Using the principles of design justice, by which we operate, we will be looking to center community voices, strengthen existing partnerships in the neighborhood, and look to equip young people with design-thinking tools for tackling big changes in our city. All project decisions were connecting back to CicLAvia’s identity as a non-profit that catalyzes vibrant public spaces, active transportation, and good health through car-free streets.

 

Our Hub, titled the Community Action Hub, was the anchor to the 7.25 mile route ending at 103rd St. and Ted Watkins Memorial Park in Watts. DCo was responsible for the creative visioning, site planning, and Hub organization/project management in close collaboration with CicLAvia.

We designed the Watts Hub to be configured differently from the typical CicLAvia Hubs – instead of being seated at a typical 10’x10′ tent, all community partners were seated at a series of communal tables (with umbrellas for shade) that were located across from food trucks and a stage. The idea was that when the public buys food at the food trucks, or walks through the Hub, or dances to the music on stage, they will be encouraged to engage in a conversation with the community partners. This was the first iteration of a long-term partnership meant to eventually be implemented at all future CicLAvias.

 

All folks involved in this project are listed below:

 

CicLAvia – @ciclavia

Maintain the Mystery – @demarcosmith, @okaymiri, @jaypgallery, @maintainthemysteryco

Place It! – @jamestrojas, @kamperpants

JAF Creative Solutions – @jafoster_the_builder

Friends at Mafundi – @fam_watts

Children’s Institute LA – @childrensinstituela

Sisters of Watts – @sisters_of_watts

SMC IxD – @smcixd

DJ southLAnd – @1djsouthland

Candyce Fabre – @candycef

Street Poets – @streetpoetsinc

Place and Page (graphics) – @placeandpage