Waters Avenue Revitalization

Project Contextual research

Insight Paper

SCAD IDUS 711

November 10th, 2011

Elisa Jara

The first insight that comes to my mind is the

breakdown between the government official

plans and the community driven changes.

The former are top down distant solutions that

have not worked so far versus the bottom up

efforts of individuals that care for their

neighborhood.

top down vs. bottom up

2

3

“nice buildings wont

necessarily help. They’ll

be depleted in a few

years anyway”

“city gave

us trouble”

“independent

association (WABA)”

“lost business once city

changed its mind about

precinct”

There is an opportunity to bridge the gap of

missing information of what the community

really needs, and what the government is

willing and can do. This way, the needs and

expectations of the community can be

fulfilled at its best according to well-used

resources.

design opportunity

4

- How might we provide a space for this?

- How might we create a platform for discussion

with a shared language and interest?

5

The physical environment sets the base for a

snowball effect of negative perception, and

un-cared-for spaces.

Obstacles such as fences, security bars on

windows, un-kept gardens and litter,

limit the social interaction and project a

deconstructive environment.

obstacles in the way

6

7

“the way we look

reflects the things

we do”

“that’s a sketchy area”

“security bars

on windows”

“if your area looks like

a slum, you tend to

act that way”

“the way we

look reflects the

things we do”

“waters Avenue was

more attractive it

would probably entice

people to come with

more ideas”

There is an opportunity to break through

these barriers, through participatory design

involving the community and the

government officials.

Generating a momentum of positive attitude,

sense of community to clean up their area,

build up pride for their streets and welcome

visitors.

design opportunity

8

- How might we decrease the need for so many

security barriers?

- How might we design community events to clean

up the streets, and make it a cool activity?

- How might we involve the government and

community in this process?

Due to various reasons, businesses left along

with families, and the community bonds

where broken. There are no social activities or

spaces for these occasions.

Only those who stayed where able to

maintain friendships. New neighbors are

creating new social groups by building on

existing ones.

community has died

10

11

“that whole neighborhood is

now like dead, cause nothing

ever goes on there”

“businesses

leaving because

of family trouble””

“there was an old lady’s

house and she would let us

stay on her porch if it was

raining…all that is gone

now.

“area known for crime”

There is an opportunity rebuild the

community, create events and activities in

Waters Avenue, by the community for the

community. Connecting the loose ends in the

social relationships, and building on existing

networks.

design opportunity

12

- How might we facilitate local businesses that

offer networking spaces, such as a bakery or a

coffee shop?

- How might we design tools for the community to

collaborate and integrate?

There is an untapped value in what

neighborhood interaction can do in

generating positive change within the

community.

Sharing, talking, meeting with neighbors in

benches or parks can be a tool to re-enforce

the sense of community.

N’hood interaction as a tool

14

15

walking in streets and

sitting in the porch

“developing = networking”

“helped us having

neighbors around”

“Waters Avenue

touches the whole

neighborhood”

“…we sit on the bench

here and we all get up

out of the house”

“locally owned

businesses”

There is an opportunity to capitalize on the

benefits of neighborhood interaction and

social networks with Waters Avenue. This in

turn can lead to individual integration into

the community, where the welfare of all is a

shared priority.

design opportunity

16

- How might we increase social networking in

Waters Avenue?

- How might we funnel the positive will of

individuals into a community collaborative?

HOW

MIGHT WE?

18

N’hood

interaction

as a tool

enhance

social

networking

top down

vs.

bottom up

share

points of

view

community

has died

re-connect

obstacles in

the way

break

down

barriers

insight design

opportunity

HOW

MIGHT WE?

19

N’hood

interaction

as a tool

enhance

social

networking

top down

vs.

bottom up

share

points of

view

community

has died

re-connect

obstacles in

the way

break

down

barriers

insight design

opportunity

These four insights share a social aspect,

regarding the interaction among neighbors,

government officials, visitors and business

owners. They are key players in what could

be a participatory design strategy to funnel

the efforts in revitalizing this community.