Community is the Protagonist of Space

St. Louis, Missouri, USA - Fall 2013. Comprehensive Studio, Housing.

Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts.

“Just as in dance or theater, man is the protagonist of space.”  -Lina Bo Bardi

A further examination of this quote provides many clues found through the understanding of site specific design dynamics; The notation of the existing infrastructure, the use of site circulation, and the interaction/integration of the user with its immediate and projected surroundings are the focused elements for this project. The continuation of this quote dictates: “until a person enters the building, climbs its steps, and seizes the space in a ‘human adventure’ that develops in time, architecture does not exist.” This statement allows me to think of this project as a space, not only built for a singular user, but one which becomes a direct link between the social implications of the current spatial conditions of this site and most importantly its community. The resulting housing complex becomes a visual connector with amenities for both the transit oriented user and its surrounding neighbors. Analytical research methods were derived from a Sustainable Network Diagram I designed.