Pacific Food Center: Expanding Tacoma’s Food Bank System

Abstract

This thesis proposes the design of a downtown food center complex as the next logical development of the food bank system of the City of Tacoma, Washington. The first part of the thesis examines the complex character of Tacoma’s emergency food system through a study of the city’s food bank types and locations. Based on research, the thesis proposes the adaptation and expansion of an existing, but currently largely unused, historical brewery complex as the new Pacific Food Center as a way to build and sustain community through food. Addressing a wide range of needs for a broad clientele, the Center integrates a food bank market, long-term support and counseling, and educational opportunities with classroom and test kitchen spaces. Developed with the recognition that everyone eats, this thesis presents a design centered on food to connect local farmers, community members and individuals in need. The Pacific Food Center brings people together into communal spaces, creating opportunities for shared experience and growth.