UO Graduate Studio | 2014-2015 | Sydney Australia

Wabi-sabi redfern

A micro entrepreneur hub

Selected for the 2017 AIA Emerging Professionals Exhibit

In the face of relentless globalization, preserving cultural identity becomes a compelling challenge. Urban development often ushers in transformations that, unfortunately, bring adverse consequences for longstanding residents. Redfern, regarded as the Aboriginal heart of Sydney, remains one of the last inner-city neighborhoods to grapple with the encroachment of gentrification.

Taking inspiration from the documentary "There Goes the Neighborhood," which delves into the intricate challenges faced by Redfern's residents over the years, our project, Wabi-Sabi, seeks to offer an alternative vision. Rather than succumb to glossy speculative development, as outlined in the latest urban renewal plan, we aspire to establish a framework for spaces that genuinely cater to the existing community.

Within the walls of an abandoned railway shop, we breathe life into a micro-entrepreneurial hub. Towering rammed earth walls and ethereal canopies gracefully intersect with the established grid of columns and sawtooth roofs. This space is a multifaceted gem, encompassing classrooms, offices, and versatile event areas in a new module. Simultaneously, the former rail shop metamorphoses into a collection of small retail spaces, coexisting with a dynamic food truck hub and light industrial workspaces.

Priority access to these invaluable resources is extended to the neighborhood's residents, fostering a sense of community empowerment. As burgeoning businesses outgrow their initial incubator spaces, they can organically expand into the surrounding neighborhood, creating a vibrant tapestry of enterprise and life. This project hopes to embody the spirit of resilience, celebrating cultural heritage while charting a path toward a more inclusive and prosperous future.