Gateway Plaza: Summing it up

This week in studio we had the chance to visit a low-income housing unit, Gateway Plaza, for the elderly in downtown Greensboro. As a class we just finished up case studies on community housing, and how they foster togetherness. The Gateway building fits in perfectly with our studies because it was a chance to have a first- hand experience with our subject area. To begin our studies we toured the entire site and surrounding area. I also focused on the parking lot and front lobby area to do an individual study. Overall, the building had poor communal space throughout, so most residents had to gather in the lobby that I studied. One resident even said, “The most fun I have is in here. Better than being stuck up in that room.” However, after looking at traffic patterns of the space it was evident that most people came through the front door and went straight to the elevator to go their room rather than gather with other residents. It was sad to see that the one space on the fifteenth floor that was dedicated to community gathering was never being used. I think that speaks for the whole building itself. Personally, I think that the space would be better utilized if it were placed in a more centralized and frequented location. Community spaces do not always have to be designated by walls, they could just as well be made by the space that they are in. What could be improved in Gateway Plaza is to have more open space that is easily accessed and shaped by what is inside rather than the shell of the building. When observing and sketching the space more I tried to focus on the form and function of it. In the lobby, there was one main entryway with two paths branching off from it, giving the residents a clear path of where to go. I think with more wayfinding techniques the flow of the building could be improved. If residents were presented with more direction they would be wiling to venture throughout the building more. I also think the building could be improved by having activities for the residents to take part in. Most residents I overheard talked about gossip of their neighbor or what they were making for dinner. I believe a cooking class would be a great way to take off stress of the workers and still add excitement. One of the biggest issues I saw was that it was very bland as well. Barely any art adorned the white walls, and the furniture was all really washed out. By adding visual interest not only will it improve the aesthetic, but it will also brighten the lives of the residents. The lobby in particular would be greatly changed by this addition. Elderly people really just want someone and something to talk about, and by just improving the space alone they will be given that. I think by making Gateway Plaza more updated and interesting the whole community would be greatly changed.