After establishing connections between history, opportunities, edges, and boundaries through our mapping process, we sat down with members of ACTS housing staff. In accordance to The Guide to Human-Centered Design, we asked a set of predetermined questions about their work environment.
Through these series of questions, we utilized a map of the floor plan to denote the information that was shared. As we conversed, we allowed the interviewee to take the discussion where they wanted to. With each individual, this fluidity allowed discussions to flow about work-life balance, how many of the employees live in the neighborhood, lifestyle, what they are proud of, what they value, and what small things they desire. We then took the comments from all and summarized the major points, developing a map to illustrate the culmination of overlapping comments, concerns, protests, likes and dislikes. We discovered a few consistent themes, particularly in regards to basic human desires. We also interviewed Phang with the same structure type but tailored the questions to a more historical basis. We used her insight, knowledge and years of experience with St. Michael's to help paint a picture of the community, the congregation and surrounding neighborhood. Through her, we learned many valuable things about the neighborhood that has a deep-seeded connection between the Convent, School, Rectory and Church along with a rich past that is often overlooked or unexplored. We also engaged with both ACTS and members of St. Michael's congregation, walking with them through the neighborhood and listening to their stories. Through the analysis between our engagement with the staff of ACTS Housing and other community members, we were able to hypothesise that a once incorporated entity has become an isolated business that needs to get back to its roots and find its place in the community. ACTS wants to establish a better connection with the community they are working in, beginning with an accessible, welcoming and easily navigated space, both outside and inside. After engagement, we deployed two seperate bench-like structures. The aim was to create small spaces that broke boundaries, encouraged a sense of welcome, comfort and caused pause within the landscape. From there, we entered our final phase of design. |
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