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ShareCity
by
Jacob Davies
The primary functions of shelter, being both protection from the natural elements and a space of peace, must be investigated both separately and in their relationship to one another in order to create a space that caters to the many needs of those who it serves.
Shelter is protection. Protection from what? Both from the natural elements (cold, heat, wind, rain, hail, snow), as well as a reprieve from the busyness and often relentlessness of the rest of the world. Shelter is where one should feel a sense of peace, however small. The two main functions of shelter must be investigated both separately and in their relationship to one another in order to create a space that caters to the many needs of those who it serves.
Once our understanding of shelter is established, how do we use this information to better serve our marginalized populations, such as the homeless? The project SHARECITY seeks to provide residents with protection and privacy while also giving them a robust space in which to foster community on the Los Angeles site. Shelter doesn’t only act as a barrier from what it protects against, but rather as a regulator for these things. Relationship to the outdoors is still vital, as well as the relationship to those around you. With this in mind, the project consists of a wide open first floor that houses public spaces in which residents can work, cook, eat, lounge and play. This floor also acts as a warehouse for donated goods such as furniture that either finds its permanent home at SHARECITY or is staged for use by the residents until it is collected by another organization in need. Above the first floor lies the housing units as well as rooftop gardens and covered spaces in which to cook, eat, and lounge. Fostering relationships between residents is a critical part of this project, so while they each have their own private space in which to reside and sleep, much of the other program is placed in the more public spaces.