[we]ave
haley baquian
The lack of opportunities for students facing socioeconomic challenges has led to a growing achievement gap within high schools. Students who struggle academically are less likely to graduate high school and pursue a post secondary education, often suffer emotionally, and are more susceptible to involvement in violence. The current high school structure is not successfully addressing this gap and providing the time and space for students to explore and express their strengths and identities.
The integration of creativity into these students’ lives would give them the opportunity to celebrate their diversity, develop their skills in the arts, and empower them as scholars and engaged members of their community. The proposed creative arts center is located in Rainier Beach, Washington near Rainier Beach and South Lake High Schools. The art studios are woven into the landscape to create an immersive, place-centered experience. Through mentorship, collaboration, and exploration, students will be encouraged to pursue creative endeavors in the arts and develop their own passions.
The selected site is located in Rainier Beach, a neighborhood in south Seattle, Washington. The site is located along a main transit line, near Rainier Beach and South Lake High Schools, and
between the schools and the neighborhoods where the students reside. The tree covered nature of the site will create an oasis within the city where students can come to escape and let their creativity flow.
seattle, wa
neighborhood amenities
primary users
High school students are the primary user group who will visit the space after school and during the school day for supplemental electives. Elementary and middle school students will visit the space throughout the school year for field trips. During the day when the students are not using the space, local artists can use the studios for their own work, who will in turn mentor the students upon their arrival. During the summer, high school students have the opportunity for employment, working as leaders and mentors for younger students attending camps.
In an effort to create a more integrated experience and encourage students to pursue the arts in multiple
mediums, students will create their own kit of tools to aid them in various studios.
A flexible grid system will be developed within the structural grid, allowing students to modify and utilize the space as they desire. This flexibility gives the students a sense of ownership over the space and allows them to constantly adapt, practicing their creativity.
One example of how the students might adapt their space, shown in the textiles studio.
The primary entry point is at the south corner of the site, leading to a community gathering space with amphitheater steps. At the base of the stairs, a gallery of student work is open to the public. Also in and around that building is a kitchen, dining space, and a community garden. From there, a private path leads students and artists towards the more secluded studios.
View from the site looking towards the studios.
Communal gathering space on the path between studios.
Individual student space immersed in the site
View from the path approaching the studios.