Bay. Currently, groundwater is the principle source of domestic drinking water and agricultural irrigation water for Salinas and most of the communities around the entire valley. Specifically, the Nacimiento and San Antonio resevoirs store and release water for groundwater recharge, flood control, and farming. The climate has always been conducive to farming (fertile soil, an abundance of water, etc) but the Salinas Valley has prospered for decades relying solely on the groundwater. Agriculture needs to begin to rely on other methods of water catchment. The project will need effective drainage and rainwater capture to create a closedloop system to maintain large-scale gardens. (Protecting Our Water)
Rainwater capture from green roofs can be used for flushing toilets, irrigation, and for agriculture.
Rainwater capture from green roofs will reduce dependence on the groundwater
Roof material is important to consider: slate, concrete, metal, and most vinyl will work best.
A green roof wtih 3-4 inches of soil can retain about one inch of rainfall.
(Untitled, Pinterest)
Salinas, California has cool and moderate temperatures. The weather is close to that of the central coast of California because of the way that the ocean air and fog blows inland from the Monterey Bay.
CLIMATE ANALYSIS: HEATING & COOLING INITIAL THOUGHTS & DESIGN STRATEGIES
.028
humidity ratio
sun shading of windows
wind protection of outdoor spaces
.004
comfort
10
dry-bulb temperature
110
Heat gain from lights, occupants, and equipment reduces heating needs so maintaining a tight envelope will be crucial.
Face most of the glass area to the south to maximize winter sun exposure, and design overhangs to fully shade in the summer.
Sunny, wind-protected outdoor spaces can extend occupied areas in cool weather. Enclosed patios, courtyards, and verandas will be crucial.
1. TREES CAN BLOCK AIR POLLUTION. Scientists have shown that certain types of trees block pollutants in the air better than others. Farmers are being called to utilize a “buffer zone” of unplanted ground or non-crop vegetation around their fields to catch droplets of pesticide spray that may be drifting further than intended. Evergreens (plants like pine trees with cones and needles) collected two to four times more dye than broadleaf plants in Franklin Hall’s study on the use of trees for biofiltration. The image included here is a pine tree that is indigenous to Monterey County. 2. MOSS CAN SOAK UP AIR POLLUTION. In a recent study in the journal of Analytical Chemistry, scientists reported that they have found a simple and inexpensive way to detect air pollutants through moss. Cities are beginning to utilize “moss walls” which can cool the air surrounding it and generate oxygen. The moss pictured on the left is an example of a moss type that is native to Monterey County. 3. BIOTRICKLING FILTERS WITH MICROORGANISMS. Biotrickling filters work by collecting polluted or odorous air and forcing it through a structured media within a vessel. There are microorganisms that are grown within that media that can metabolize the compounds, leaving clean air to be released from the vessel. Biotrickling filters are relatively low in cost, have low operating costs, and are easy to maintain. This is a feasible method of bioremediation for the pollutants in the Salinas Valley.
BIOREMEDIATION
MEDIATION OF FARMING PRACTICES IN SALINAS
The site is located .75 miles away from the nearest agricultural field. Students risk frequent exposure to pesticides. These pesticides have been linked to cognitive and health problems in children. Even the EPA concluded that the use of pesticides should be banned, but currently Salinas only bans pesticide use from the hours of 6pm-6am within a quarter mile of schools. Pesticides can drift as far as 3 miles and pollute the water, air, and soil. Biofiltration and bioremediation could be plausible methods of cleaning up the air around the county’s schools and education centers.
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WHAT’S HAPPENING HERE? THROUGHOUT THE YEAR WHAT’S THE PROGRAM? COMMUNITY GARDEN + KITCHEN RESTORATIVE JUSTICE + PEACEMAKING RESIDENCES, TUTORING, LEARNING
(Untitled, Salinas Office)
talk
garden
paint
rest
eat
study
cook
restore
tutor
WHAT’S HAPPENING HERE?
BUILDING PROGRAM; ACTION WORDS Students in Salinas need access to essential living spaces. Esperanza’s House will be a place for students to hangout after a long day of school or collaborate in groups. While a hangout and resting after-school space is needed, it’s clear that peacemaking and conversation should play a part in the programmatic construction of the hub. Esperanza’s House will provide food aid through a community garden and full-scale kitchen. Students will be able to pursue their passions in ways that are not currently available to them.
THROUGHOUT THE YEAR Seasonal Analysis + Program
Employment in California agriculture is highly seasonal. The most labor-intensive phase of production for most commodities is farming, and the peak demand for labor shifts around the state “in a manner that mirrors harvest activities.” In the Salinas Valley, there is a large number of employed farm workers for about 9 months of the year. Winter can be a dark and scary time for many of the families and students who rely on agriculture for employment. During the months of December and January, work is scarce. Hispanic workers may return to their families in Mexico, or travel to other parts of the United States where other kinds of plants (like citrus) can be harvested. How will this affect the programmatic elements of Esperanza’s House?
Spring
Summer
Spring harvests could include Asparagus, Broccoli, Lettuce, Strawberries, and Spinach.
Summer harvests could include Artichoke, Green Beans, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrot, Kale, Lettuce, Strawberries, and Tomatoes.
Fall
Winter
Fall harvests could include celery, brussel sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, and onion.
Winter harvests could include leeks, potatoes, onion, radishes, and citrus.
FOR EATING AND ENJOYING...
Kitchen (large scale) 1,400 SF Cafe/ Eatery 2,000 SF Outdoor Garden 10,000 SF Food Bank 2,000 SF
FOR COLLABORATING AND ENRICHING...
Art Studio 900 SF Reading Room 300 SF Study Spaces/ Libarary (2 @ 600 SF ea) 1,200 SF Peacemaking Spaces (2 @ 600 SF ea) 1,200 SF Conference Rooms (2 @ 500 SF ea) 1,000 SF
FOR GROWING AND PLAYING
Small-Scale Sports Field 5,000 SF
FOR LIVING AND SUSTAINING...
Safe Parking (5 spaces @ 10’ x 20’ ea) 1,000 SF Dormitories ( 16 @ 500 SF ea) 8,000 SF Dormitory Restrooms (6 @ 300 SF ea) 1,800 SF Shared Living Space 10,200 SF
UTILITY...
Utility and Service Spaces (restrooms for public spaces, etc) 4,000 SF Interstitial (spaces for students to gather) 6,000 SF Circulation 10,000 SF
TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE TOTAL SITE AREA
66,000 SF 138, 779 SF
WHAT’S THE PROGRAM?
SITE FORCES AND RESPONSE
Residential: existing single- family residences
Commercial: existing storefronts
Institutional: Salinas High School
Proposed Site
The program of the project will respond to the existing site forces (residential, commerical, and institutional.)
COMMUNITY GARDEN + KITCHEN INITIAL PROGRAM STUDIES - PROCESS
Spaces to cook, garden, and eat will be crucial in the months of December and January. Fruits and vegetables that are not commercially grown in Salinas can be grown in an urban farm successfully. Vegetables like potatoes, onions, beets, and squash can be harvested successfully in the months of December and January. Through siting the community garden on the east side of the project, it will be able to draw people in off of Main Street and take advantage of the existing green space on that side of the project. The garden must be located at least 10’ from built walls around it to allow maximum sun exposure during the day.
A SEASONAL COMMUNITY GARDEN + KITCHEN TO NOURISH AND HEAL THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. 40 ft
20 ft
80 ft
proposed garden location
existing green space
10’ min
10’ min
10’ min
10’ min
proposed site boundary
Let’s look at potatoes for example...
To make a potato-leek soup that could feed approximately 150 people, one would need to yield about 200 potatoes. To yield 200 potatoes in 1 harvest, you would need approximately 200 sq ft of land. Each one of the orange squares in the diagram above is 10 x 20 ft.
10’
20’
PEACEFUL OUTDOOR AND INDOOR SPACES FOR CONSTRUCTIVE DIALOGUE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. 400 ft
200 ft
800 ft
proposed residence location
existing green space
proposed site boundary
RESTORATIVE JUSTICE + PEACEMAKING
INITIAL PROGRAM STUDIES- PROCESS
Access to peacemaking and restorative justice spaces that set up dialogue for victims and offenders, as well as heal the community, will be critical at all times of the year. Because school is not in session during the summer, these spaces will get the most use during the school year. These spaces could transform to summer art workshops, job seminars, or extra tutoring when there are less students in Salinas. Allowing these spaces to be closest to the residential area and zoning of the site will create healthy boundaries between school and life.
RESIDENCES, TUTORING, LEARNING INITIAL PROGRAM STUDIES- PROCESS
Creating spaces that are safe and inviting for students will be crucial. Spaces that incite collaboration should be interweved into the program, and create a bridge from school to home. Esperanza’s House will be a space for living and resting, for unaccompanied youth who don’t have places to go after school. These spaces will need to be very different from one another so that they can begin to appeal to students who students who might have specific needs for privacy and learning.
SPACES TO FOSTER LEARNING, COLLABORATION, AND HEALTHY RESIDENCES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. 400 ft
200 ft
800 ft
proposed tutoring, studying, and collaboration spaces
existing green space
proposed site boundary
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DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
(Untitled, Pinterest)
MARCO ADMIRING THE WEATHER EXTERIOR RENDERING
WE CAN’T RAISE SUCCESSFUL, DIVERSE, AND CURIOUS PEOPLE WHEN...
HOUSING IS INACCESSIBLE
FOOD IS SCARCE
INCARCERATION IS A THREAT
Lina (she/her) 15 y/o, lives in the student residences and was not admitted into a shelter, she loves to be with her friends in the cafe.
Marco (he/him) 17 y/o, is learning the agriculture business so he can start his own farm following high school. Often can be found in the garden.
Ali (she/they) 15 y/o, went to juvenile detention and then was kicked out by their family, loves to read.
Students who are frequenting Esperanza’s house might come from a whole host of backgrounds and lifestyles. Some students could be living in their cars, some students may struggle with food insecurity, or some may be threatened by the school-to-prison pipeline. Lina, Marco, and Ali represent students who could be facing housing, food, or freedom struggles.
WHO IS THIS PROJECT FOR?
SPECIFICS ON AUDIENCE AND USERS
AXONOMETRIC DRAWING SCALE AND OVERALL LAYOUT
The cafe space is meant to be extremely flexible and open, so that it can transform according to the projects needs. Large windows bring in northern light and allow occupants to get a glimpse into the kitchen activities.
LINA CHATTING WITH HER AUNT RENDERING OF CAFE SPACE
WINTER
SPRING
FALL
SUMMER
The project deserves a seasonal analysis. Because the project is closely tied to the schools in the area, the way people frequent the building will be different during different seasons. During the summer, when school is not in session, the garden will still need tending and harvesting. Esperanza’s house can employ students to garden and cook. The food bank will be functioning year round.
SEASONS + SECTION
INITIAL SECTION STUDIES OF THE CAFE SPACE
ALI AND MARCO IN THE PROJECT INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR RENDERINGS
Gardens are present throughout the project (on the roofs and at the ground level.) These gardens will grow various produce to support the kitchen and food bank.
Various spaces for studying, reading, and collaborating are be available. These spaces include flexible furniture for different scales of collaboration and study habits.
The current site plan includes 5 indoor spaces dedicated to restorative justice and 1 outdoor space. These spaces vary in size and are open and flexible to allow for levels of dialogue.
UP
UP U P
ROOF/ SITE PLAN
IN PROCESS...
MORE TO COME IN SPRING... PLACEHOLDER
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