The Homeless Studio: Recollection and Recognition
Last semester, I had the greatest studio experience of the past seven years of architecture school. The Homeless Studio, funded by David and Mary Martin's MADworkshop, provided me with an incredible opportunity to not just design and build unique projects, but also the possibility to work with real people on a real issue.
So much of my architectural education has consisted of "fantasy projects" that have little connection to anything outside of the school's walls. I'm not saying those projects aren't useful; those type of projects allow students to develop skills and understanding of the broader definition of architectural design. However, at a certain point, the students need to be able to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world situations. I believe The Homeless Studio was my first chance to truly utilize all my abilities as a researcher, designer, and fabricator.
Throughout the semester, as we got more and more involved with the issues surrounding homelessness in LA, I developed a deep fascination to an aspect of architecture I had yet to experience: People. While designing in school, you always think about the user, and how they will interact with the spaces you create. Yet, the spaces we create are for imaginary people in an imaginary space. After each of our full-scale prototypes were built, we had the chance to let people encounter our projects in the physical world. To actually see people look, touch, smell, step inside, and walk around your design was spectacular; that idea you first sketched on a piece of paper is now being used by people.
The whole studio course has altered my perspective on architecture, and how designers can use their abilities to address problems outside the conventional realm of architecture. When I began architecture school, I never thought that an issue like homelessness could benefit from architectural design. Now, after working with many amazing people who have devoted their lives to those living on the streets, I realize my expertise and talents can benefit the greater good. I am not sure if I will continue my future ventures to address homelessness specifically, but I know the lessons I learned from The Homeless Studio will follow me wherever I go.
If you would like to read more on the work from The Homeless Studio, then please follow the links listed below:
Jayson