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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Food access and culinary hub for providence
233 W Park St, Providence,02908 RI

This project transforms an unused industrial site into a multifunctional complex, integrating a WIC center, food market, and kitchen incubator. By combining diverse programs, the design fosters community engagement, supports food security, and creates a cohesive space that promotes health, inclusivity, and economic empowerment for underserved populations

^SITE

The renovation site is located at 233 W Park St, Providence, 02908 RI. This area is close to a residential neighborhood with many residents, a significant portion of whom are low-income individuals, including a large number of single mothers.

_PROGRAM

The project converts the abandoned factory into a compact hub that combines a WIC center, teaching kitchen, and neighborhood food market. Together these programs expand access to fresh food and nutrition education, offer shared cooking and learning space, and provide focused support for low income families and single mothers

_{EXISTING STRUCTURE}

The existing factory has strong character, so its brick shell, timber roof and skylit second floor are largely preserved. Only the entry zone of the first and second levels is opened to bring in more light and height, while a new rooftop garden and program stacking diagram strengthen the building’s role as a welcoming community hub

_{EXISTING STRUCTURE}

The plan arranges programs along a privacy gradient, from the open food market to the semi private kitchen and the most private WIC center. Multiple entrances let different user groups reach the spaces they need directly, avoiding unnecessary circulation and overlap

1st Floor
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FOOD MARKET & KITCHE

1F Plan

Section

Visitors first enter through the food market, where an information desk and grab and go counters provide ready to eat meals and orient them toward the dining area. Those who only need groceries can remain in this hall, select products, and check out directly.
Further inside, the community kitchen, office, and storage rooms support cooking programs and daily operations. Separate entrances for the market, kitchen, and staff areas ensure efficient circulation and clear boundaries on the first floor

Café

Grab&go

Shelving for dry goods

2nd Floor
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WIC CENTER

Section

2F Plan

Staircase

Demonstration kitchen

The second floor is accessible by both stairs and an elevator, allowing visitors to choose their preferred option.At the top, you arrive at a spacious reception area. Regardless of the route you take, you will reach the information desk to confirm your details and proceed further

As you take the stairs, you'll see beautiful windows and the rooftop garden on your left, while on your right, there's a demonstration kitchen window where you can watch activities inside

Folding Doors | Bifold Doors

The large area is surrounded by folding doors, which means it can be fully opened to create a spacious, open environment, adaptable to various scenarios:

Fully Open: When fully opened, the entire space becomes accessible, allowing people to move freely and enhancing their experience.

Partial Open: The classroom can sometimes transform into a viewing area for the demonstration kitchen, with the two spaces combining into one large room.

Fully Closed: When the doors are closed, the spaces are separated. Beyond this area are the staff lounge and consultation rooms.

Fully Open

Partial Opening

Fully Closed

Reception Area