PARK(ing) Day 2017

PARK(ing) Day was two weeks ago and we're still reflecting on what a fun, community driven day it was. Special thanks are in order for our partners: Ragen & Associates for the beautiful plants and pots; Southpaw Pizza for providing pizzas at our potluck; Low Income Housing Institute for teaming with us on the benchtable, which found a home at their Georgetown Village.

It was a wonderfully busy day, topped off with a delicious community dinner and an extended presentation of Grace's TED Talk. Check out some of the highlights:

We're Back!

copyright schemata workshop

We made it. After months of delays and rescheduling, two full days of packing and unpacking, and many subsequent hours of organizing, we’re finally in our new home on Capitol Hill. Slowly, things are coming together—our admins have their new casework, acoustic felt and carpeting are going in, and the next few weeks will get us pretty darn close to complete.

We asked the staff, “What have you most enjoyed about being back on Capitol Hill? What are you most looking forward to now that we’re back? What has surprised you most about being in the new office?” Here are some of their answers:

Will: Being in a vibrant neighborhood with Seattle’s best park a few blocks away. Enjoying lunch on the roof deck. How spacious the office feels.

Margaret T: I like being so close to home and in the middle of Cap Hill – it feels like a community here, and we’re so close to my favorite haunts.  I also like that Cap Hill is not so touristy!

Abby: I’ve enjoyed being able to walk to work. Not only is it a quick and easy commute, it’s fun seeing the neighborhood wake up as I make my way into the office. I was anticipating the open office layout to be very distracting, and I’m surprised by how little that’s been a problem for me.

Mike: Seeing people I know while walking around the neighborhood—that didn’t happen much in the temp location. Being close to our daughter and the CHUC community throughout the day. It’s hotter than I hoped…need to work on ventilation and night cooling.

Joann: I enjoy the natural daylight in the office, the standing desk configuration and being so close to the park. I’m looking forward to exploring the neighborhood and getting to know the local businesses.

Mira: I love being able to walk to work and seeing all the quirky personalities of those on Capitol Hill. I enjoy being together in one big space as one big Schemata family. I look forward to settling in, decluttering, and adding some personality back to our second home! One thing that never ceases to amaze me, despite the transition pains, is how seamless it has been to work on virtual machines.

Sarah: The office moving to the Hill has meant that everyone is starting over together in a new space. As the newest person in the office, this has helped me feel like one of the team faster than if we hadn’t all participated in the big move!

Grace: I like being immersed in the community where I have invested my personal and professional time. Within the walls of our new building I enjoy the sounds of kids playing, neighbors talking and laughing, and the clink of dishes as they get washed or neighbors eat dinner. Outside the gate to the building I enjoy a vibrant business district where I meet my neighbors of the greater Capitol Hill community.

And we’re not done celebrating!

9/16: Stop by any time to enjoy our PARKing Day pop-up parklet, then join us for our Open House

Cheers!

-The Froggers

2016 Urban Housing Forum

Grace and Andrew recently attended AIA Seattle’s Urban Housing Forum. These year’s theme “Room for Growth” was based on the rapid population increases in the Puget Sound region, its effect on the livability of our communities, and the response of the design community. The day-long program sought to examine the problem and identify innovative solutions to mitigate the upheaval in the region’s housing market. The morning sessions were mainly focused on housing policy with speakers representing a wide range of backgrounds, from architecture and academia, to municipal government. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about the steps local policymakers are taking and to see how other cities and regions are solving their housing problems. The afternoon sessions revolved around design with talks from many local architects and planners. The highlight of the program was the keynote speaker, David Baker, FAIA. David is the founder of David Baker Architects in San Francisco, an award-winning firm that specializes in the design of affordable housing. David's presentation focused on 9 ways architects and planners can build community with urban housing:

1. Reweave the Urban Fabric. Create, repair, and enhance connections within existing neighborhoods.
2. Build the Bones. Design a bold and interesting building form.
3. A Little Goes a Long Way. Concentrate a small amount of premium materials at points of shared enjoyment.
4. Activate the Edges. Energize street life with an engaging ground floor.
5. Be Welcoming. A gracious entryway sets a positive tone.
6. Cultivate Connection. Place compatible uses together to provide convenience and support chance encounters.
7. Enlightened Circulation. Bring light and fresh air into hallways and stairs.
8. Get Personal. Offer spaces for residents to make their mark. Photo shelves, pin-up boards, and recessed entries provide a place for personal expression.
9. Art for All. Use artwork to invigorate common spaces, help with way-finding, and create a strong visual identity.

What are your thoughts and ideas on creating community through urban housing? Let us know in the comments below.

Cheers! 

-The Froggers

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