PROGRAM
Alabama Engine was a studio focused on Design and Social Innovation. Our region, Hale County Alabama, was chosen for its particular need for this kind of innovation. We spent equal amounts of time learning about existing programs (such as Institute Without Boundaries, Project H, and Kickstarter) in social innovation and on the natural and cultural resources in Alabama (such as the Tuskegee National Forest, Tsinia Wildlife Viewing Area, and Rural Studio). After our visit to Hale County, we mapped, diagrammed, and developed individual projects that introduced social innovation to Hale County.
RESPONSE
While in Hale County, I became intrigued with the southern plantation houses that were abandoned, dormant, or simply turned into museums. The interest in new and sustainable agriculture was high, but rural access to mentors, education, and resources seemed limited. My proposal transforms the old plantations into community centers for new agriculture. I chose an existing farmhouse and expanded the plans into a campus, including classrooms, library, offices, test kitchen, kitchen garden, community gathering space, market barn, fields, greenhouses, and farm workshop. Included also was housing for artist-in-residence, instructors, and full-time staff. At the Farm Station, local farmers and homesteaders are educators, researchers and universities are partners, and the plantation is transformed into an empowering symbol of community.