the politics of fruit

capstone project
2024 GUI competition
    Exploring the concept of traditional Mexican bingo game Lotería as elements of a food commons. Individual elements incorporate various cultural aspects that aim to reverse the Latino threat narrative, while reclaiming the power over fruit production - a complex infrastructure that contributes to the displacement of Latinos.
    This celebration of New Americans provides resources that challenge food apartheid, language barriers, economic inequality, and the socio-political tension that exists in the area.
    Together all elements connect the Mexican Consulate in the West Loop to a new stop on the L train, affirming Chicago’s identity as a Sanctuary city. As a greenhouse structure, this wall reveals what can grow if we continue to dismantle barriers.
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"Obligated Lawyer" - New Americans can anonymously have legal questions answered at courtyard booths connecting the consulate to the neighboring law firm, encouraging more confidence in asking for legal help.
"Obligated Lawyer" - New Americans can anonymously have legal questions answered at courtyard booths connecting the consulate to the neighboring law firm, encouraging more confidence in asking for legal help.
Two story waiting room for the consulate, where long lines are often formed outside when waiting for an appointment. First floor library with community recipes in both English and Spanish. Second floor fruit and herb garden.
Two story waiting room for the consulate, where long lines are often formed outside when waiting for an appointment. First floor library with community recipes in both English and Spanish. Second floor fruit and herb garden.
Tea room with single kettles and hot plate stations. Visitors that arrive from the second floor have picked fruit and herbs, while those who arrive from the ground floor have recipes, supporting collaboration at the stations. Tea can be shared with those on the outside through a window.
Tea room with single kettles and hot plate stations. Visitors that arrive from the second floor have picked fruit and herbs, while those who arrive from the ground floor have recipes, supporting collaboration at the stations. Tea can be shared with those on the outside through a window.
Public restrooms, drinking fountains, and wash areas surrounding the site. A welcoming device that contradicts the security system of official buildings, the public may proceed.
Public restrooms, drinking fountains, and wash areas surrounding the site. A welcoming device that contradicts the security system of official buildings, the public may proceed.
Ramps leading up to a fruit and vegetable garden. esperanza (hope) and esperando (waiting) both begin with esper. To have hope in waiting is a common experience among New Americans. Ramps circle fruit trees allowing people to pick fruit along the extended way.
Ramps leading up to a fruit and vegetable garden. esperanza (hope) and esperando (waiting) both begin with esper. To have hope in waiting is a common experience among New Americans. Ramps circle fruit trees allowing people to pick fruit along the extended way.
Market hall underneath the fruit and vegetable garden that caters to the inside and outside. Individual booths are parked carts which are able to move around the site to sell common snacks like fruit cups and street corn.
Market hall underneath the fruit and vegetable garden that caters to the inside and outside. Individual booths are parked carts which are able to move around the site to sell common snacks like fruit cups and street corn.
Public compost bin at a 5-way intersection and walkway from the L train stop to the fruit and vegetable garden. The compost bin also serves as a platform for protesting at the intersection.
Public compost bin at a 5-way intersection and walkway from the L train stop to the fruit and vegetable garden. The compost bin also serves as a platform for protesting at the intersection.
"The Grand Table" - Continuous strip extending the site that rises into benches and tables, eliminating the “head of the table” hierarchy and gives everyone a seat at the same table throughout the site. Also serves as wayfinding from the translator to the conciliator.
"The Grand Table" - Continuous strip extending the site that rises into benches and tables, eliminating the “head of the table” hierarchy and gives everyone a seat at the same table throughout the site. Also serves as wayfinding from the translator to the conciliator.
Dual sided open air kitchens as an extension of the existing mexican restaurant kitchen. Interior side following the conflict kitchen model of rotating cuisine from Latin America. Exterior side open to the public.
Dual sided open air kitchens as an extension of the existing mexican restaurant kitchen. Interior side following the conflict kitchen model of rotating cuisine from Latin America. Exterior side open to the public.
"The Seats" - Testing porches leading up to teaching kitchens. Inspired by the game manos a la orden, allowing people to sit on the porch together to try things they make or get from the surrounding kitchens.
"The Seats" - Testing porches leading up to teaching kitchens. Inspired by the game manos a la orden, allowing people to sit on the porch together to try things they make or get from the surrounding kitchens.
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