ALISO: COMMERCIAL SPACE

HOME-EC LEARNING SPACE

The community, of ALISO and the surrounding area, is really looking for a program and space to come in and teach basic life skills, in hopes to give people what they need to be self-sufficient. The end goal is to hopefully boost the local economy and help get people off the streets and take back control of their lives.

“ The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program provides annual grants on a formula basis to states, cities, and counties to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons. The program is authorized under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, Public Law 93-383, as amended 42 U.S.C.-530.1 et seq.?”

The goal for this design is to give a home-y, welcoming, and comforting environment that is conducive to learning and building relationships within the community. We will achieve this by incorporating the typical forms and appliances, that one might see in their own home, but leaving the structure of the space a beautiful blank canvas as to not distract, and to make it easy to add on to pre-existing function. White walls

will contrast against the goods and appliances, thus showcasing the function of each space. Brick columns give homage to the structure of the building. In providing various seating options, we give the people ownership of the space by deciding where they function within the space.

---

PROJECT SUMMARY

The Community Development Block Grant funds wonderful ideas, in cities, that help to provide community and opportunities. We were lucky enough to be able to develop and design a sort of Home-Ec Learning Space for the community of Aliso and the surrounding areas. The main area in this Learning Space is the Learning Kitchen. It is encased in glass curtain walls, and houses state-of-the-art appliances to learn on. Next is the Communal Workspace, where individuals, or groups alike, can be taught how to manage their finances, taxes, and their household. In this area you will find a large table for gathering, bookshelves filled with knowledge and resources, and credenzas with rentable laptops.