Merchant/Artist Village

Okay, so new idea.

I think I'd like to do a Merchant/Artist Village. I'm really liking this one.

I've gone back to my original thinking that habitation is a huge part of establishing (or, in this case - revitalizing) a community. But it is definately not the only part.

I think that a merchant/artist village could really be successful. Art is about self expression right? What about community expression? Can we have both? How can this individuality impact positively and not be considered a contributor to the individualist society? These are the things which I think could be explored here.

As discussed, there is the issue of communal spaces and activities and those of individual nature which challenge it. I think that this village could be a great way to explore this.

In a historical context, I guess this organization could resemble the industrial period when mill and factory communities were organized through the major program of the mill/factory itself with connection to the housing of its personnel and their activities. Of course, here, the artists and merchants are not "workers" but rather a staple in engaging people with this program.

Program:

Mixed Use

• market (day) - food, crafts, art...
• entertainment (night) - concerts, interpretative dance?, interactive performances, comedy, movies
• flexible space - neighborhood meetings, art classes, exhibits...

**this also touches upon an earlier idea of trying to make neighborhoods safer and more active through day&night program.

Housing

• merchant/artists - (would explore individual apartments but also the public spaces of the complex.) - maybe considered low income??
• maybe their individuality shows in the design/look of their apartment and adds a positive impact to this community