Propaganda for social growth

Human beings are environmentally embedded creatures whose perception of surrounding stimuli define their memories and experiences. The built environment is a critically important factor in shaping one’s thoughts, feelings, and actions about the world. The message felt through designs of 1950’s public housing projects are of inhuman repetitive emptiness and lack of community. This thesis explores architectural propaganda by inverting the design strategies seen in these places, which empowers, protects, and encourages users to explore their environment and foster relationships with one another. A library and learning center located at the center of the Jefferson Housing Projects in East Harlem, New York possesses the potential to reshape its community through positive cognitive associations and much-needed community resources. By embedding a significant amount of green space, integrating a variety of social spaces, and emphasizing social fluidity and movement, this project will become a backbone for the Harlem community. Through the celebration and empowerment of this community, the people will experience a social and psychological regeneration.