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Cultural Identity
An important issue that kept coming up during our design process was the idea of cultural identity. Our team pondered the idea of having a symbol that would give a deeper meaning to the elderly community. We realized that not only was this community for the elderly, but it was also for a predominately African American community. We discussed whether there was something we could introduce to our current designs that would give African American residents a stronger sense of place and home. We wanted to create this idea and at the same time, not make it appear offensive or uninviting to people of non-African American desent. As our debate continued, we decided that receiving feedback from current residents of East St. Louis would be a very helpful approach.
The Gate
The other important topic our team discussed involved the construction
of a gate or fence. Putting up a gate would be making a bold statement
for our design. We knew that with a gate, the elderly community would
strengthen the meaning of identity for the residents. We also agreed
that the safety factor would be exceptionally high. However, the
construction of a gate encompassing a new community does not always bring
advantages. Nearby residents could possibly feel threatened.
They may feel that segregation is being promoted due to the fencing off
of the nearby homes. We then came up with the plan that would ease
the statement made by the gate. By covering a gate with plant life
such as Creeping Junipers, the threatning feeling presented by the gate
would be lessened. The people living in the elderly homes could feel
safe and the same time be convinced by the aesthetic appearance of the
fence.
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