THE RIBBON
The Ribbon is a multiuse food
center located in the heart of Rainier Beach, Seattle. This project is meant to
go against every architype of a food center to help take away the stigma of a
food bank that our society implements. The driving force that helps push
against this architype is connection. The concept of connection is very
powerful and keeping this element alive in this community is crucial. The
community of Rainier Beach is very capable and genuine with constant displays
of connection to the people; where they come from, their rights as individuals,
and making this place safe and healthy for everyone.
Connection is achieved in three different steps: Connection to the community through seed distribution, connection to the 4 over 1 apartment complex located on the same site and connection to the building itself. Connection to the community is achieved by providing a classroom, event spaces and a communal kitchen to help bring people together and push knowledge of food into the community. This is done by providing seeds to the community and teaching how to grow themselves. Connection to the 4 over 1 apartment is achieved by giving access to the existing lightwells provided in the apartment building, making a visual and physical connection between the two. Lastly, connecting the project to itself is done with this sculptural ribbon form. Using mass timber to provide this visual connection through a singular form helps show the community that they are one and that working together to provide food for everyone can help make this community stronger and more prosperous.
Connection is achieved in three different steps: Connection to the community through seed distribution, connection to the 4 over 1 apartment complex located on the same site and connection to the building itself. Connection to the community is achieved by providing a classroom, event spaces and a communal kitchen to help bring people together and push knowledge of food into the community. This is done by providing seeds to the community and teaching how to grow themselves. Connection to the 4 over 1 apartment is achieved by giving access to the existing lightwells provided in the apartment building, making a visual and physical connection between the two. Lastly, connecting the project to itself is done with this sculptural ribbon form. Using mass timber to provide this visual connection through a singular form helps show the community that they are one and that working together to provide food for everyone can help make this community stronger and more prosperous.