The community farm in New Bedford, Massachusetts was a project first started by an initiative to fill in empty lots in a neighborhood in Achusnet Heights. A city that was built by the success of the harbor and textile mills during the industrial revolution is now a place most would call a "shrinking city", where people are beginning to leave due to the economic and social hardships. Foreclosures turn into empty houses which turn into condemned buildings which in turn causes shrinking neighborhoods. A problem that many cities face when the economy goes belly up. Detroit is probably the biggest and widest known shrinking city, but this is not just a problem in the U.S.A, many other countries are also dealing with this phenomenon.
The design of the community farm was to create rotation of crop fields and recreational spaces that the community could experience and utilize to boost their difficult economic situation. To promote public health, a good environment, a reconnection to the harbor and community development.
 |
| context map |
 |
| each empty lot was considered carefully on what program it was hold for the community. based on a matrix of information that helped identify the site and its potential all the lots were allocated programs as a strategy of rebuilding this community. |
 |
| orchard lot |
 |
| orchard lot |
 |
| crop lot |
 |
| vineyard lot |
 |
| community garden lot |
