This project examines the social and cultural constructs that maintain community life, economic, and mobilization networks through taking a close look at its history and cultural landscape. Studying a section along Harrisburg Boulevard to Manchester’s fence line community, documents a deep and granular understanding of the local community of the Second Ward. By examining the community’s fabrication and maintenance through photojournalistic documentation, cartographic and diagrammatic visualizations, interviews, and site visits, the research surveys the topographical sedimentation of Harrisburg.

The studio’s provocation argues that incorporating the complexity of these relation­ships along new transit lines, including transit lines connecting Houston’s East Side to Mexico, is vital to amore hospitable alternative to commercialized development.

Houston Public Media recently published an investigation looking into the impact of extreme heat on METRO riders in Houston. The investigation revealed dangerously high temperatures inside Houston bus stops. 73% of the temperature reading inside Houston bus shelters placed riders at extreme risk for heat related illnesses. The studio is tasked with investigating Harrisburg Boulevard with a renewed perspective on transit shelters that address extreme temperatures.

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Studio led by Celeste Ponce

Drawing by Rachel Gutierrez