California Polytechnic State University
IN-24: Innovation A

In June of 2019, small-scale models of buildings were taking shape inside faculty member Stacey White’s third-year architecture studio class, where students were wrapping up an intense, six-month project to envision how the fire-ravaged town of Paradise, California, could rebuild. The students’ work, which started less than two months after the Camp Fire devastated the Northern California town last November, culminates with one last trip to Paradise to present their final projects to the community. During three previous trips, the architecture students met with numerous residents, asked questions and listened to what community members said they wanted for their town. Their projects — including a town hall, a recreation center, an entrepreneurship center, mixed-use housing and healthcare facilities — reflect the desire of Paradise residents to create a more walkable community that can meet the needs of longtime residents and create jobs and opportunities for new arrivals. As the students describe their work, one word is often repeated: resilient. The students are not only designing structures that produce their own energy and collect water on site; they are also hoping to build deeper connections across the community. A fire station is paired with a rock climbing gym, for example, to create a casual atmosphere for people to connect, start conversations about fire safety and support social resiliency, said third-year student Pacific Austin, of San Ramon, California. The recreation center includes space for community events, in addition to basketball courts, a running track, pool and bicycle shop. After the design studios conclude, the students’ work will be put online, free and available for anyone to view and use. Each student in White's class is also working on a book outlining their research — from slope analysis to climate studies — so that the work can serve as a foundation for Paradise residents as they continue to recover and rebuild. In addition, a fourth-year studio led by faculty member Maggie Kirk in spring quarter will produce designs and drawings for single-family residential homes designed to be net-zero.