Elements
Nicholas Chatzopoulos
Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation
College: Michael Graves College
Major: Architectural Studies
Faculty Research Mentor: Sarah Ruel-Bergeron
Abstract:
“Elements” is an innovative proposal for the Coalport/North Clinton area within Trenton, New Jersey. This project seeks to address the prevalent and ongoing lead contamination issue in the Coalport/North Clinton communities through the use of both temporary and permanent architectural structures. While significant amounts of research, testing, and remediation are underway by agencies such as the EPA, my proposal aims to act as an intervention which visually and symbolically indicates progress towards a cleaner Trenton.My motivation to impact the lives of people through architecture is fully embodied within this project, leveraging architecture to empower the residents and the community to generate change. “Elements” consists of multiple kit of parts kiosks placed in areas of active remediation, each visually symbolizing progress while physically providing a small-scale hub for citizen awareness and engagement in research. “Elements” also includes a permanent hub on North Clinton Avenue, housing a research laboratory to process samples collected from the kiosks, a blood lead level testing clinic, affordable housing units, and safe growing spaces for citizens.At the conference, I will present the research which has brought me to address the lead contamination issue within the Coalport area, the thought process behind my architectural proposals, as well as their functions for the community and Trenton. The objective is to raise awareness of the issue at hand in addition to proposing a practical intervention while real solutions are underway. I hope to enlighten others of the power architecture has on people, communities, and complicated affairs.