Presenter: Shania L. Brouwer

Faculty Sponsor: Rose Mary Botti-Salitsky

School: UMass Dartmouth

Research Area: Architecture and Urban Planning

Session: Poster Session 2, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, 163, C30

ABSTRACT

Modeling a community-oriented space that incorporates a farmers’ market will facilitate the exploration of the role that botanical greenhouses and access to fresh produce could reduce food deserts and foster social interaction, education, and healthy living. The circumstances that bring this research to light are the apparent need for solutions to food deserts in modern day cities and the push for WELL spaces that prioritize the well-being of human occupants as well as biophilic design. Food deserts are defined by low-income areas with low access to transportation to healthy foods (Pyzyk 2019). The renovation and reuse of 42 Edison St, New Bedford, MA will be the site for the development; located approximately half mile away from the Church Street train station. This location allows the site to connect a multitude of communities.

Employing historical, observational, and interactive research methods creates a wide view of both past, present, and future successes, challenges, and needs that will influence the program that the space is designed for. The researcher will connect a multi-use space into a seamless design; combining a market, study, and recreation areas to create a central amenity and sanctuary space for local communities and food deserts. On a larger scale, the design of a botanical farmer’s market will support local farmers, artisans, and people. Contributing to the body of knowledge, it is anticipated that this thesis will establish an important precedent that can be analyzed and referred to as a model or inspiration.