Abstract
This paper discusses the creation of an interdisciplinary community design studio focused on providing energy efficient and accessibility home solutions to low-income residents in an underserved community. Bricolage Studio, made possible by a grant, brought together residents, stakeholders, social service providers, and students from diverse disciplines to collaborate on home improvement solutions needed to empower residents towards self-sufficiency and sustainability. An empty church in a low-income neighborhood in Chattanooga, TN housed the studio. Engineering and Interior Architecture students worked on the space to make it habitable for use by an interdisciplinary class. Students worked in committees including Public Relations/Branding, Community Involvement, Design, and Construction/Estimation while establishing a vision, mission and goals for Bricolage Studio. The mission was to be a service-based initiative, creating solutions that optimize living conditions while protecting the unique character and identity of the community. The studio worked with local non-profits to determine clients. An energy efficiency / accessibility inventory checklist was used on each home to determine priorities. In the end, the students completed twelve community design projects that included designing and building wheel chair ramps, installing Universal design features (walk-in showers, toilets, grab bars, levered hardware, stair railings), and installing energy efficient features (GFCI receptacles, light fixtures/LED light bulbs, weather stripping). Through the Bricolage Community Design Studio, students successfully worked in interdisciplinary design teams while making an impact in a community often overlooked.
Presenters
Dana MoodyProfessor, Interior Architecture & Design, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, USA, Tennessee, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Community Studio Universal Design Energy Efficiency Under-served Neighborhoods
