Description

The project expands the already-established Mobile Design Box Project that revitalizes empty storefronts in underserved neighborhoods of Milwaukee through popup art-galleries. The current project explores 1) how to engage local communities to co-create such spaces, and 2) how to craft a mobile furniture system that can be quickly erected to activate vacant storefronts. The uniqueness of this project is the flexibility of a mobile retrofit-system of furniture that can be moved from one location to another. With community input, this designed furniture will respond to diverse programming needs such as farmer's markets, art galleries, maker spaces, co-work sites, and community centers. By including community voices in the design process — through interviews, surveys and workshops, we hope to address local needs, aspirations, and knowledge.

Tasks and Responsibilities

The student, under faculty guidance, will engage with local startup entrepreneurs and community members in the Mitchell neighborhood to discuss social and entrepreneurial needs. This research will be conducted through community workshops and interviews (online in case of social distancing), and paper surveys with community stakeholders. Initial interviews/workshops will focus on community members who currently act as anchors for this neighborhood. We will use this data to develop survey questions. Information about accessing the survey will be distributed through the community partners' social networks.

Desired Qualifications

None Listed.