NLP

Growing Home challenges the conventional notion of the homeless shelter by making its primary function not that of mere housing, but rather, reintegration by means of revenue production. This is achieved by introducing a simple, retractable facade system which functions as a revenue generating engine for the resident through three diverse methods: raising crop, recycling, and advertising. Intended as a temporary, transitional element, the homeless person stays in their shelter until he/she has generated enough income to be reintroduced into society as a self-sustaining entity. The shelter plugs in next to farmers markets and recycling stations within the Skid Row District of

Los Angeles allowing the resident to make fulll use of the vertical garden and recycling collection station integrated into the facade. This also initiates a social and psychological remediation through their contact with the community and nature, respectively. Thus, Growing Home is not "just a home," but a catalyst that helps not one, but many of Los Angeles' displaced citizens regain their self-sustenance and independence.

In Collaboration with Raffy Mardirossian, Danah Mangahis, Emily Cheng, Amy Sheldon, Kate Holguin, Kelly Murray and Shaan Patel. Competition sponsored by Gruen Associates.