TUBA CITY REFRESH SCHEMATIC DESIGN

Change Labs is a Native-led and Native-controlled nonprofit organization based on the Diné (Navajo) and Hopi Nation. They aim to create a place for Native entrepreneurs to develop their ideas and grow their businesses through workspace, tools, and resources.

Our team created a schematic design package and visuals that depict the potential reuse of dilapidated federal buildings to generate excitement, cultural pride, and support from their community in order for the Bureau of Indian Affairs to consider the redevelopment of these outdated buildings on tribal land.

The goal of the project was to design a space where the community will have access to a variety of resources and a space that can transform to what is needed in the community at any given moment. From farmer’s markets, artist lofts, and gallery walls for muralists and street artists to presentations, educational sessions, and even a tourism destination were all possible uses of the space. The overall intent was to keep as much of the existing structure as possible while providing more flexibility and an activated open space with opportunities for local artists to showcase their work. The design features:

• Raised roofing with added clerestory windows allowing for abundant natural lighting)
• Preservation of the original stone walls
• Replacement of all overhead door openings with storefront windows
• Added green space for events like pop-up/flea/farmers’ markets
• Round planter seating for socializing
• Inserted a colonnade of walls, intended for street artists and muralists
• Added monumental stairs providing seating for presentations, and connecting to an elevated viewing platform.