There is a disconnect between the community and schools. Students, parents, and faculty are not actively engaged in the community nor is the community vested in the American public education system. We owe our children a safe secure place for learning—beyond the familial environment. Active participation from the community provides a strong sense of belonging, builds respect, heightens safety and broadens awareness. Investment by community in the education of our children will provide a brighter future for that community beyond its borders.
My theory is the creation of small school environments within a specific community will build bonds of identity--improving both the learning process and the community. Together we will build a sense of community, restore respect, and increase our sense of belonging through architecture.
The fusion of this research with a physical site will illustrate my findings in the forms of a public/private multiuse urban project that utilizes, links and reflects the community in the education process. As an example of the implementation of this philosophy, my design solution is an project that functions as school, art center, urban park, presentation space, and meeting place located in the heart of the Dade City, Florida.