Clay is a material that holds history within itself, and the mediums in

which it is applied in building construction. It is a resource available

in almost all regions of the world, yet has become overlooked within

the contemporary construction industry.

The project takes an abandoned parking lot within the neighborhood

of Eagle Rock, and undergoes an adaptive reuse to make a

community space that curates programs for old and new users. The

site’s previous program was a bowling alley, which is preserved within

this design to allow community members to engage with a declining

pastime, as well as a laundry facility for public and residents. The

parking lot was previously the dominant element of the site, but it is

now reimagined as a public transportation lot.

The materiality of clay cannot be translated verbatim across different

mediums. This aspect was not to be conquered or circumvented,

rather, to be explored as an in-depth materiality study. Between history

and modern construction, clay may find its way into contemporary

design for a sustainable future.