Hagen Rushing proposed an adaptive reuse of Chicken Houses in NW Arkansas to help expand local food production, education, and economic development. More details are provided under the images below.
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Opening up the edges of the Chicken Houses activates the sides with people moving from inside to outside. New programs centered upon growing food incite activity in the areas between the houses.
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The plan shows the reuse of the site. The unused areas outside of the Chicken Houses become outdoor agricultural areas, green infrastructure for water, and habitat restorations. The buildings are growing houses, event spaces, educational spaces, and a small restaurant.
The buildings on the site are simple sheds in need of a floor and some envelope retrofitting to adapt to the new programs. The Chicken Houses sit high on the relatively flat site and have positive drainage and great solar exposure for solar panels on the roof with little heat gain from the east and west facades.
The area analysis for NW Arkansas shows the location of the redevelopment. The area can operate as part of a food hub network with its location on the edge of the urban and farm perimeter. The site has great access to schools so children can come and learn. The site is also next to a new food hub meant to increase local agriculture.
The project addresses an increasing problem in the state and Southeastern region of the United States, how can rural infrastructure be repurposed for contemporary economic development for resilience and sustainability?
The project location is close to diverse communities impacted by food costs. The aim of this project is to focus upon these communities through education, events, and job training.
New programmatic elements activate the buildings and site.
The agricultural spaces in between the newly retrofitted buildings.
The site grows a variety of foods inside and outside.
Spaces near the entry can incite social engagement and bring people to the site for community experiences.
The proposed retrofit site is close to downtown Springdale, a diverse community; and the site is close to the new food hub. The retrofit of the Chicken Houses can help expand the capacity of the new food hub.
New programmatic elements activate the buildings and site.
The site proposal uses the Living Building Challenge’s standards. Water and Energy are net zero and net positive.
The event space can be a community asset and revenue generator.