A cultural community center for San Antonio, TX

Theory Statement; Architecture can act as a catalyst within an urban setting and prevent socio-economic degradation by maintaining and preserving the fabric of the community. Theory Paragraph: It is the central core or downtown area, of what used to be the public realm that is the signature of every major city. It is the mission of architecture to prevent further Abstract decay of the community and promote social harmony, by preserving the neighborhood. When prompted most people associate urbanism with crime and other negative trends. But with urban revitalization and the restructuring of the public realm, architecture can create a new vision of the city. An image containing people of different cultures and backgrounds, intermixing in a social space. "An architectural catah st does not simply set off reactions but guides and conditions them diverse city and will act as a prelude to an architectural too."' Therefore: Architecture should be in unison with every man, woman, and child, that of "peaceful cohabitation" within the public realm. Context Paragraph; In order for architecture to become the vehicle of change, it must start small, in order to meet with the least social resistance. The site must be unique yet be able to demonstrate to the rest of the nation that this is the future of architecture. A site located in San Antonio will provide the best of opportunities for urban regrowth. The site will be located on the boarder of the downtown district. It is a very culturally platform. Therefore: The best opportunity is an openly public place, between communities, that demonstrate civic realism. Facility Paragraph; The building type should set the precedent for establishing the public realm, or at least what we perceive it to be. It must be a place that communicates with the people around it. A San Antonio community center would provide an appropriate median for the design and reinforce the fabric of the community.