In preparation for this pivotal community meeting, I took a proactive approach to ensure its success. I orchestrated a joint class that brought together Landscape Architecture and City Planning students, alongside key collaborators Aaron Booher, Farah, David Seiter, and Ellen Neises. Our goal was twofold: to clearly define the students' design needs and to thoughtfully craft a meeting format that would resonate with the community.
Drawing on principles of gathering design, I guided the students in developing six to seven different prototypes. However, I knew that the real test would come when they faced the community members I had personally invited. This meeting would be their first opportunity to present their ideas and gather crucial written feedback.
My role extended beyond just facilitating the meeting. I strategically structured the event to encourage community members to suggest alternative locations for streetscape interventions. This open dialogue was crucial in our planning process. The meeting proved to be a turning point in our project. It was here that the Lex Street block emerged as a prime candidate for a "gateway" design intervention. This insight, born from the community's input, would go on to shape the direction of our entire project.
By fostering this collaborative environment and ensuring that community voices were heard, I set the stage for a project that truly reflected the needs and aspirations of the New Freedom District. This meeting exemplified my commitment to community-driven design and laid the groundwork for the successful interventions that would follow.
Images created by City Planning and Historic Preservation student Marian Glebes for her assignment.