#representingactivism

[cmusoa-udbs]

Sun Movement

The two current sites for RE_CON 01 and RE_CON 02 are narrower than the previous site at 318 N St Clair, with each lot measuring 24’ 4”. This change in size meant that is was important for us to start by critically refining the plan. The narrower width of the lots is also reflective of the size of most lots around the city, with 25’ being the most common width dimension. The sketch shown here is a quick and initial plan study that focuses on the movement of the sun. The studio has worked extensively through multiple iterations of plan drawings to experiment with core placement, variations on stair, and overall circulation paths.

[cmusoa-udbs]

Peace advocating Change

It is interesting how a small expression can change the vibe of an entire space. When I was walking on the Highline Park in New York, it was interesting to see how the path was woven around the city and there were niches framing different parts of the city. The above image is one such frame. Talking more than words could. 

Graffiti has always been a medium for communicating powerful statements. This reminds me of our visits to various Pittsburgh neighborhoods during the MAPPING BLIGHT exercise. During these visits, I noticed many instances of members of the community using Graffiti as an expression of their feelings. Public art brings vibrancy, voice, and specificity of place to a neighborhood, and can be a catalyst for revitalization.

[cmusoa-udbs]

Adding on to my previous posts, my research also lead me to an interesting collision between recycling and the housing authority. Based on the latest 2015 audit of the Department of Public Works’ Bureau of Environmental Services Refuse and Recycling Divisions, it is clear that low-income communities under the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) have not been adequately recycling for decades. Much of this seems to be based on a lack of space prescribed for recycling by the HACP as well as a lack of education/enforcement. While the communities themselves do not face direct negative consequences, the City suffers financial consequences. When HACP communities do not recycle, the City’s landfill fees are increase, potential recycling sales revenue is lost, and the City does not receive State Grants for recycling performance. Instead, the costs are absorbed by city taxpayers and money that could have been used elsewhere is lost. It is unclear whether substantial changes have been made since the audit, but it is clear that economic, social, and physical issues surrounding housing, recycling, and sustainability are intertwined. Our project alone cannot single-handedly solve any of these issues, but by researching, understanding, and caring about these issues and the networks they are defined by, we can act responsibly as informed designers, policy influencers, and community members.

#Recycling #Pittsburgh #HousingAuthorityoftheCityofPittsburgh #HACP #Audit #Networks #Intertwined #Responsibility