ENGAGEMENT & EDUCATION BENEFITS OF A COMMUNITY CENTER WITHIN A LOW-INCOME COMMUNITY IN LITTLE HAITI, MIAMI Case Study Research
Angela Gonzalez, Roxana Lifshitz, Daniel Martinez, Melissa Briceño Prof. Marcia Lopes De Mello, Ph.D. | IND 6639 Research Methods
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Contents 5
Research Problem, Topic, Question and Sub-Questions
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Synthesis of Literature Review, Theories Discussed
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Thesis Rationale. Motivation and Impact of this Research
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Case Study: Little Haiti Cultural Center
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Case Study: Little Haiti Background and Characteristics
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Case Study: Community, Demographic, and Cultural Makeup
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Case Study: Organizational Chart
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Case Study: Analysis of Functionality
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Case Study: Summary and Analysis
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Research Topic, Problem, Question and Sub-Questions Disadvantaged communities have limited access and resources to social institutions, such as libraries and museums, which are deemed as intimidating, uncollaborative, and unapproachable. These communities lack safe places that promote engagement and education.
People need ‘third spaces’, which are neither home nor work, where people can be together. Tjarve et al., 2016
Community centers offer a variety of exhibits and programs that employ different formats such as informal learning and interactive technology, in which to connect the visitors with, serving as a positive shift in the community that becomes unrestricted territory and benefits both the community and its residents. Within the context of a disadvantaged community, these spaces can supply resources that prioritize the communities’ needs and interests, positively impacting the quality of life and economic state of the community. This comes as a result of providing opportunities and platforms for local residents and businesses. A sense of belonging is established among residents playing a key role in engaging and motivating them to be active participants in the community, providing access to spaces where they are able to engage with other community members and participate.
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Main Question: How can community centers positively impact disadvantaged communities in Little Haiti, Miami through engagement and education? Sub - Questions: • Who mostly benefits from a community center within a disadvantaged community in Little Haiti, Miami? • How does engagement and education positively impact a disadvantaged community in Little Haiti, Miami? • How can interior design support engagement within a community center? • How can interior design support education within a community center?
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Synthesis of Literature Review, Theories Discussed Socio-economic disparities affect the ability of disadvantaged communities to afford residents with spaces that create opportunities of engaging and educational activities. The limited funding of these community spaces has contributed to the rise of negative social and physiological conditions that have greatly diminished the quality of life in marginalized communities. Disparities, such as domestic social problems, environmental stressors, physical and mental health, or limited education opportunities, combined with social exclusion can lead to internalization of blame, low self-esteem and powerlessness, in turn causing withdrawal from community engagement (Ornstein, 1917). The insensitivity to the needs of low-income people tends to be a common factor among those experiencing exclusion within society and their communities. It is crucial to address accessibility and representation to afford individuals the opportunity to feel valuable to their community. Communities that lack in resources and facilities potentially rely on these limited public spaces where socializing, culturalization, and discussions occur, ultimately cultivating third spaces that become an extension to home or work. These spaces can incorporate community engagement through art, education and experiences that encourage members of the community to participate in social activity and reduce social exclusion. The endless resources supplied by these spaces, prioritize the communities’ needs and interests by creating an accessible and inclusive environment that serves as an informal educational setting. Programs,
Thesis Rationale, Motivation and Impact of this Research
exhibitions and experiences within these supportive environments create memorable moments that lead to increased participation, learning, engagement and entertainment for the community.
What are the motivations for this research? What is the potential impact of this research?
Following basic principles and design guidelines, a supportive environment dedicated to the development of disadvantaged communities can enhance well-being, engagement and informal education. Creating opportunities within community centers that afford users a wide variety of unique experiences through technology, active participation and interaction could ensure a mixture between education and entertainment, approaching new possibilities of community participation. Adapting educational and engaging activities through these community centers helps reinforce positive notions of social and cultural inclusiveness, and unlock possibilities that are essential in bringing the community together.
The motivation for this research resulted from a concern for the lack of community centers which focused on enriching disadvantaged communities in Miami Florida. There is a crucial need for spaces that provide educational opportunities for those who lack resources, further motivating interest in understanding and applying design principles that positively serve and enhance the community and those who live in it. We regard this research as vital in understanding all the factors that play a role in the successful development of a community center. This research can directly impact the lives of those living in disadvantaged communities where resources are limited. By conducting research on the benefits of community centers in disadvantaged communities, locals can understand and become aware of the importance of these spaces and how they can positively impact their economical and educational state and overall well-being. Designers are given insight into the impact of spaces created to fulfill the needs of a disadvantaged community and understand the way that residents can effectively interact with each other. The ability for these centers to elevate the quality of life, as well as generate revenue due to the support of local businesses, is also an incentive for policy makers to support these centers. This can potentially lead to changes, implementation and the consideration of community centers in disadvantaged communities. It is an opportunity to alleviate the struggles and to highlight the brilliance of communities which may be overlooked or regarded as less than.
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Case Study: Little Haiti Cultural Center
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5925 NE 2nd AVENUE MIAMI, FLORIDA 33137
Why choose this case study? How is it representative for the research? The decision to use the Little Haiti Cultural Center as a case study was based on many relevant factors that aligned with our research. It is located in the vibrant and amazing city of Little Haiti which is rich in art, food, and culture, yet the poverty level and education rate remain one of the lowest in the county. The accessibility of this cultural center has provided fundamental opportunities for the Little Haiti community. By accommodating spaces that afford enriching activities which support engagement, this gathering place continually elevates the arts, education and culture of the community creating a sense of inclusion. While researching precedents it was important to find a community center that met these essential qualities needed to positively impact the community. Little Haiti Cultural Center is representative of this research because it is an example of how a community center can successfully allocate spaces and resources that provide engaging and educational opportunities within a disadvantaged community. Fig. 5
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Case Study: Little Haiti History and Background In the 1970s and 1980s, what is now known as Little Haiti was named Lemon City, an economically disadvantaged neighborhood in Miami, Florida. During that time, many Haitians immigrated to Miami and settled in the area. Haitians started to open businesses such as restaurants and shops which helped the economy of the neighborhood; they converted the area into a thriving black Caribbean community. Little Haiti neighborhood is approximately 3.5 square miles and it is located within the city of Miami, being the cultural heart of Haitian diaspora. It is easily accessible via I-95 expressway and Julia Tuttle Causeway being less than 5 miles north of downtown Miami, Miami
Case Study: Community, Demographic, and Cultural Makeup Design District, Wynwood, Midtown, and Upper Eastside neighborhoods.
Population
Median Age
30 K 37.7
The active community of Little Haiti mimics its homeland through its typical architecture, traditional churches, spices and music. Today, Little Haiti honors all the things that represent the Caribbean, which can be found in family-owned restaurants, museums, galleries, and bookstores. Therefore, Little Haiti has become home to one of Miami’s most animated art scenes.
50.54 %
49.46 %
15-24
15 %
25-44
28 %
45-64
21 %
65+
14%
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2000 there were 95,669 Haitians in Miami Dade making up the 41% of all Haitians living in Florida. Little Haiti alone has around 30,000 residents, which the majority are of Afro Caribbean and Haitian origin. In the northern area of Little Haiti, 35-76% of residents identify as Haitian, while in the southern area of Little Haiti, 17-34% identify as Haitian. Haitians are the second largest immigrant group making up 4.2% of the country’s population. Since Haiti is one of the poorest nations in the world, Haitians are one of the poorest groups in Miami Dade which are more likely to work low-pay jobs and earn less money, therefore, spend most of their income on necessities. The target population for this research is composed of adults 18 years and older. This group of people give us a general and broader understanding of the different needs of the population.
Age Percentage Less than High School
38.3 %
High School Diploma
$
45,000
$
40,000
32.2 %
$
35,000
Some College
$
30,000
$
25,000
$
20,000
$
15,000
$
10,000 $
18 %
Associate Degree
5.2 %
Bachelor’s Degree
6.8%
5,000 $
0
< 25
25-44
45-64
Median Income per Age
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Graduate Degree
65 +
Education Level by Age
3%
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Case Study: Organizational Chart Sponsors and Partnerships: Little Haiti Cultural Center is owned and managed primarily by the City of Miami. It receives public funding and has contributing sponsors and partnerships who support the cultural center. One of their community rooms, the Heat Room, was donated by the Miami Heat and the NBA Cares program and is geared primarily for the youth. Those who contribute to this cultural center play a large part in pushing forward this resourceful community building.
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Users: Over 100,000 people per year participate in programs and visit the cultural facility (City of Miami, Little Haiti Cultural Complex). The center invites residents of Little Haiti as itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary visitors, however, being centrally located contributes to its large attraction to tourists as well. With the many cultural events and educational and well-being programs that are offered, the space becomes a core location to learn and engage with the local Haitian community.
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Bubble Diagram
Case Study: Analysis of Functionality The Little Haiti Cultural Complex features an extensive range of opportunities for residents and visitors alike, to gain exposure and expand their knowledge of the Afro-Caribbean culture. The complex has the capacity to host and cater to an array of visitors with venues, such as the art gallery, Caribbean marketplace, cafĂŠ, theatre, community classrooms, dance studios, arts and crafts rooms, two learn and play centers geared for the educational advancement of kids, and a courtyard for exterior activities.
One of the main points of access to the complex is through The Caribbean Marketplace, acting as the epicenter with its distinct Haitian gingerbread architectural style and captivating colors. Designed by Charles Pawley, the 9,000 sq. ft. marketplace is the largest venue space that the facility offers affording artisans and merchants to bring a taste of Haiti to the Cultural Complex. The outdoor plaza is the other mode of access to the Cultural Complex, acting as a unique gathering space for diverse exterior activities to take place. Decked with a platform stage, covered terrace, concrete seating and a colorful mural, events such as dance performances, concerts, cookouts, and yoga classes, can take place.
LEGEND Acoustical privacy Main Access Point
Relationship Diagram
Block Diagram
LEGEND Interior activity areas Exterior activity areas Service areas
LEGEND Acoustical privacy Immediate adjacencies Moderate adjacencies Minor adjacencies
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Case Study: Summary and Analysis The location and activities offered in the Little Haiti Cultural Center afford valuable spaces and opportunities where people from the community, as well as outside the community, have the opportunity to become involved in this community center. Students pursuing a career in cultural arts, artists that want to showcase their work, business people that want to give back to their community, or visitors that are simply looking for an enjoyable experience, are always welcomed.
The Little Haiti Cultural Center aligns with our research because their mission, â&#x20AC;&#x153;preserve the Afro-Caribbean culture, inspire the next generation of leaders, and promote the arts and culture as tools for the community buildingâ&#x20AC;?, corresponds to the engagement and education benefits of a community center within a disadvantaged community that our research is focused on. The following theories developed in the research correspond with the core mission and activities offered in this cultural center.
Education
Technology
Wellness
Through informal educational settings provided within the Cultural Center, the community is afforded engaging and educating resources and tools that are strongly valued. The educational programming that is offered creates a diverse learning experience in which all age groups can participate in. The Little Haiti Cultural center offers a diverse array of performing arts classes, creative writing classes, French heritage and language arts classes, computer literacy, photography and screen printing classes, workshops for minority business owners, as well as summer camp and after school programs that are a critical part of the success of students and their overall development.
Affording its users with state-ofthe-art technology that facilitate interactive spaces and aid in the learning process, the center integrates a new form of immersive experiences. The community classrooms, as well as the Kids Learn and Play center and arts and crafts room feature work tables that offer flexibility, portable projectors, and computers. The Proscenium Theatre stage has a state-of-the-art control booth.
The concept of wellness in a community center is a key element in the design to maintain an inclusive program that enhances and improves the lives of the locals and visitors. By employing activities focused on mental and physical well-being, incorporating engaging opportunities to learn about the Haitian culture, and promoting flexibility and mobility with a wide range of spaces, the Cultural Center offers the users a valuable gathering place. Some healthpromoting classes offered include yoga, tae-kwon-do, and a variety of dance styles ranging from Haitian Folk to Brazilian Capoeira.
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References Jeanne Batalova Kira Olsen-Medina and Jeanne Batalova. (2020, August 27). Haitian Immigrants in the United States. Retrieved from https:// www.migrationpolicy.org/article/haitian-immigrants-united-states-2018?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhbmD59XP6wIVUb7ACh12fAGuEAAYASAAEgJsr fD_BwE#Age_Education United States. (2005). The Haitian Community in Miami-Dade: A Growing the Middle Class Supplement (pp. 1-11). Miami, FL: Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy Program. Little Haiti Demographics. (n.d.). Retrieved September 14, 2020, from https://www.point2homes.com/US/Neighborhood/FL/Little-HaitiDemographics.html EcoDistricts [Brochure]. (2018). Retrieved September 12, 2020, from http://ecodistricts.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/ed-case-study-littlehaiti-FINAL-march-9-2018.pdf (n.d.). Retrieved September 10, 2020, from http://ci.miami.fl.us/LHCulturalcenter/Pages/AboutUs (n.d.). Retrieved September 12, 2020, from https://web.archive.org/web/20080517201540/http://www.miamigov.com/Planning/pages/ services/Census.asp All About Little Haiti. (n.d.). Retrieved September 11, 2020, from https://www.miamiandbeaches.com/neighborhoods/little-haiti Case Studies. (n.d.). Retrieved September 11, 2020, from https://ecodistricts.org/case-studies-stories-from-the-neighborhood/ Fighting for the Soul of Little Haiti in Miami. (n.d.). Retrieved September 11, 2020, from https://caseygrants.org/evn/fighting-for-the-soul-of-littlehaiti-in-miami/ Little Haiti history. (2017, February 05). Retrieved September 11, 2020, from https://thenewtropic.com/little-haiti-history/ Nebhrajani, W. (2016, February 02). The many names of Lemon City. Retrieved September 11, 2020, from https://thenewtropic.com/name-lemoncity/W
Image References Fig. 1. Little Haiti Marketplace with Lapasyans Bus. Retreived September 12,2020 from https://fi.pinterest.com/pin/224335625176745251/ Fig. 2. Girls at Little Haiti Cultural Center. Retrieved September 12, 2020 from https://repeatingislands.com/2019/10/03/little-haiti-is-up-forgrabs-will-gentrification-trample-its-people-and-culture/ Fig. 3. Girls Dancing. Retrieved September 12, 2020 from https://www.timeout.com/miami/news/the-little-haiti-book-festival-returns-thismonth-060320 Fig. 4. Little Haiti Colorful Neighborhood. Retrieved September 12, 2020 from https://www.vogue.com/article/art-basel-miami-little-haiti-travelguide Fig. 5. Little Haiti Cultural Complex. Retrieved September 10, 2020 from https://www.miamiandbeaches.com/things-to-do/arts-culture/exploreart-culture-in-little-haiti Fig. 6. Little Haiti Banner. Retrieved September 10, 2020 from https://www.piedspoudres.com/little-haiti-miami-florida Fig. 7. Dance Class. Retrieved September 10, 2020 from https://www.yelp.com/biz/little-haiti-cultural-complex-miami Fig. 8. Dance Performance. Retrieved September 10, 2020 from https://www.miamiandbeaches.com/neighborhoods/little-haiti