Faculty of Design

Environmental Design

Sara Manrique

Mosaic of Us

The idea for this thesis began with an observation, that something fundamental was missing from our cities: the casual, unstructured, inclusive spaces where people can just be together are no longer as common. After the isolation of COVID-19, and with the rapid acceleration of digital life, I noticed how disconnected people were becoming, from each other, from nature, and from their own communities. Many public spaces are either too formal, too commercial, or simply not welcoming for all age groups. Especially youth, elders, and those who don’t have money to spend, there are fewer and fewer places where they can exist, linger, and connect without pressure. The proposed layout supports multiple modes of interaction; quiet reflection, small group discussions, or community-wide events. Some of the key programmatic zones include a ground-level café and social hub, art workshops, a library, and interior gathering areas.

“This thesis proposes to create a space that cultivates social interactions and connections by providing an accessible environment where individuals can collaborate, socialize and deepen their relationship with the community and the surrounding natural landscape, emphasizing the transformative impact of social bonds on community well-being and unity. The core of this thesis was to design a space that fosters social interactions and nurtures a sense of belonging. The concept combines the metaphor of a mosaic; a collection of diverse pieces coming together into something beautiful, and playfulness, as a way to spark curiosity, interaction, and creativity. ”