collective exchange

collective

exchange puru m i pa r k // u nd e r g r ad u ate t h esi s 2 0 1 5

I believe that we need to think of ourselves as change agents and participate at all levels of engagement, not just by designing but by taking a more active role in our communities.

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This project aims to include interdisciplinary educational programs for sustainability and clean eating by focusing on the potential of urban agriculture and aquaculture in the urban Milwaukee setting.

This project was influenced by the works of Will Allen of Growing Power.

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT a patter n language Issue

Issue

In one food documentary, the interviewer asked a child where his eggs came from. The child replied, “From the store!�. This scene was engraved into my head and made me start to think about the worst case scenarios, eventually going extremes to having Nea So Copros* in mind.

Chances are, the general public may or may not realize where the ingredients used in their food comes from. Restaurants can buy their products in bulk, not locally sourced. Therefore, consumers may never know where their food came from.

Solution

Solution

I believe learning to eat the food we grow is an essential. Without the enthusiasm and knowledge generated through cooking, well grown food will not have the intended positive impact. In addition to the demo kitchen that is included in the existing program, a restaurant is a great solution as an outreach to the public. Allow abundant amounts of daylight and access to the outdoor park.

The restaurant will be as transparent as possible. In other words, all the ingredients will be locally sourced from the Growing Power farms and only utilize fresh and seasonal produce that comes from the farm or the urban farm.

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In addition to seasonal produce, take advantage of Growing Power’s aquaponics. Growing Power uses Tilapia and Yellow Perch to fertilize a variety of crops and herbs using aquaponics system. As far as other protein-related ingredients, Growing Power currently has chicken and goat. Perhaps this can be an opportunity to either partner with another local butcher / farmer for beef, pork and other livestock.

Why it’s important Issue 1717 N. Water St. is a dynamic site on the edge of the Milwaukee River and across from the Brady Street Park. How is the river interpreted and connect it back to the Growing Power, as well as the restaurant?

Solution Establish a place on the ground where the paths of the public cross from the river walk. Include comfortable outdoor furniture and a different spaces that would draw people in to create a sense of excitement and an element of surprise. This also allows for opportunities to have landscaped pocket parks and gardens that can be easily accessed back into the restaurant. Let the outdoor spaces be activated by the community presence.

Growing Power supports people from diverse backgrounds, as well as the land. As urbanization grows, there is a lack of greenery within the cityscape, which is a decreased area for community groups to gather. Not only will it be refreshing to see more green within the city, but it will also be an opportunity for smaller, parks that could be utilized as an outdoor classroom.

Although the main vertical farm will be the star nursery for produce, the ground level park will be an additional educational opportunity and an easier access to the restaurant. I want to continuously direct the focus back to Growing Power’s goals to grow food, to grow minds and to grow community. Anyone from the neighborhood can come in from the river walk during the hours of operation. My vision for the public park will be a gathering place that connects people with different backgrounds and serve as a catalyst to the people of the community.

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site analysis

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‘hot corner’

point of access

different views milwaukee river & brady street park

n e a r b y r e s ta u r a n t s

solar diagram 7

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The site is a part of a mixed-use development, featuring a blend of residential, commercial and cultural uses. Through the integration of these uses, vital connections are created between the locals and the activities of the area. The two buildings are located on a dynamic site with high vehicle traffic. When approaching the site from North Water Street, the corner is emphasized as the street splits off into Brady Street. The site attributes two main views: the Milwaukee River and Brady Street Park. In other words, the site engages both the river and the community.

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pocket park

outdoor seating

kitchen dining

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restrooms

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herb garden

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check out

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fish tank

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seasonal produce

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eat food

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growing food, growing mi nd and g 14

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puru m i pa r k // u nd e r g r ad u ate t h esi s 2 0 1 5