Go Forth

Nautica Edge Architecture, Spring 2023 (In Progress)

The Go forth Community Center is a project that analyzes the concept of Black space in architecture. Members of the Black community in America have pondered the importance and the need for a space where African Americans can get together to discuss vulnerable topics surrounding racism and a lack of belonging in America. This project examines the quality of the spaces in order to achieve the ability to move forward from the past in order to create a more sustainable future.

The project tackled the idea of safe space through the prospect and refuge theory. What this suggests is that a space should provide a sense of prospect (outlook) while providing a sense of refuge (concealment) in order to be a desireable space. In the sense of transparency in safe spaces, the theory works to define what the interior collaboartive space should look and feel like in order to achieve advancement.

How does the Theory of Prospect and Refuge in architectural space explain how one’s environment affects their mindset?

Prospect and Refuge theory explains the idea that the quality and attributes of a space can significantly influence an emotional response to that space. Space can be defined in therms of

Physical Environment

Social Environment

Emotional Environment

What this says is that where you are determines how you think and move. If the space doesnt look safe nad you dont feel safe then it results in you believing that everything and everyone in your immediate vicinity is a threat to you. Now trust is compromised that the ability to collaborate cannot and will not happen.

Prospect: A place with unimpeded oportunity to see Refuge: A place of concealment

Hazard: refers to real or imagined risks that have an impact on environmental preferance. What’s tricky about this is that everyones has different preferances.

Concept: The Ability to Move Foward - with the past and into the future

The ability to move foward is founded on a basic level of trust between its inhabitants. This mindset enables occupants to have transparent conversations which fosters a collaborative environment.This collaborative environment will lead to common ground which will lead to a more sustainable future.

Site plan

A. GARDENS

B. COLLABORATION ENTRANCE

C. COLLABORATION (KIVA)

D. STORAGE

E. RESTROOMS

F. CAFE

G. STAIR TO ROOF (PUBLIC ACCESS)

H. COURTYARD

I. ARCHIVES/LIBRARY

J. ADMINISTRATION ENTRANCE

K. RECEPTIONIST

K-1. OFFICE STORAGE

L. RECEPTION

M. STAIR TO GALLERY

N. ELEVATOR

O. OFFICES

P. EMPLOYEE BREAK ROOM

Q. MECHANICAL/ELECTRICAL

A. ROOF TOP LOOK OUT

B. STAIR TO COURTYARD

C. COURTYARD ROOF (NO ACCESS)

D. OPEN TO BELOW

E. GALLERY

F. BALCONY

G. GATHERING SPACE

H. STAIR TO LOBBY

I. KITCHEN

I-1. KITCHEN STORAGE

J. RESTROOMS

K. GALLERY STORAGE

Kiva Structures are a viatal part of the Collboration Center.

Ground Floor Plan

Collaboration Spaces