'C" CENTER

The "C" Center is a proposal for a community center located along the pedestrian mall in downtown Charlottesville, Virginia. Tucked into a commercial space within the 5th block of the pedestrian mall, the "C" Center seeks to provide a common space for citizens and visitors to research, learn, develop and relax in the heart of downtown. The form of the space is tailored around its surrounding context, with an L type of shape and protruding overhangs that invite users into the space from the street. The form plays around with double height spaces, as the narrow width allows for more verticality engagement within the building. On the main street, a double height space sticks out with views from offices and collaborative spaces for UVA students. On the far end along the side street is a hidden entrance, that is tucked away mostly for locals, with a suspended space for classrooms, doubling as a shaded spot along a stepped entrance, creating a quiet space within the city for relaxation or a spot to congregate. The "C" Center has spaces for offices, classrooms, social services as well as a public library for anyone to be able to use.