Why Build?

May 15, 2022
With Clarkson Broadwater
Clemson University

This project proposes taking advantage of abandoned and unused buildings in the city of Orangeburg by creating a strategy to renovate them into sustainable and equitable live/work residencies for artisans. This strategy will encourage community engagement through the interaction between local tradespeople, students from local universities, and other organizations that will be involved in the renovation of these buildings. Moving the program of the project off-site and into the city will activate the historic Russell Street district and the entire city of Orangeburg as movement between the different spaces rises, creating more opportunities for connection between residents. This dispersion of the program also allows for the proposed site to become an open public plaza which is defined by an event space that hovers above. This site will act as a catalyst to effect change and bring activity to the streets of Orangeburg as well as create a space in which the community can come together.