food sovereignty center
Located in the small town of Wendell, North Carolina, this project addresses food insecurity, the lack of accessible public space, and economic resilience in a rapidly evolving rural context. The People’s Center for Food Sovereignty is rooted in the dual principles of preservation and evolution - supporting both the site’s natural features and the social fabric of the existing community, while embracing future growth and the increased access to resources. A shallow stream running through the site informs the orientation and form of two gently sloping structures.These buildings are connected by a circulation path that bridges over the stream, linking community gathering spaces. Emerging as extensions of the landscape, the forms rise from the ground, their green roofs blending seamlessly with surrounding grasses to reinforce a sense of continuity between built and natural environments.
The free formed agricultural area serves the co-op grocery store, providing free produce that can be grown, processed, and stored right on site. Across the stream, the rentable kitchen and dining area can also utilize the produce on site to supplement community events or local businesses. In the same building, a farmer’s market allows agricultural workers from local farms a place to sell to Wendell residents. The quieter second levels are home to a cafe above the grocery co-op corner store overlooking the library and co-working area beyond.
