BREAD D E S I G N
C A F E
IF A BUILDING, A LANDSCAPE, A CITY IS NOT BEAUTIFUL , IT WILL NOT BE LOVED, IF IT IS NOT LOVED, IT WON’T BE MAINTAINED AND IMPROVED. IN SHORT, IT WON’T BE SUSTAINED. - DOUGLAS KELBOUGH
PERSONAL DESIGN STATEMENT Coggon Area Betterment Association (C.A.B.A.) is a non-profit citizens organization that formed as a result of my Masters Thesis in Architecture and Landscape Architecture through The University of Oregon. Through out my lifetime I have watched the gradual decline of marginalized and small communities. I have watched schools close and leave town, stores on Main Street shut down, travel by car replace potlucks, and sons and daughters move away for college only never to return due to lack of jobs and opportunity. I have watched family farms be lost this way and family businesses close their doors as a result. It is not uncommon to travel through a small town today and see boarded up windows of historic brick facades but not see people on the sidewalks interacting. Today the tides are slowly turning. People have become unenchanted by the version of the American Dream offered by the homogenaity of suburban sprawl. At the same time, the internet, cloud computing, and remote conferencing have provided many more opportunities than previous decades when people moved away from rural communities in search of jobs and culture. The rapid decline of malls and the increased interest in community gardens, local produce, and artisan breweries suggest that we are ready to redefine our values through where we live, work, and play. Coggon, Iowa is where I was raised and where both my grandparents and great granparents called home. It was difficult to move away for college and watch my hometown decline. I also knew that it wasn’t only my hometown that was experiencing the same degeneration. This lead me to ask: If we look at communities as resources no different from coal or oil, what can that teach us? My research revealed that the loss of these communities en masse represents a loss of resources 39.5 times greater than the 2010 BP oil spill, but with much broader reaching social and cultural implications. Through my education, I discovered a plethora of existing programs available to assist declining communities, but it became clear that these were underutilized and often not even known by many of the communities they are intended to serve. I have developed the concept of the Bread Box/Design Cafe to bridge that gap. I aim to dedicate my professional career to helping revitalize sustainable communities through design, planning, and connecting these communities with existing revitalization resources. A community IS a resource, and that is a terrible thing to waste.
STEP 1: NAME: JOB TITLE/GRADUATION YEAR: COMPANY: ADDRESS: PHONE: EMAIL: LISTING: NONPROFIT: CONTACT: ADDRESS: PHONE: EMAIL: WEBSITE: FACEBOOK: LISTING:
GENERAL INFORMATION Michael LeClere Emerging Professional | 2012 The University of Oregon Bread-Design-Cafe 1157 Monticello Rd Coggon, IA 52218 541-653-7622 Leclerefarms@yahoo.com Please list company name (C.A.B.A.) Coggon Area Betterment Association Dannette Hankins (President) 207 E. LINN STREET Coggon, IA 52218 319-435-2021 coggonaba@aol.com http://www.coggonaba.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Coggon-Area-Betterment-Association-CABA/125800464218341 Please list by nonprofit name
AUDIENCE, MISSION, AND BRIEF HISTORY OF ORGANIZATION C.A.B.A. Coggon Area Betterment Association (est. 2012) is a non-profit group whose mission is to promote an understanding of the history of the Coggon community by collecting, preserving, exhibiting, and interpreting the community’s history and its relationship to the Eastern Iowa region to audiences of all ages and interests. We promote preservation-based economic development by working to revitalize interpretation of the community, making it welcoming to both families and businesses. Coggon is a community of only 714. C.A.B.A. was formed when Coggon's centerpiece, a 1909 school with subsequent additions, was abandoned by the school district and threatened with demolition. The organization has since purchased the school and grounds from the school district, and are hosting events, fund-raisers, and is home to a couple of new businesses. C.A.B.A. continues to raise funds to rehabilitate and repurpose their small town school and hopes to pursue other grant and funding opportunities for preservation and revitalization of Main Street.
STEP 2: PROJECT TITLE: PROBLEM:
PROPOSED GRANT REQUEST Bread Box There are 8,820 communities with populations under 1,000 within the United States. Together they comprise a total population of 4,386,450. Too often communities of around 5,000 people lack attention by planners, designers, architects, landscape architects, and preservationists. In short, too often they simply cannot afford design, and raising funds within small populations has its limits. Preservation and revitalization of the many small US communities en masse have large implications affecting climate change, resource depletion, human health, and ecosystem quality. If we use Coggon, Iowa's 31 downtown commercial buildings as an estimate for U.S. communities under 1,000 that means collectively their embodied energy amounts to: 193.4 million barrels of oil, 8.9 trillion gallons of gas, 91.6 million tons of CO2 (See case study, pgs. 40-43. http://issuu.com/leclere/docs/making_place_digital_copy), or 19,222,462 tons of paper (http://www.lessismore.org/materials/28-why-recycle). Comparatively, the US Government estimates 2006 BP Oil spill discharged 4.9 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. Collectively the design professions need to be able to bridge the communications gap from small towns to existing resources already available to assist with rural development and revitalization initiatives.
THE IDEA:
The design professions need to be more accessible to the communities in which we live, work, and play. We must learn to evolve our day-to-day business models so that we actively contribute to street-life rather than simply designing street-life. The Bread Box is intended to be a fully functional 2-3 person mobile design office that cosponsors a local entrepreneur, or student, who would operate a small start-up coffee shop, cafe, or food cart that would serve the public. The Bread Box is intended to be housed in a full sized shipping container that would attract patrons to the amenity of the coffee shop/cafe while at the same time displaying the work and resources offered by the design team making the design process an active part of street-life. The Bread Box would be designed to host a patio/parklet for the public that would unfold from the sides of the shipping container providing a place for people to gather, interact, and ask questions. The container is intended to be run off solar and/or small scale wind turbines, have standard back-up RV hook-ups and demonstrate good design, sustainability, as well as resources and work being done within a particular community or neighborhood while promoting stewardship of those places. This would also aid to lower overhead costs to offer design services to communities in need at significantly lower costs than a traditional office thereby making better use of any project funding.
HOW DO YOUR PRINTED PIECES The Bread Box combines the ideas of the parklet, start-up accelorators, coffee AND CORRESPONDING PROJECT stands, and the mobile office into one easily deliverable package that is united by the belief that COMMUNITIES ARE RESOURCES. COMPONENTS WORK TOGETHER TO SUPPORT YOUR IDEA AND As with any natural or manufactured resource, we are entrusted to steward our communities, preserve their ammenities, and ensure their continued health. PROVIDE A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM? The accompanying project components and diagrams, illustrate how the Bread Box can be delivered to a community that is interested in, or is undertaking, revitalization efforts. The Bread Box demonstrates the impact that good design can have by transforming the traditional design office into an actual community ammenity at street level. At street level the Bread Box itself becomes an educational exhibit of adaptive reuse, green energy, and sustainable building practices. By including a public parklet space and a start-up business incubator space, the Bread Box does more than just demonstrate how design-professionals can make an impact; rather it aims to demonstrate how any community has the ability and resources they need to adapt and grow.
WHAT IS THE GOAL OF YOUR PROJECT AND HOW WILL IT MOTIVATE ITS TARGET AUDIENCE TO TAKE ACTION?
The goal of the Bread Box is to actively engage and empower marginalized communities and neighborhoods by bridging the communications gap to existing resources already available to assist with revitalization initiatives. The Bread Box is intended to: Take design to the streets, put the design process on display, contribute to street-life, guide communities to resources and through the application processes, provide an amenity and service at reduced costs, and to inspire and sponsor local entrepreneurs through hosting a small start-up space. As a mobile unit, the Bread Box could ideally be sponsored by a host community and be set up in a public park, an empty lot where there is interest in revitalization, or even at a local fair or festival. By providing a patio/parklet as a place for people to gather, the Bread Box recognizes the natural curiosity of people, and literally puts design on the streets through displaying concept drawings, colorful sketches, renderings, sketch/digital models, and utilizes the entire creative process as a street activator. The Bread Box could also display slide shows of local history or host a "movie-in-the-park-night" where the entertainment provides a reason to gather, resources available through the Bread Box are advertised, and people are invited to come support a local entrepreneur.
HOW DO YOU PLANT TO IMPLEMENT AND DISTRIBUTE EACH COMPONENT SO THAT THEY WORK COHESIVELY TOWARD YOUR STATED GOAL?
The C.A.B.A group in Coggon would serve as the first pilot community to host the Bread Box program. C.A.B.A. is working towards designating their Main Street as a Historic District and of becoming a Main Street Community. They will need assistance with historic designation nominations, Main Street planning, architectural services for their store fronts and historic school, and landscape architectural assistance with their town square and city parks. The biggest obstacle lies in physically building the Bread Box. It must be built from grants, donations, and fund raisers to reduce overhead costs included in the costs of the design services offered. This eliminates the associated costs of renting an office, utilities, and property taxes. Being a mobile office allows the Bread Box to travel anywhere that it is needed and to actually be immersed among the community and the people that it will be used for whether that be for preservation efforts or disaster relief. The inclusion of a start-up space immediately calls for local participation and plants the seed of possibility for starting a business, pursuing a dream, or simply eliminating the stigma of walking into a design office with a question. Together the design office, the start-up space, and the patio/parklet demonstrates, rather than tells, what can be accomplished with determination, limited space, and few resources. The presence of the Bread Box in addition to its program and the work undertaken within helps to educate and connect communities and neighborhoods with the revitalization resources that many do not even know exist.
WHAT WILL BE THE LASTING VALUE OF YOUR PROJECT AND WHY DOES ITS INTENDED IMPACT MAKE IT AN IMPORTANT AND TIMELY IDEA?
This grant would primarily apply to the construction of the Bread Box and a professional stipend that would allow me to work with the community of Coggon. As a pilot program within the community of Coggon, it would be the intent of the Bread Box to help the town pursue a National Main Street Historic District designation in order to open up future funding opportunities through the Main Street Program. The Bread Box would assist with schematic design and with the application process. As invited, the Bread Box could assist through design development, construction drawings, and construction administration depending on the project and the agreed scope of work. This would produce some tangible results and establish a foundation for ongoing efforts before and following an invite to another community or finding another community willing to host the Bread Box for a period of time. This business model could be replicated, scaled, and applied in multiples throughout the US and areas in need world wide. Good design makes a difference, and preservation, revitalization, adaptive reuse, and creative innovation play important roles in maintaining vibrant communities and protecting the social and natural resources that they represent. This approach also aligns with the AIA's Repositioning Initiatives for the architectural profession: (1) Elevate public awareness (2) Advocate for the profession (3) Create and expand the sharing of knowledge and expertise to ensure a prosperous future for our members. (http://www.aia.org/about/repositioning/index.htm)
STEP 3:
PROPOSED BUDGET
ITEMIZED BREAKDOWN
ESTIMATED TIME FRAME
ESTIMATED COSTS
- Shipping Container - Transportation - Sustainable Insulation - 63 Sheets Sanded Pine BC plywood finish - Plumbing - Lighting & Electrical - Stairs/Folding Panel - Windows - Bathroom - Kitchenette & Start-up space. - Deck/Patio - Doors - Labor & Contingency
- N/A - 1-2 Weeks - Installation 2 Weeks - Installation/cabinets 4 Weeks - Installation 2 Weeks - Installation 2 Weeks - Manufacture/Install 3 Wks. - Installation 1 Week - 2 Weeks - 3 Weeks
- $4,000 - $1,000 - $3,167 - $2,833
- 3 Weeks - 2 Weeks
- $3,500 - $2,000 - $7,500 ------------------TOTAL ESTIMATED COSTS: $50,000
ESTIMATED START/END DATES: TOTAL: 26 WEEKS/6 MONTHS
- $4,500 - $6,000 - $2,500 - $5,000 - $3,000 - $5,000
SUMMARY:
PROJECT COMPLETION DATE: DESIGNER HONORARIUM:
TOTAL AMOUNT REQUESTED:
6 Months from confirmation as grant recipient. (10% = $5,000), but I am willing to waive my honorarium toward completion of the project. $50,000
VISUAL PARKLET
DESIGN OFFICE
R.R.
START-UP
DESCRIPTION ADAPT MAIN STREET DESIGN OFFICE
R.R. START-UP
NEW SPONSOR COMMUNITY
START-UP
PRESERVE REVITALIZE
- DELIVER
- HOST START-UP - DESIGN & REVITALIZE
- ANCHOR START-UP
- ENERGIZE MAIN STREET
- NEW SPONSOR COMMUNITY
-
SPONSOR COMMUNITIES IN NEED ADAPT, PRESERVE, REVITALIZE SOW START-UPS STEWARD & GROW
REVITALIZATION BY DESIGN & START-UP ACCELERATOR START-UP R.R. WIND SOLAR DISPLAY WINDOWS PARKLET GARAGE DOOR GALLERY WALL MAIN STREET
WORK COUNTER
BREAD BOX
START-UP
R .R .
DESIGN OFFICE
LONGITUDINAL SECTION 1 DESIGN OFFICE
LONGITUDINAL SECTION 2
R .R .
START-UP
DESIGN OFFICE SECTION
START-UP SECTION
START-UP CAFE
DESIGN OFFICE INTERIOR
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
MICHAEL D. LECLERE
1157 Monticello Rd. Coggon, IA 52218
|
(541) 653-7622
|
leclerefarms@yahoo.com
R E S U M E
EDUCATION The University of Oregon, M.Arch & M. L.Arch, June 2012, GPA: 3.7 • Study Abroad: Kyoto, Japan - Summer 2009, Vancouver B.C.- Spring 2010 The University of Iowa, B.F.A. - Art & B.A. - English, Dec. 2005, GPA: 3.64 Pacific Northwest Historic Preservation Field School 2012 & 2013 LEED Green Associate SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS • APA-IA Conference Emerging Professional Presenter Oct. 2013 • Oregon Design Conference Student Presenter April 2012 • U of O Graduate Research Symposium Feb. 2012 • U of O AAA Student Research Symposium Oct. 2011 • U of O Student Travel Scholarship 2010-2011 Academic Year • The University of Iowa Dean’s List Through out undergraduate school WORK EXPERIENCE Intern Architect | Jordan Iverson Signature Homes February 2013 - Present Eugene, OR • Collaborated with Mr. Iverson on all phases of design and construction for single family and mixed use projects • Primary drafter, renderer, and digital 3D visualization generator Non-Profit Organizer/Volunteer 2011-Present Coggon, IA • Initiated historic preservation/adaptive reuse campaign for a historic rural community school • Ongoing efforts have resulted in the formation of a non-profit citizens organization and acquisition of property Design-Bridge Safety Manager & Volunteer 2010- 2012 The University of Oregon Dept. of Architecture | Eugene, OR • Coordinated and planned regular tool trainings and safety classes for volunteers of this student organization • Volunteered and helped in the construction of Design-Bridge projects along with fellow volunteers Woodshop Instructor-Super. | Line Drawing Inst. October 2008 - Present The University of Oregon Craft Center | Eugene, OR • Monitored, maintained, and supervised students and public to help design, build, and teach woodworking skills • Created and taught line drawing classes covering perspective, lineweight, hatching, and shading techniques Design Intern/Volunteer June 2010 – August 2010 (Under Linda Pauly) City of Springfield, OR • Created digital and hand media renderings to help the city and community visualize future planning agenda • Researched relevant precedents in other communities and cities to present before design council TECHNICAL SKILLS • Adobe Suite CS5: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign • Multi-Media Rendering • AutoCAD • Revit • Google SketchUp • Solidworks • Microsoft Office Suite • Softimage REFERENCES Jordan Iverson jordan@iversonsignaturehomes.com (541) 579-3604 Designer | Builder | Owner Professor Robert Z. Melnick rzm@uoregon.edu (541) 346-2193 Studio Instructor/Master’s Chair Professor Roxi J. Thoren rthoren@uoregon.edu (541) 346-3641 Advisor and Studio Instructor Linda Pauly lpauly@ci.springfield.or.us (541) 726-4608 Springfield, OR Principle Planner
Jennifer Archibald Secretary, Coggon Area Betterment Association Coggon IA 52218 www.coggonaba.com
Sincerely,
Coggon Area Betterment Association wholeheartedly supports Michael LeClere’s application and believe his goals reflect Sappi’s mission in its commitment and dedication to creating meaningful change in our communities.
Being awarded an Ideas that Matter grant would allow both Coggon and Michael to form a robust partnership that would be transformative. Michael’s inspiration and initiative could very well move Coggon from its current status of a small, dormant community to an active community willing to embrace the future while preserving its past. Being given the opportunity to be driven by a designer who has already realized the community’s potential and identified ways to move it toward prosperity would be beneficial not only to Coggon, but also pave the way for other similar communities. Recognizing that a community’s greatest asset is its people and their ideas, Coggon already has the evidence that teaming with Michael LeClere, designer, is in the best interest of the community and its future success.
Michael was the impetus behind the creation and formation of Coggon Area Betterment Association (CABA). During a visit to Coggon, his hometown, he shared a presentation with the community, introducing to them his vision of a vibrant Coggon through partnerships within the community and an allegiance to social awareness. It was during this event when the seeds of growth and prospects of prosperity were sown, and a handful of concerned citizens began to meet regularly and discuss ways in which Coggon could flourish. Soon after, the Coggon Area Betterment Association was established and has grown from a handful of members into an active membership of nearly 40 individuals who support ideas and activities that promote community betterment, cohesion and spirit. CABA remains focused on serving and broadening its mission to promote an understanding of the history of the Coggon community by collecting, preserving, exhibiting, and interpreting the community’s history and its relationship to the Eastern Iowa region to audiences of all ages and interests.
Please accept this letter in support of Michael LeClere’s grant application. Michael has exceptional vision for and commitment to his hometown community, a town of 700 in rural Iowa. As a designer, he uses his skills to create visual dreams; as a citizen, he draws on his life experiences to inspire those who currently live in the community in which he was born and raised.
Dear Sappi Selection Committee:
Ideas that Matter Sappi Fine Paper North America 89 Cumberland Street Westbrook, Maine 04092
July 3, 2014
844 W. 35th CREST MEADOWS | EUGENE, OR
WORK SAMPLES
This custom
single family residence
was the 2013 Tour of Homes for Jordan Iverson Signature Homes. I joined the
team towards the end of design development. My primary responsibilities for this project included the design of the
canopy and rainwater planter system in addition to the fireplace feature wall.
entryway
Through out this project I
was able to develope these features through collaboration with the property owners, subcontractors, and Jordan Iverson.
WI-LO | 1456 WILLAMETTE ST, EUGENE, OR
WORK SAMPLES
This
mixed-use
project was the first commercial undertaking by Jordan Iverson Signature Homes. I came into this project
after the site and program had already been established. I helped the team to navigate through commericial buidling code,
massing and articulation studies, design development, and construction documents. I also instrumented the design of a rainwater filtration planter and coordinated with the projects engineers and subcontractors as this project entered construction in summer 2014.
CAPITAL DR. BLEWSTER RESIDENCE, EUGENE, OR
WORK SAMPLES
This
single family residence
is a project that began construction in summer 2014 designed by Jordan Iverson Signature
construction document set, I was responsible for the driveway approach, topographic studies, and drafting the erosion control plan. I was also responsible for the design of the main level patio. This site had some extreme topographic constraints that made it a technically challegning and rewarding experience.
Homes.
In addition to drafting the full