Lots of Healing: A Transformative Approach to Lot Vacancy

Abstract

This thesis aims to re-evaluate the abandonment of vacant lots and develop an architectural typology used to address the issue of lot vacancy in specific areas of the city. Through examining the history of the Sandtown-Windchester neighborhood in Baltimore, a multi layered intervention will be developed to address the issue of homelessness and lot abandonment specific to this neighborhood. This intervention will then be adapted to address lot vacancy that exists in cities across the country. This intervention and research will serve as a catalyst to spark further discussion about the societal implications of the mishandling of vacant lots, and ways to adapt them to serve the communities in which they exist in order to inspire a positive societal impact.