Olive Perris

Olive Perris

The Communal Participatory Prototyping System
As many of Chicago’s districts continue to become more and more gentrified, it is apparent to communities that changes made to neighborhoods are not done with local residents in mind. This is a pattern that is notably impacting cities throughout the country. However, within the abundance of empty lots that are not utilized by the municipal government, it should be possible for cities to erect beautification projects that meet local needs without pushing underrepresented groups from their neighborhoods.

Chicagoans have proved their willingness to provide ideas for these projects, but are largely removed or ignored- as the system stands now, it is nearly impossible for the average citizen to participate in the design process that impacts their communities. The Communal Participatory Prototyping System aims to solve this problem, giving the public direct control on the output of future projects by providing a means to express their ideas. This city equity tool will act as a bridge between busy locals and government officials that oversee the approval of neighborhood developments. At 20’x20’, CPPS’ base can be placed in any empty lot. With block shapes and accompanying connector pieces, CPPS allows communities to build structures that they want to see in their neighborhoods, informing city officials on what projects would be most beneficial to the surrounding area before making permanent changes.

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