ARCH 608, FALL 2013 The University of Kansas School of Architecture, Design & Planning
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Rosemary Nelson Small Bets: Joint-use Playgrounds, Futsal Courts, Connecting the community via bike routs Big Bet: Incubator, Recreation, Gardening, and Education
This project proposes development of a community center that provides a place for connection and interaction at the intersection of culturally diverse neighborhoods just south of downtown Kansas City, Kansas. It will be situated in a landmark building along 7th Street and Central Avenue, and will extend into the void situated within the retail development. The facility will provide educational programs for children and adults for improved healthy eating, fitness and gardening while also a culinary incubator to support small start-up businesses.
This photo, taken in 1945, shows the vitality the Riverview Neighborhood Area had years ago. The picture is taken from Central Avenue, looking towards 7th Street. 3
Introduction to Riverview Neighborhood Area Community Conditions
The Riverview Neighborhood Area (RNA)1 is located in the heart of Kansas City, Kansas, bordered by Interstate 70, State Avenue, and 18th Street (figure 1.2). The area is located in Wyandotte County, which is currently one of the lowest ranked counties according to state statistics2. The measures ranked included demographic factors, social factors, economic statistics, and health outcomes; of which, Wyandotte is ranked lowest for both health behaviors, and social and economic factors (figure 1.1). These low rankings bring up the question, what is causing those in this area to have lower statistics than their neighboring counties? Although Public Interest Design (PID)3 is unable to fully solve these issues, its purpose is to promote feasible solutions benefitting the underserved. As you will see during this projects fruition, the PID philosophy was followed as a method to promote access to healthy foods and increase engagement in physical activity. This was applied as an effort to benefit the health behaviors as well as social and economic factors within the area.
1.1 Wyandotte County is currently ranked last, 102 of 102 counties in the state, according to comparisons according to health behaivors and social & economical factors. 4
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention4 , participation in physical activity declines as young people age (Physical Activity and the Health of Young People). As their amount of physical activity drops, the risks for obesity and weight related diseases rise. It is important to increase access to facilities where the community can participate in healthy activities. “Research suggests that physical characteristics of the built environment surrounding a child’s neighborhood or school can significantly influence physical activity and thus health outcomes� (Wolch et al., 207). Also, according to the same article, it is pointed out that neighborhoods with low-incomes and high minorities have increased rates of obesity5. These are conditions the Riverview Neighborhood Area faces. As public interest designers, it is our role to develop a strategy to enhance the performance of the built environment for this community. With this being said, an understanding of the underserved population was necessary for further development in the project.
fig. 1.1
Evidence-Based Approach
With the purpose of better understanding the Riverview Neighborhood Area as a whole, an evidence-based mapping process locating areas of need began.
fig. 1.2
Figure 1.3 shows public recreational resources available to the area within walking distance6. These resources include ball fields, public playgrounds, gyms, and fitness centers. Through this map, it is evident that several neighborhoods in the RNA are without recreational facilities within a ten-minute walk. fig. 1.3
One solution to increase recreational resource availability throughout the Riverview Neighborhood Area is to promote joint use playgrounds in schools7. Currently, schools in the district must close their recreational facilities to the public once school is dismissed, which means school playgrounds are locked each night. Through a joint use agreement, there would be an increase of access to places for physical activity in the neighborhood (figure 1.4).
fig. 1.4
Though potentially utilizing a joint use agreement increases the areas near physical activity sites, a large portion of the neighborhood remains without access (figure 1.5). This region is deemed a “recreational desert�8. 1.2 An areal map of the RNA fig. 1.5
1.3-1.5 Maps showing the evidencebased research 5
Human-Based Approach
Thus far, the evidence-based research has been useful in understanding the statistical state of the region as well as locating an area to generate recreational assets. Alternatively, human-centered thinking is needed to generate the most feasible program for its residents. This was important to understand what people in the communities wanted to see, and how they could be a catalyst for change within their neighborhood. Initially, gathering this information began at a meeting at El Centro9 where city leaders were able to give their opinions and ideas for helping their community (figure 2.1). This meeting gave insight for the challenges facing the area.
2.1 Photographs of former Mayor Reardon, Commissioner McKeirnan, and CWHC’s Steve Curtis; whom were present at our initial meeting. 2.2-2.3 Images taken at our event at the parade on Sept. 14, 2013 2.4 This image shows a collection of wants the residents have for their neighborhoods, which we collected during the parade. 6
Additional meetings10 with community and organization leaders helped in understanding ways to engage the Latino Community in discussions. This led to setting up a booth at the Central Avenue parade11 (figure 2.2-3). During the event, several important discoveries about the community were made. These interactions were with community members having a wide range of backgrounds, yet each explained that they would like to see a change in their neighborhoods. It was evident that residents have so much pride for the Riverview Neighborhood Area. However, individuals feel that the area is going through a transition; the demographics have changed dramatically in recent years, and there is a sense of “placelessness�. This is especially true for residents who are just transitioning to the area. It was also pointed out that certain areas are not working for the community and are not properly maintained. The comments gathered during these events are essential pieces of research in identifying the needs of the Riverview Neighborhood Area as a whole (figure 2.4).
fig. 2.2
fig. 2.3
fig. 2.1
fig. 2.4
Through this approach of systematic mapping and discussions with residents, it became clear that the community was in need of additional recreational resources within the area deemed as a recreational desert (figure 2.5). In order to serve this need, this project proposes to utilize a site in the focus area to provide resources for underserved community members. The most real-world strategy to approach this problem is to develop a beneficial program for the community within a building already existing.
fig. 2.5
Throughout the RNA there are a multitude of empty buildings; repurposing one of these buildings will begin the revitalization of the area. The overall purpose is to produce an adaptive reuse design benefitting the community, and serving as a catalyst for change throughout the RNA. Not only does adapting an under-utilized building with new uses make sense for this area, but this project also proposes to increase the capacity of this neighborhood to support its citizens through small, achievable projects—of which these will be referred to as “small bets”.
2.5 This map indicates the “recreational desert” in green. As well as the selected site location, circled in red. 7
Project Proposal Small Bets
Joint-Use Playgrounds (small bet #1)
fig. 3.1
Policy changes in the school districts are necessary to pursue joint use playgrounds. This small change will keep facilities open to the public, increasing the access to recreation areas for children. Also, there is funding available12 which could help the community stimulate this policy change. During the parade, community members expressed the need for futsal13 courts in parks (figure 3.1). By turning current tennis courts and vacant lots into futsal courts, more residents will be able to play futsal close to home. There is also funding available for improving sports fields such as this through the Levi Strauss Foundation14, which would assist this change in RNA. Bike Routes (small bet #2)
fig. 3.2
Connecting the community through bike routes will provide a safe mode of transportation for those without vehicles. An interesting thing to note is that nearly 28% of residents do not own a vehicle15. This proves the importance of developing bike routes throughout the RNA, these routes will provide those without vehicles more access to resources within the area. There is currently a plan for bike routes proposed to the city (figure 3.2). This network of routes connects all of the major streets to one another safely, making it a great asset for the city. This small bet is to support the implementation of the proposed bike routes. Community Gardens (small bet #3) A goal of the project as a whole is to transform the health of the RNA community. Proper health not only requires physical activity, but also access to proper nutrition. Adding several new community gardens throughout the RNA will increase residents’ access to healthy and nutritious produce. There is currently an effort throughout the area to become community garden focused. Through supporting the garden movement by creating additional community gardens, more RNA residents will have access to healthy produce close to home.
3.1, 3.3 Images of potential “small bets� throughout the RNA. 3.2 The proposed bike routes which were displayed at 816 Bike Shop, on Central Avenue. 8
fig. 3.3
Project Proposal Big Bet
Transforming an older Building (large bet) In correlation with the small bets, a final big bet proposal aims to help the entire neighborhood. This big bet comes in the form of an adaptive reuse project, transforming an existing building to suit the needs of the community. The building chosen for the adaptive reuse project is located at the corner of 7th Street and Central Avenue (figure 3.4). This site brings two assets to the table: the main unit is memorable due to its prominent “nose�, and the large open field south of the building can be transformed into several resources for the RNA.
fig. 3.4 3.4 A collage of images of the selected building, its site, and position in correlation to Central Avenue. 9
Project Proposal Site Programs
The program for the site will include an incubation center to house startup businesses, and an educational facility to teach children and their parents about nutrition and fitness. A space for community recreation will also be included. Lastly, the open field will be utilized for community gardening and additional outdoor recreation space. Collectively the purpose of this program will provide space for interaction and connection for such a culturally diverse neighborhood (figure 4.1).
fig. 4.1
4.1 This diagram shows the initial program proposal, and where those spaces will be on site. 10
Building Analysis
Environmental Analysis The analysis, shown in figure 4.2, is of the sun path and predominant winds on site. This study was important in determining fenestrations for the addition, and also to strengthen the concept for gardens on site.
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predominate winds fig. 4.2
4.2 This analysis shows the annual climatic conditions on-site 11
Building Analysis
Built Environment Conditions This study indicates circulation around the site, highlighting vehicular, pedestrian, and public transportation. Also, street-lighting is mapped for night safety purposes (figure 5.1). This analysis was crucial in the understanding of the main traffic arteries surrounding the site, and also how residents using public transportation would approach the site.
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primary path bus stop main entry street light fig. 5.1
5.1 Analysis of the built surroundings 12
Building Analysis View Corridors
The images of this analysis helps in understanding the connection this building has with the surrounding context (figure 5.2). Along Central Avenue and 7th Street, buildings are primarily commercial structures with large parking lots; an interesting aspect of this building is that it is nestled between the transition from commercial to residential properties. As seen in image 4, homes are located directly
behind the building whereas the other images show commercial buildings flanking the southern and western sides of the site. Images a-e are shown to give a sense of what one sees when approaching the building. There is a very clear view of the building and the grounds when looking from Central Avenue, this is typically the first view a passerby will have of the site.
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c 1 d
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view corridors
fig. 5.2
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images 1-4
images a-e
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5.2 Viewpoints from particular locations on site, corresponding with images 1-4, and a-e. 13
Building Analysis Schematics
Floor Plans The existing floor plans are shown in figure 6.1, these plans were used to calculate the available square footage of the unit. These calculations were used as a guide in determining the need for an addition to the building, and how large that addition had to be.
Basement
First Floor
1
Second Floor
1
1
UP
1211
1063 UP DN
DN
DN
1355
150
1355
1300
1
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+
2513 sq ft. 2566 sqft.
+
2513 sq ft.
1355 sq ft. Level 2
+
13' -1355 0"
sq ft.
=
3868 sq ft.
=
6434 sq ft. fig. 6.1
2 Level 1
0' - 0"
Level 2
13' - 0"
2
Basement -10' - 0"
Level 1
0' - 0"
Basement -10' - 0"
6.1 As-built floor plans and the sq. footage per floor
2
fig. 6.2
6.2 Section 1-1 6.3 Section 2-2
7th Street
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fig. 6.3
Case Studies
La Cocina La Cocina is kitchen incubation organization, focusing on low income food entrepreneurs16. The entrepreneurs are primarily women of minorities and immigrant communities. This organization provides a facility for these new businesses. The space includes kitchens and an area for items to be sold. In order for entrepreneurs to be involved with La Cocina, they must complete business advising through the organization. This training teaches the women financial aspects of business in order to help the success of each new startup. There have currently been 30 small business graduated from the program. (figure 6.4)
fig. 6.4
Liberty’s Kitchen This organization provides underserved youth, ages 16-24, the opportunity to build a better future for themselves through a culinary setting. They are given the chance to change their situation and engage in a supportive community where they learn life, social, and employability skills. It also provides food service training, education programs, and job placement services.17 (figure 6.5)
fig. 6.5 6.4 Images of women cooking at La Cocina (lacocinasf.org) 6.5 Images of teens working at Liberty’s kitchen (libertyskitchen.org) 15
Building Program Discription of Spaces Private Uses18 Meeting Room: will be used in conjunction with the Business Incubation Center. The purpose of this meeting space is to allow potential entrepreneurs to have a meeting space with Incubation Center staff to learn more about the program. The space will also serve as a conference room for staff or community meetings. (240 SF) Commercial Kitchen: the Incubation Center is focused around food service startups. In order to serve these new businesses, there will be two full commercial kitchens in the center. The idea is that one will function for the adjoining cafĂŠ, while the other produces food items to sell market style. In addition, there will be a kitchen classroom for community members to use during cooking classes. (1200 SF) Administration Offices: there will be two full-time administrative staff serving the entrepreneurs in the Incubation Center. The offices will need to create a comfortable environment for staff members to have meetings with our entrepreneurs. (2 @ 120 SF = 240 SF) Public Uses18 Classrooms: the primary foci of the Incubation Center are to provide a space for entrepreneurs to start their food service business, while also serving the Riverview Neighborhood Area as a catalyst for healthy living and nutrition. Classrooms will provide spaces for nutrition and gardening classes to take place. Furthermore, there will be cooking classes held in the kitchen space, and these classrooms will serve as ancillary space for the cooking classes. (2 @ 600 SF = 1200 SF) Lobby: small reception areas will be located at both the entry of the dining area and when arriving into the fitness area. These will serve community members by helping them get acquainted with the facilities and sign up for any nutrition, cooking, gardening, or fitness classes. (2 @ 80 SF = 160 SF) CafĂŠ: a dining space located in conjunction with the commercial kitchen will allow the community to visit the incubation center, and enjoy fresh made cuisine from the new businesses. (1000 SF) 16
Market place: in union with the food entrepreneurs, a storefront space will be provided for the businesses to showcase and sell their food items. Also, all extra produce grown in our community garden will be sold in this market place. (840 SF) Fitness Studio: physical activity is essential in living a healthy lifestyle. The second story will serve as a fitness refuge for community members, young and old alike. There will be spaces for yoga, aerobics, spin, and also an open concept gym. Community members will be able to rent out the studios for any classes that they may want to include into their own fitness routine (2000 SF) Public Site Community Garden: this garden will allow community members to provide healthy food for their families, with the convenience of a maintained site and tools. Outdoor Terrace: the outdoor terrace space will serve as a support space for the fitness area. The function of this space will be for group classes whenever the weather permits. Elements of Play: on site there will be several spaces for children to play. These spaces will range from playgrounds, interactive artwork, and fields for futsal weaving throughout the grounds. Shed/Pavilion: a tool shed will be located near the garden space. This will house all the materials necessary for maintaining the community garden, community members will be free to access the materials anytime. Also connected to the shed will be a shaded pavilion. This pavilion will create a space for community members to relax while enjoying the view of the garden and grounds. Ancillary Mechanical/Electrical Circulation Restrooms Locker-room Storage Delivery Zone
Space Planning Budget 240
Meeting Room
Mechanical/Electrical
1200
Commercial Kitchen
Circulation
240
Administrative Offices
Restrooms Private
1680
Service
1200
2000
Fitness Studio
Storage
1200
Classroom
Delivery Zone
160
Lobby
Community Garden
1840
Incubator/Cafe
Outdoor Terrace
5200
Public 1200 1680
Available Gross: 6434 Addition needed: 1646
ms
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Fitness Studio
fig. 7.1
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Kitchen
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fig. 7.2
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Shed/Pavilion
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5200 1680
Elements of Play
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7.1 Chart specifying the needed space requirements for the program 7.2 This diagram shows the relationships between program. 17
Design Process Site Development
Zones
fig. 7.1
Pathways
fig. 7.2
Boundaries
fig. 7.3
Program 7.1 Three Distinctive Zones: Plaza, Garden, and Recreation 7.2 Functional Pathways 7.3 Boundaries Formed by Trees 7.4 Program of Site: Places to sit, observe, and meet others. Spaces for play and futsal 18
fig. 7.4
During the design process, a method of working from the outside to the inside was used. The layout of the site is specific to particular activites corresponding with the interior program of the building. The landscape was first partitioned into three primary functions (figure 7.1). In order to connect each of these functional spaces, pathways were developed to cut through the site (figure 7.2) A boundary was formed by trees to enclose the site and create a separation from the residential neighbors (figure 7.3). The final phase of the site design included the organization of three functional zones (figure 7.4)
fig. 7.5
7.5 Shows a section cut through the site 19
Design Process Steps of design
Selection of the site, shown in the red frame.
Remove a portion of the alleyway
Add in pathways and gardens to revitalize the site
fig. 8.1
fig. 8.2
fig. 8.3
Create two new facilities to house the project program 20
fig. 8.4
Remove a portion of the box to create circulation and viewing space for connections with the site
Pull up the base of the building to expose the structures of the original building and the new
Add in an outdoor rooftop terrace and shading devices for the outdoor space to create a cafe
fig. 8.5
fig. 8.6
fig. 8.7
8.1-8.8 Show the steps taked during the formal design of the building addition corresponding to the site 21
Floor Plans Primary Use Recreation Restorative Rooftop Terrace
Fitness Studio
Yoga Studio
Second Floor Plan
Education
Admin. Offices
Incubation Cafe
Meeting Rooms
Kitchen
Classroom Market Place
Cafe
Cafe Terrace
First Floor Plan
Tool Storage
8.1 Image of a conceptual rendering of the site 8.2 Sectional-perspective highlighting particular spaces within the building 22
Basement Plan
fig. 8.1
fig. 8.2
Yoga Studio Terrace
Fitness Studio
Kitchen
Market & Cafe 23
Views
fig. 9.1
9.1 Exterior Rendering of the fitness studio 24
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Health Tied to Place
Through this project the Riverview Neighborhood Area is given a place holistically centered on the health of its occupants. Through the analysis of the residents during statistical research and discussions, it was made evident that there is a need within the community for a mechanism to revitalize the area. This project aims to revitalize the residents individually, working its way into the community. Individuals must be engaged and have had a hand in the improvements—this project focuses on ways that the site and programs will support young entrepreneurs in initiating businesses. Which is why this project focuses on positive health as a balance between mind, body, and soul; it begins from the gardens and transitions to being active and generating new jobs for residents.
fig. 10.1
10.1 View inside the market-place 26
fig. 10.2
10.2 View outside of the cafe 27
11.1 An overall view of the site after developing the project proposal 28
fig 11.1 29
Notes:
Wolch, Jennifer et al. “Childhood Obesity and Proximity to Urban Parks and Recreational Resources: A Longitudinal Cohort Study.” Health and Place 17 (2011): 207–214. Print. Physical Activity and the Health of Young People. Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH), National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2008. Notes:
(Endnotes) 1 The Riverview Neighborhood Area is comprised of Riverview, St. Peter, Prescott, Bethany, Strawberry Hill, and Bethel Neighborhoods.
2 According to countyhealthrankings.org, Wyandotte County is ranked 99 of 102 counties ranked within the state of Kansas.
3 Public Interest Design emphasizes the creation or redesign of products, environments, and systems, with a clear human-centered approach, while often likened to the well-established fields of public interest law and public health. (http://www.publicinterestdesign. org/glossary/)
4 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the national public health institute of the United States. (http://www.cdc.gov/ about/)
5 According to countyhealthrankings.org, Wyandotte County has an income rate $12,000 below the state average, an adult obesity rate of 38%, and over half of the population are minority races.
6 Recreational resources are mapped with a ¼ mile radius, which is 10-15 minutes of travel time walking (Childhood obesity, 209)
7 Joint use is a way to increase opportunities for children and adults to be more physically active. It refers to two or more entities—usually a school and a city or private organization—sharing indoor and outdoor spaces like gymnasiums, athletic fields and playgrounds. The concept is simple: share resources to keep costs down and communities healthy. (http://www.jointuse.org/about/about-joint-use/)
8 Recreation desert: a neighborhood or region which lacks access to safe places for physical activity, such as parks, walking trails, playgrounds, and gyms. (http://family fitness.about.com/od/fitnessvocabularyterms/g/Recreation-Desert.htm)
9 El Centro is an organization located in Kansas City, KS. It serves Latino community members through educational programs. At our introductory meeting, Former Mayor Joe Reardon, Commissioner Brian McKeirnan, Rene Aguirre, Steve Curtis, and Marti Thoennes gave our studio a presentation and answered questions regarding the community.
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10 Additional meetings in Kansas City included Friday morning coffee meetings at Fire House 7, as well as Steve Curtis giving a tour of the Riverview Neighborhood Area in which he showed many assets the community has to offer.
11 On September 14, 2013 our studio participated in a parade along Central Avenue. We step up a booth for data collection, had a game for local children to play, and provided sidewalk chalk for kids to draw on the streets. While talking with residents at the booth our focus was to understand how they got around in their communities, where their favorite/least favorite places were, and how they felt about their neighborhood overall.
12 Kaboom.org has several grants available for updating/building playgrounds used under a joint use policy agreement.
13 Futsal is the sport of soccer, however played on a smaller field.
14 The Levi Strauss Co. has a philanthropic foundation, where there are available grants for sports fields to be built in communities. (http://www.levistrauss.com/ about/foundations/levi-strauss-foundation)
15 According to statistics for the 66101 zip code, 27.8% of households do not have a vehicle. (http://www.eachtown.com/ZIP/66101.html)
16 La Cocina is located in San Francisco, CA. (lacocinasf.org)
17 Liberty’s Kitchen is located in New Orleans, LA. (libertyskitchen.org)
18 The private uses for this building include spaces for incubator businesses and staff. The public spaces include the cafe, market, and recreation center
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