About Amaranth AlleyAmaranth Bakery has become something of a community hub in the greater Washington Park neighborhood. Located at the intersection of Lisbon Ave and 34th street, the bakery is run by Dave Boucher and his wife, Stephanie Shipley. Boucher has become a bonafide community leader, championing development in the area. Often partnering with Muneer Bahauddeen, who runs an art studio just across the street, the two have worked tirelessly to encourage growth within their neighborhood.
Their crowning achievement to date is establishing a farmer’s market in the vacant lot adjacent to Amaranth Bakery. Held every Friday afternoon throughout the summer months, the market is a gathering and meeting space for the community members to use. The farmer’s market began in the summer of 2015 to much fanfare, though uncooperative weather has led to reduced attendance in 2016. Vendors of all types frequent the market, from jewelry makers to urban farmers to Hmong gardeners. One of the market even featured a tent set up by the Milwaukee Police Department, which gave away free ice cream and hot dogs. ThesisThe Narrative Thread is a community engagement project that examines how we may enhance the social interactions and connections within a neighborhood by creating a system of self-sustaining public spaces. In order to create these desired spaces, we engaged with Washington Park residents and asked them to list their common values, needs, and desires for their community.
This project focuses on four different sites near Amaranth Bakery, located on Lisbon Avenue, as an integrated network of public spaces designed to serve as a social catalyst for the community, nurture neighborly relationships, and envision a productive future. |
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Architecture straddles the line between art and engineering; well designed archtecture must be aesthetically pleasing, theoretically sound, culturally sensitive, and structurally stable. One of the most unique aspescts of architecture is its ability to last for many decades. When done right, architecture can provide a positive influence on a community for many years.
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Architecture is filled with hidden stories and memories waiting to be discovered. These stories whispered to us through buildings, landscapes, objects; hold truth of the past, present, and the future. When we take the time to listen and open our eyes to what is around us, we may find ourselves surprised at what architecture can transcend into. |
Architecture are pieces of dreams and memories which are connected with each other. Like scraps of fabric that makes a quilt, these stories from the neighborhood assembles space and place. Each individual memory leads to another memory. Every story, every character, unleashes a wealth of emotions, feelings and desires lost in time. Understanding these memories, stories, and dreams helps us understand our present and even plan for a better future.
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