Inspired by powerful organizations such as the Yaya and Silence is Violence, the Poland Street Stables is a community center focused on improving the lives of New Orleans' youth. It takes a village to raise a child. Children do not only rely on their mothers, but also teachers, farmers, and artists. The genius loci, or "spirit of the place" is one of collaboration. Rehabilitating the building in a flexible and multifunctional way allows for range of users. Focusing these efforts on children and their mentors stimulates the growth and continuous healing for the Bywater, a neighborhood knocked on its knees by Hurricane Katrina.
Shortening the existing stall walls and placing them on hinges allows for either a market space or event space. Schematic floor plans A and B show different arrangements for market stalls. The A and B table arrangements on floor plan B demonstrate the different price points that the center can charge the vendors depending on square footage. In order to repurpose materials, reclaimed wood from the stalls are crafted into tables. Floor plan B shows the stall walls pushed back for an open event space.
Schematic Floor Plan A
Schematic Floor Plan B
Schematic Floor Plan C
Lighting Section
Removing the loft, which currently hides wooden beams, exposes the natural beauty of the building and allows it to naturally ventilate itself. This also provides room for skylights. Called SolaTubes, these daylight portals bring in natural light without bringing in the heat that typically comes with it. This is crucial in a city like New Orleans, where sun and natural light is plentiful, but so is the heat. Also, not having to power the building during the day with artificial light will save the community a great deal of money, and allow the community center at the Poland Street Stables to remain open.
