Project Description:
For my capstone project, I wanted to focus on what’s been affecting my community, increasingly within the past year. East and Southeast Asian families have been targeted and blamed relentlessly for the COVID-19 pandemic. Hearing about violent attacks occur mostly in “so-called progressive cities” like New York and San Francisco makes it even more upsetting. So in response to increased anti-Asian violence due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I propose a safe haven for all Asians, both citizens and immigrants alike. It is also a place of resistance, where the community can address and discuss the histories and present concerns of Asians in the US.
The site is set in Woodside, Queens, along the 7 train and adjacent to the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. The block is bounded by Roosevelt Ave on the south, 65th St to the West, 37th Ave to the north, and 69th St to the east.
On site, we have The Universal Church, several multi-family and single family residences, and retail services along Roosevelt Avenue, as well as the 69th Street train station. The neighborhood is home to Chinese, Korean, Thai, Filipino, Pakistani, Indian, Irish, Peruvian, and Ecuadorian communities. It is important to note that most services on this site are multilingual, since more than half of the community is composed of immigrants.
For my research, I conducted a survey within my own community. First, I began with personal questions about discrimination and other racist encounters, such as how old people first experienced racism (answers varied from childhood to adulthood, depending on where people came from). Then I led into what we, as a community, can do in response to the increased anti-Asian attacks, since the majority of survey takers believe our current system will continue to fail us, as we constantly see in the media. Lastly, I address the mental health stigma in Asian cultures and the inaccessibility of mental health services. If mental health services were more affordable, culturally sensitive, and accessible, more survey takers would take the opportunity to use them.
Welcome to the Asian American Center for Health and Affirmative Action. This proposal will include mental and clinical health services, environmental services, cultural events, and safety and accessibility. The center emphasizes the importance of accessibility and unity, as well as prioritizes overall well-being.
Exterior View from Shared Backyard Space
Exterior View from 69th St
Interior View of Greenhouse Meditation on Second Floor
Interior View of Self-Defense Gym on First Floor
Asian American Histories and Present Pavilion
Roosevelt Ave- 69th St Station Extension
Pavillion, Extended Sub Station, AAPI Center
Moss Garden, Clinic, Community Spaces
Mental Health Services, Greenhouse Meditation
Materiality Diagram: Recycled Components from NYC Building Waste
Rain Circulation on the Roof System
Final presentation for end of the year critique. The video explains the site information, research, process, drawings, and systems. Welcome to the Asian American Center for Health and Affirmative Action. This proposal will include mental and clinical health services, environmental services, cultural events, and safety and accessibility. The center emphasizes the importance of accessibility and unity, as well as prioritizes overall well-being.
A PDF file for more drawings and details on the project.
Anabelle is a graduating student from Parsons BFA Architectural Design with a minor in Sustainable Cities. She has also studied abroad at Central Saint Martins for the Spring 2020 semester.
Proud to announce that the AAPI Center for Health and Affirmative Action has received the BFA Architectural Design Award for Research.