YEAR 3 STUDIO
With the input of Ironbound Community Corporation members and information from community engagement efforts previously conducted, this approach to the revitalization of the Conrail and Tidewater brownfield sites and expansion of Down Bottom Farms aims to achieve several goals. In recognition of the East Ironbound Community Plan, this project will increase connectivity to the waterfront through multi-sensory wayfinding, create safe & sustainable pedestrian corridors and intersections, and balance new housing at Ballantine with public open space in the form of a green roof providing views across the Passaic and into downtown. Greenways, expanded recreation, and a lighted pedestrian ramp connecting the Conrail site and Ballantine roof will allow users of different abilities to access all sites. This proposal offers an alternate plan for the Ballantine superblock and surrounding sites, where the community has the opportunity to make use of as much currently under-utilized space, addressing social, ecological, and economic community goals.
SECTION B - OXFORD STREET (ONE WAY) - PROTECTED BIKE LANE & WIDENED SIDEWALKS
The South Central Healing Garden serves as a calming, restorative community space with plenty of shade and seating to escape the heat and stress of the city. Fruit trees espaliered along curving trellises, a dry stream to collect rainwater, large boulders and fragrant plants along the path stimulate the senses and quiet the mind. With the addition of small, community serving green spaces and integrated urban farms, places like convenience stores and the like could begin to provide items grown by the community out of their current locations. Through this, the community gains self-sufficiency and independence. Freedom from outside assistance that otherwise may not result in true improvement for residents can be achieved. People can go into these spaces and feel safe from the threat of the police and other violence they may be vulnerable to hanging out on a street corner or at a liquor store. A sense of ownership, pride, and be-longing comes with the addition of these small spaces, no matter the size.
Site analysis and research to understand how to create educational, multisensory soundscapes & address noise and air pollution affecting families and young kids living near Dorris Place Elementary in Elysian Valley, Los Angeles, CA.
A series of rooms or maze of cloth represents confusion and uneasiness felt in the process of seeking out community: going from alone, to overwhelmed and surrounded, to comfort.
The feeling of first entering and being surrounded by colorful wallpaper, not knowing where to go or who to talk to, even among community, and still feeling disoriented and lost.
Over time, a sense of belonging is found ... your spot on the sofa.
Pieces selected are examples of hot glass techniques practiced at UCSD Crafts Center and in private studios in San Diego, CA since 2011. Working with and studying glass has been an active lesson in physics, how it interacts with other materials, collaboration & teamwork. Through the glass community in San Diego, my exposure to a wide variety of art and design has expanded.
