01 Urban Renewal SB Block Development South Bend, Indiana
The idea of creating new industry where old ones have died is not a new phenomenon to the world of architecture and design. But often times what drives these schemes is the principle that one must replace something which is seemingly broken for that which is infinitely better and new. I propose, however, that the redevelopment of a deindustrialized environment is not the replacement or eradication of failed or broken parts, but a chance to redefine these elements based on ideas of “coexistence, proximity, and synergy.� An opportunity to restore what once was lost through the wreckages of circumstance and time. And to, in the words of architect Krzysztof Nawratek, encourage progess through a means of urban re-industrialization, by reintroducing live-work environments and promoting local business operations. This development project does so by incorporationg commercial at ground level and studio spaces for small industries such as Tech startups or textile design companies.