The Future in Ruins: Autonomous Request for Proposals

Confluence: An East Lake Studio for Community Design hosts a call for proposals for a neighborhood-led design of the site where the ruins of the Third Police Precinct now stands. We ask the public to propose how the site could create security for the neighborhood. Strong proposals center reimagined ideas of security (care, liberation, mutual support, abolition, etc.) and structures and activities needed to support these ideas (buildings, social spaces, gardens, culture, etc.).  We accept proposals in written, audio and/video format. Proposals will be accepted from May 25, 2024 to August 25, 2024.

There are three tracks for submissions: Neighbor, Youth and Professional. The Neighbor track (over 18 years old) is for residents of the Third Precinct patrol zone who have lived with its ruins and recognize what neighborhood needs are. The Youth track (18 years old or younger) is for younger neighbors who will have to live with the design and can imagine the site in ways elders cannot. The Professional track is for artists and designers who have expertise to offer and can draw on a background in relevant fields, including architecture, city planning, community organizing, participatory action research, arts, and other critical spatial practices. A community-based process will lead to the selection of three of the most resonant submissions in each track. Each selection will receive $1,500 and will collaborate together on the final project. For additional details, history and context, please see the Confluence Studio website.

What should proposals include?

• Brief contributor bio and connection to the site
• Your proposal should explain your design ideas in a comprehensible manner
• You may submit your proposal in your choice of format, including:
  • Text (up to 1500 words)
  • Drawings or other visuals (up to 10 images)
  • Audio (up to 10 minutes)
  • Video (up to 10 minutes)
  • Or a combination of the above

Our Studio is inspired by the following ideas. Consider reflecting on them in your design:

• Adaptability – how can we design the space in a way that changes (in structures and activities) with neighborhood needs?
• Community Engagement – how does your proposal include neighbor’s voices, needs and concerns?
• Connections to Indigenous and local resources – how does your design draw on traditional cultural and ecological knowledge and locally available materials, activities and histories?
• Creative reuse of the ruins of the Third Police Precinct or complete redesign – how could you utilize the materials found in the site?
• Abolition – how does your proposal create care and safety without relying on the police or security culture rooted in social control and deterrence?
• Liberation – how does your plan enable your community to be free from oppression?
• Neighborhood care – how do neighbors feel when they are in the proposed space?

Timeline:

• May 25 – August 25th 2024
• Submissions will be voted on by the neighborhood, and finalists from each track will then collaborate towards a shared vision.
• A presentation will be made at a subsequent People’s Assembly and accompanying exhibition in early 2025.