COLLABORATIVE RENEWAL – Improving the lives of low income families through communal education and recreation.

My thesis is designed to empower, inspire and connect. By relocating low income families from a generally poor area to a moderate up and coming neighbourhood I have created a place for them to feel included in society and a place where they can intermingle with a unique mix of people. Fusing families, current residents of the community and introducing artists back into the area will allow this assortment of people to regenerate the neighbourhood, exploring relationships between people, cultures, community and sustainability.

The program components that comprise this idea are divided into two groups: housing and recreation. Housing includes two types of units: family and studio, as well as central social spaces for maximum interaction among neighbours. The recreation sector occupies the entire first floor and consists of two multipurpose areas: workshop and performance as well as a studio and library sector for participation, learning and sharing of ideas. With three access points to a central gallery atrium, the spatial planning is designed to encourage the community to approach and interact with the site and its users. Essentially, my thesis is a collaborative initiative designed to renew relationships, community and the environment through working together to build a dynamic, sustainable community.