Storefront for Community Design inspires equitable community-driven design through our innovative design education programs including low-cost design and planning assistance and design workshops. . Check out our February 2023 Notes from the Field to learn about recent updates from our programs.
City Builders Design Workshop
Design Workshops
We convene project-based learning opportunities that focus on real world issues in the built environment and encourage youth and young adults to discover and design solutions that create effective change in their lives and communities. Learn more about City Builders Design Workshop.
fall semester: sharing ideas for equitable transportation
Imagine a city where ALL residents have access to shared bike systems, safe streets, improved intersections, multiple modes of transportation, and parklets for outdoor activities. This past fall semester, our City Builders Design program participants took a walk through the city to learn about equitable transportation and discover solutions for Richmond. Learn more by reading a recent blog post highlighting the semester of activities.
Become a City Builder! Registration now open for our spring semester.
Who: Teens ages 13-18
When: Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:30pm, March 2 to May 18, 2023
Where: 205 E. Broad St.
*Dinner and stipend provided; register by Feb. 15
Design Session
Low-cost Design and Planning Assistance
We provide community members design and planning assistance at an intimate, approachable level including one-on-one advice, conceptual sketches, and plans of action from volunteer design and planning professionals. Learn more about Design Session.
Update: Whitcomb Court Park
It's a wrap! Storefront volunteers created a conceptual design for a vacant green space in the Whitcomb Court Community informed by previous community engagement. Richmond’s Parks and Recreation, a key stakeholder and partner on this project, took the plan to the Urban Design Committee (UDC) where it got a favorable reception. This project was initiated by Councilwoman Robertson and implementation is awaiting next steps.
image: Conceptual design for Whitcomb Ct Park by Storefront volunteers Natsumi and Katrina (Hanbury)
Image: Vision board of various park element precedents
Fall 2022 semester collaboration with mob studio:
Since 2012, VCUarts mOb (Middle of Broad) studio has collaborated with Storefront’s Design Session allowing students to gain practical design experience while engaging the city. The mOb studio is an interdisciplinary studio that brings together the departments of graphic, fashion, and interior design. Students from urban planning have also participated over the years. mOb studio had a packed fall semester with projects spanning all across the city. A summary of select project briefs below.
Image: Conceptual rendering for public bathrooms at the Belle Isle Wedge Building by mOb studio
1. Belle Isle Wedge - Friends of the James River Park
Conceptual design for repurposing the "wedge building" on Belle Isle as a public bathroom/parks facilities building.
2. Varina LandLab - Capital Region Land Conservancy
A cohesive vision for a recreation area and trail system identity for for a new 350+ acre public park opening this fall just outside Richmond.
3. Public Plot - Jefferson Ave Community Garden
Conceptual design for an educational plot (signage and seating) at a long-standing community garden in the East End.
4. Arts District Placekeeping - Hanbury/Public Arts Commission
Design concepts that activate alleyways and neglected spaces in the Arts District for a larger proposal to Richmond's Public Arts Commission.
5. Arts District Charrette - Hanbury/Public Arts Commission
Activity design for an Arts District charrette as part of AIA's Arch Ex VA conference.
resources
Resource Guide: Architect's Role in Creating Equitable Communities:
Looking to use your design practice to inspire more equitable outcomes? This resource shares how architects can, in their practices, bring about racially just and equitable outcomes for all members of the communities they serve. Created by our friends at Neighborhood Design Center in partnership with Gensler Design, and AIA National.
LISC VA Community Investment Grants
LISC Virginia has several grant programs for local community projects seeking financial support.
Community Visioning
Low-cost Design and Planning Assistance
We provide community-based design and planning assistance that inspires community members to take action, leverage their creativity, and realize a shared vision that strengthens our neighborhoods. Learn more about Community Visioning.
CHAMBERBROOK BUSINESS and ARTS DISTRICT UPDATES
The Chamberbrook Business and Arts District of Northside RVA is a grassroots effort by longtime Richmond residents, community organizers, and designers dedicated to re-establishing the Chamberlayne Ave. and Brookland Park Blvd. Corridor. In early 2022 Real Chances, Inc. partnered with Storefront for Community Design, Hanbury Community Design Laboratory, FORM Coalition, Tactile Studio, and The LIFT Group, to kick off community engagement to create a unique sense of place rooted in community and culture.
In fall 2022, the team launched the Chamberbrook Business and Arts District Design Guidebook to be a tool for community member and business owners to generate ideas. It was assembled using the initial recommendations gathered from residents, business owners, and other stakeholders in and around the Chamberbrook Business and Arts District.
The design guidebook provides the opportunity for community members to “choose your own adventure” based on your knowledge of the project and interest in participating to envision the future of Chamberbrook Business and Arts District.
Jackson Ward Community Plan Updates and Community Event
Since the November Jackson Ward Community Plan Alternatives Workshop, our team has been busy collaborating with the Jackson Ward Community Plan project team to prepare for visioning events in 2023, meeting with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) representatives to provide updates on the process, and working together with Gilpin Informed Residents to develop creative communications.
Save the date for the next community event on Saturday, February 11. The Community Draft Plan Event will be held at the Calhoun Center and residents, community members, and stakeholders are invited to participate.
Read the full recap of the Jackson Ward Community Plan November Workshop.
Check out the Jackson Ward Community Plan webpage to learn more about upcoming meetings and to review past meeting materials.