H.O.S.T.S.

H.O.S.T.S.
Stuart Weitzman School of Design

Critic: Eduardo Rega Calvo

TA: Amy Koenig

— Habitats Occupy STagnent Sites —

// A form of non-monetary reparations for the damage inflicted by decades of Urban Renewal, the goal of HOSTS is not to repopulate the area with these somewhat “temporary” pods, but instead to create a permanent resident base that leads to a shift in neighborhood dynamics creating a harmonious existence between the University interests and necessities of the residents. The fabrication aspect of the revised ICA can operate beyond simply building modular units; decrepit survivors of urban renewal and plight can be carefully disassembled and repaired in the shop facilities and await reinstallation mounted to the exterior facade of the lattice structure of the tower; a sort of “non-permanent” collection of urban relics. Temporary installations, playgrounds, greenhouses for urban farms, street furniture, or pavilions could also be potential aspects of the lab programming, allowing professional craftsmen to work with community volunteers to better the neglected urban space around them.

Through its vertical integration of art, community development, and architectural rejuvenation, 'HOSTS' not only reimagines the role of a museum but also fosters a transformative environment where urban renewal marries cultural enrichment, creating a sustainable, vibrant future for University City and setting a precedent for urban revitalization in settings devastated by reckless post-war renewal.