Date of Award
Spring 5-31-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master in Interior Architecture [Adaptive Reuse]
Department
Interior Architecture
First Advisor
Eduardo Benamour Duarte
Second Advisor
Mark Hamin
Abstract
The built environment is a physical manifestation of a society’s values and priorities. The way space is allocated reflects what a society deems significant, shaping how communities and cities function on both a practical and symbolic level. In Washington, D.C., this relationship between space and meaning is particularly evident. The city’s layout was carefully designed to emphasize national identity, with monuments and memorials occupying central locations that highlight their historical and symbolic importance. However, not all spaces receive the same attention or resources. For example, the only youth rehabilitation center serving the Washington, D.C., area is built to accommodate just 60 individuals at a time, while immediate needs calls for 2500 a year. This limited capacity is not due to a lack of available space but instead reflects a broader societal choice about how much value is placed on the well-being and future of at-risk youth. This disparity raises a critical question: Can values—such as care and opportunity—be manifested through allotment of space?
This thesis investigates the adaptive reuse of a significant architectural structure to support at-risk youth. The host site, RFK Stadium, currently stands as a monumental yet underutilized landmark, serving primarily as the eastern gateway into the city. The proposed intervention unfolds in three phases: Phase 1 centers on community engagement; Phase 2 emphasizes academic development; and Phase 3 establishes a residential living community. The design strategy involves inserting a series of enclosed, modular interventions within the existing structure. Phase 1 is the focus of this investigation and will feature spaces dedicated to career training, hands-on learning, mentorship, and community interaction. These enclosures are defined by modular units inspired by the original architectural forms of the site—rotated, mirrored, and reconfigured to create dynamic gathering spaces and foster interdisciplinary connections.
Recommended Citation
Gomariz-Robertson, Helei, "Giving Space to Equity: Creating Modular Mentorship Spaces for At-Risk Youth" (2025). Masters Theses. 1407.
https://digitalcommons.risd.edu/masterstheses/1407
Creative Commons License
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Included in
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