adaptive mixology: a direction for transforming Chicago's shuttered schools

Abstract

This thesis project explores the potential of a mixed-use education program that utilizes the old school building. The closed school program will be reimplemented back into the building but reflecting upon 21st century pedagogy rather than current outdated practices in the public school system and sized accordingly to the current populations of the chosen neighborhood. A community center and market-rate housing is proposed in conjunction with the school to fill the unused space in the shuttered school and provide services for both the school and surround neighborhood. The mixing of these variable programs yields an opportunity for a holistic approach to integrating the community with its school as well as the building as a civic entity.