David Torres | Architecture for Outreach

Architecture for Outreach

David Torres

Abstract

Underprivileged neighborhoods in U.S. cities have been isolated and abandoned in detriment to its inhabitants. The perception of these areas as ”bad” deters any involvement for improvement which creates a cycle of poverty that forces generations to live through undesirable conditions. The result is an uneven playing field in life caused in part by lack of opportunities through infrastructure, safety, and education which sees no solution as society turns a blind eye. Architecture, program, and implementation of community outreach can be used as tools to revitalize these communities and implement new ideas and structure to alleviate the disadvantage that some are born into and erase the stigma of place. Creating mixed-use buildings that feature housing as well as a community hub centered around the values and strategies of community outreach organizations as well as giving purpose to empty unprogrammed lots are solutions that would benefit the community and help change the reputation of these neighborhoods. With the idea of outreach at the forefront, as well as the needs and desires of the residents in mind, proper facilities can be built that address the main issues that residents go through every day and aim to revitalize these often-ignored places and change their narrative.

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STIGMA

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DIS O R D E R

Site: Englewood, Chicago

DOWNTOWN

ENGLEWOOD

Oak forest with much swamp land

Introduction of railroads brings German and Irish immigrants to the area

Pre 1 8 5 0

1850

The area prospers with many institutions and a population of 90,000 190

Chicago annexed Englewood

0 - 1940

1889

People start leaving the city and going to the suburbs resulting in many businesses being shut down

Urban renewal in other parts displaced African Americans.

Many moved to Englewood causing white flight

1950

?

Fu t u r e

1960

Crime rose. Many houses were abandoned and demolished.

Population fell drastically.

2000

Englewood

Chicago

Population

26,121

2,718,555

Poverty Rate

46.6%

19.7%

Median Income

$19,854

$55,198

Vacant Land

21.5%

8.9%

Unemployement

18.6%

8.9%

Size

3.09 Sq. Miles

334.00 Sq. Miles

Vehicle Access

49.8%

87.3%

Sites Housing Public / Commercial Education Bus Stop Streets Other

S1

Contributors to disorder

Spaces of opportunity

Empty Lots No Program Unkempt

Housing Green Space Art Installations Parks Gardens Outdoor Classrooms Outdoor Fitness

Type 1: Small

Type 2: Medium

Type 3: Large

Type 4: Corner

Type 5: Full Edge

Gypsum Board Wood Framing Insulation Plywood Sheathing Moisture Barrier Finish Material Openings

Felt Insulation Vapor Barrier Roof Deck Ceiling Joists Gypsum Board

Finish Flooring Plywood Subfloor Floor Joists

MISSION “The ultimate goal of the Englewood Arts Collective is to reflect the beauty of, enrich the community within, and help produce events and interactions that reflect the Englewood Chicago community in a positive way—reframing the mainstream narrative, from the inside out.”

The power of a people when they tell their own story.

The power of Art as a legitimate, viable conduit for positive change in communities.

The potential for Artists to be leaders and influencers of said change.

Housing Community Hub Outdoor Public Space

Co O

Housing

ommunity Outreach Outdoor Public Space

Major vehicle circulation

Elementary school

Luna Park

Alley between site

Major vehicle circulation

Gas station

Major vehicle circulation

St. Basil Church

Shopping

College prep.

Major vehicle circulation

Branch of Hope Apartments Health center

Bike share

Purpose for empty space?

Main traffic points for entry

S1

Dance Studio

Auditorium

Lobby

Outdoor Public Outreach Lobby Semi-Private Lounge Parking Mechanical Housing

1 2 3 4 5

1

3 2 4

South/North

5

Workshop Music Room Gallery Restrooms Semi-Private Lounge Dance Studio Auditorium Outreach Lobby Parking Housing

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

5 6

1 9

West/East

2

3

4

7

1

8