Hung Dao Community Gardens

Hung Dao Community Group, a well-organized neighborhood organization in Lower Algiers, approached the Tulane City Center for assistance in assembling design representations for a capital fundraising campaign. As a piece of the garden plans - in collaboration with Elizabeth Mossop and the LSU College of Art & Design - Tiffany Lin and I developed concept renderings for a small community center at the heart of the garden. In keeping with the character of HDCC and its members, the Community Center is shaped by resource conservation, sustainability, and social connection. Rainwater from the roof is channeled into a pool in a central courtyard and stored in a reservoir for re-use in watering the gardens.

Designed with Tiffany Lin; representations are my own work for Tulane City Center.

Taking cues from the community agriculture practices already present in the neighborhood, the concept for the community center was to preserve natural resources, reduce utility cost, and create a memorable space at the heart of the garden. An inverted roof allows the capture of rainwater, which feeds a reflecting pool and water storage system. Water from storage can then be used to water crops without increasing utility costs to the community.

To reduce expense, we designed the community center to reuse the foundations of a blighted existing structure on the lot. Quick, iterative study models helped to refine the program and layout. The process took the building from a densely packed scheme (R) to a more open, light-filled design at left with a reflecting pool in a skylit courtyard that brings natural light into more of the building. During rain events an ornamental scupper brings drama to the courtyard, spouting water into the pool below, where it can be stored for re-use in the gardens.

Models by T. Lin and S. Hurt.

This schematic floor plan shows major program elements of the new community center on the foundations of an existing building (re-used to reduce cost and environmental impact.) Different scales of gathering spaces, a teaching/community kitchen, and a large porch and courtyard connect the building occupants to the surrounding garden and integrate landscape into the experience of the building.

Direct engagement with the Hung Dao CDC leadership became integral to the success of this partnership. After initial charrettes, recurring meetings with the community partners fostered clear and open communication and allowed us to quickly assess, adapt, and refine the proposal throughout the process.

Photo courtesy N. Jenisch.

These raised beds collect community gardening in a centralized location to foster social interactions and facilitate resource- and labor-sharing. Large porches create shaded spaces with direct visual connection to the planting beds, allowing working parents and older siblings to watch younger children while gardening. Direct access from the gardening beds to a teaching kitchen allows for communal meal preparation, while classrooms and flex spaces let residents program rooms at multiple scales within the community center to suit their needs.

Designed with Tiffany Lin; all representations my own work for Tulane City Center.