Problem

The TAF Community Learning Space will be home to a Seattle-area nonprofit organization called the Technology Access Foundation (TAF). Established in 1996, TAF responds to the lack of quality education and access to technology for minority and disadvantaged youth in the Seattle (King County). Through its programs, TAF provides technical and computer skills training to this population, instilling them with the critical thinking and technology skills that they will need to thrive in today's world. With this new center, TAF will be able to expand its programs and its reach.
The building also addresses another problem, prevalent in many communities, the lack of access to adequate community resources. Through a unique public-private partnership between King County and TAF, the facility will not only serve as the headquarters for TAF but a public community center. The local--and currently underserved--White Center community will have access to a technologically-advanced facility, unlike any other in the county.

Response

Public Architecture was recruited by King County, who had seen ScrapHouse. We assisted TAF with identifying and selecting The Miller|Hull Partnership as the project architect. Consistent with its 1% pledge, Miller|Hull donated a percentage of its time throughout the pre-design phase of the project. Working as a consultant, Public Architecture is able to bring its material reuse expertise to work on this innovative project.

Inspired in part by ScrapHouse, Public Architecture is exploring with Miller|Hull the ways in which material reuse can be woven into the building. Utilized in multiple capacities, from walls to flooring to furniture, the salvaged materials in this project are a means of both environmental and community sustainability. These materials -- as well as other "green" aspects of the building -- will be incorporated into TAF's science education programs, allowing the building itself to be used as a teaching tool. Through actively sourcing materials from locally demolished buildings, the physical fabric of the community will be incorporated into the building. 

TAF Community Learning Space was undertaken as a fee for service project by Public Architecture.