Charlottesville, VA

04 public life center

This project involved designing a center for public life in the downtown mall of Charlottesville. My design site was located along Heather Heyer Way, a location with a profound historical context tied to the 2017 car attack.

Charlottesville, like many older American cities, has a history of using its topography to segregate people of color and lower-income residents. On Heather Heyer Way, the divide is stark—private businesses catering to the wealthy are located uphill, while further down near the railroad, there’s a noticeable economic shift. The public housing complex just beyond the railroad is within walking distance of the mall, yet largely hidden from view, symbolizing the “out of sight, out of mind” attitude toward economic disparity.

The mall itself, while a hub of activity, is often exclusionary to lower-income families. Areas designed for comfort, like shaded spaces under trees, are often restricted for paying customers. Most of the remaining areas are designed for foot traffic, with little space for sitting or enjoying the environment.

The core concept of my project was to establish a community hub that provides essential services to underprivileged populations, especially communities of color, while also offering an inviting space for recreation and enjoyment accessible to everyone. This center would act as a refuge and anchor for those in need, while still being inclusive and welcoming to people of all economic backgrounds.

The building is designed to be a place of refuge, offering services that are often difficult to access, and creating an environment where people from all walks of life can enjoy the space and connect with their community.