Architecture for Outreach
David Torres
Abstract
Underprivileged neighborhoods in U.S. cities have been isolated and abandoned in detriment to its inhabitants. The perception of these areas as ”bad” deters any involvement for improvement which creates a cycle of poverty that forces generations to live through undesirable conditions. The result is an uneven playing field in life caused in part by lack of opportunities through infrastructure, safety, and education which sees no solution as society turns a blind eye. Architecture, program, and implementation of community outreach can be used as tools to revitalize these communities and implement new ideas and structure to alleviate the disadvantage that some are born into and erase the stigma of place. Creating mixed-use buildings that feature housing as well as a community hub centered around the values and strategies of community outreach organizations as well as giving purpose to empty unprogrammed lots are solutions that would benefit the community and help change the reputation of these neighborhoods. With the idea of outreach at the forefront, as well as the needs and desires of the residents in mind, proper facilities can be built that address the main issues that residents go through every day and aim to revitalize these often-ignored places and change their narrative.
IT Y
STIGMA
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DIS O R D E R
Site: Englewood, Chicago
DOWNTOWN
ENGLEWOOD
Oak forest with much swamp land
Introduction of railroads brings German and Irish immigrants to the area
Pre 1 8 5 0
1850
The area prospers with many institutions and a population of 90,000 190
Chicago annexed Englewood
0 - 1940
1889
People start leaving the city and going to the suburbs resulting in many businesses being shut down
Urban renewal in other parts displaced African Americans. Many moved to Englewood causing white flight
1950
? Fu t u r e
1960
Crime rose. Many houses were abandoned and demolished. Population fell drastically. 2000
Englewood
Chicago
Population
26,121
2,718,555
Poverty Rate
46.6%
19.7%
Median Income
$19,854
$55,198
Vacant Land
21.5%
8.9%
Unemployement
18.6%
8.9%
Size
3.09 Sq. Miles
334.00 Sq. Miles
Vehicle Access
49.8%
87.3%
Sites Housing Public / Commercial Education Bus Stop Streets Other
S1
Contributors to disorder
Spaces of opportunity
Empty Lots No Program Unkempt
Housing Green Space Art Installations Parks Gardens Outdoor Classrooms Outdoor Fitness
Type 1: Small
Type 2: Medium
Type 3: Large
Type 4: Corner
Type 5: Full Edge
Gypsum Board Wood Framing Insulation Plywood Sheathing Moisture Barrier Finish Material Openings
Felt Insulation Vapor Barrier Roof Deck Ceiling Joists Gypsum Board
Finish Flooring Plywood Subfloor Floor Joists
MISSION “The ultimate goal of the Englewood Arts Collective is to reflect the beauty of, enrich the community within, and help produce events and interactions that reflect the Englewood Chicago community in a positive way—reframing the mainstream narrative, from the inside out.”
The power of a people when they tell their own story. The power of Art as a legitimate, viable conduit for positive change in communities. The potential for Artists to be leaders and influencers of said change.
Housing Community Hub Outdoor Public Space
Co O
Housing
ommunity Outreach Outdoor Public Space
Major vehicle circulation
Elementary school
Luna Park
Alley between site
Major vehicle circulation
Gas station
Major vehicle circulation
St. Basil Church
Shopping
College prep.
Major vehicle circulation
Branch of Hope Apartments Health center
Bike share
Purpose for empty space?
Main traffic points for entry
S1
Dance Studio
Auditorium
Lobby
Outdoor Public Outreach Lobby Semi-Private Lounge Parking Mechanical Housing
1 2 3 4 5
1
3 2 4
South/North
5
Workshop Music Room Gallery Restrooms Semi-Private Lounge Dance Studio Auditorium Outreach Lobby Parking Housing
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
5 6
1 9
West/East
2
3
4
7
1
8