NEXUM

Everts FALL 2022

This project aims to adequately respond to the social and physical dichotomy between the Woodlawn neighborhood and the University of Chicago by bridging the separation of space and program in a mixeduse building. By integrating a space at the edge of a socially barricaded environment, circulation is overlapped within the structure, encouraging occupants to cross paths and make visual connections. This concept is driven by two case studies, which looked at the social and productivity increases with additional circulation. While the project does not aim to solve the social dichotomy entirely, the increase in social activity has the potential to strengthen connections in a neighborhood where such connections are compromised.

site is challenged by an expanding westward development from the University of Chicago along with established segregation from Washington Park. These forces work together to further gentrify this Woodlawn corner. Along the southwest corner of Washington Park, there is a heavy flow of traffic along Martin Luther King Jr. Street and 60th. In addition, the STRAVA map data shows that the pedestrian traffic fades westward from the park. The site selection aims to intercept these forces while planting its connection-derived influence. The bridging to the park encourages an increase in foot traffic and creates a welcoming environment for both the Woodlawn neighborhood and the University of Chicago.

The concept revolves around transit and cross-connections for people of different purposes and programs. The separation of the building’s halves and interconnected ramp system encourage occupants to cross between the building to visually intercept other occupants with the potential to make connections. By crossing paths, occupants from different programs can create impromptu gathering spaces, encouraging a moment of conversation. Expanding from basic programmatic layouts (fig. 1), the ramp system overlaps (fig. 2), then vertically climbs (fig. 3 and 4) and branches into extruded platforms that create pockets for level-specific connections (fig. 5).

The program is curated for those under distressing or overwhelming pressures of life. This space hosts a counseling practice, cafe, public seating, and fluid cubicles for non-profit businesses. The programs in this space are meant to equally serve both the Woodlawn neighborhood and the University of Chicago. The cafe space is accessible to the public on the first floor and is designed to offer a neutral space for the community. The counseling office aims to provide mental health aid to both Woodlawn and university residents.

Furthermore, the non-profit cubicles and breakout rooms that inhabit the ramp system intermingle the two business programs with public occupants. Within the residential space, communal and shared spaces are divided among the two halves of the building, encouraging paths to cross between residents. All programs utilize the same ramp system to further promote connections throughout the building.