Crafting a Unity: Challenging a Culture of Conflict

Abstract

In a culture of division, this thesis will explore the visualization of a unity between contrasting groups of people. The current political climate of division and racial tension surrounding Black Lives Matter continues to thicken, particularly in urban cities. Communities fear one another and have yet to find a bridge to heal the relationship. Through the act of community building through recreation and social programming, this thesis aims to explore an architectural solution for social and spatial disparities. The design is intended to serve a diverse community and promote change.

Focusing on Philadelphia, a northern city that has a history of racial tension and redlining, this thesis explores a new programmatic paradigm that focuses on blending barriers of race and economic class. Intersections of gentrification, transition, and slum, are synthesized in order to create a connective tissue of people and place.