Claire Barclay, The Millennium Hut (1999)
Pg. 112
Located in Glasgow, Scottland
Community building designed by Claire Barclay with the help
of Glasgow based architects.
The Building housed a community garden store, workshop,
library, space for growing plants and a “viewing platform.”
The Millennium Hut was built from recycled materials and
used solar panels for its power.
Representation
The Hut was an icon for future urban renewal in areas where
it was needed.
The Hut also promoted sustainable living through the use of
recycled materials and natural power.
Participation
The hut was open to anyone.
Encouraged building community participation.
Sought to bring together the ethnically diverse neighborhood
that surrounded the Millennium Hut.
Political Outcomes
Through multiple projects similar to the Millennium hut the
neighborhoods were able to generate 34 million pounds.
Theaster Gates, The Dorchester Project (2009-)
Pg. 160
Located in Chicago’s south side.
Theater Gates has bought and rehabbed three abandoned
buildings.
He renovated the buildings using recycled materials from
other disused buildings in the Chicago area.
Representation
The house has many roles
A house used to promote social
change in an area where it is needed.
A
place for preserving archives that would otherwise be thrown out.
A place where artist’s ideas can
grow and be shared.
A
house where people can meet and share dinner.
Participation
Used as gathering site for artists or those who want to meet
to discuss social change in a decaying neighborhood.
Preservation
The project was used for holding the “archives” of some of
Chicago’s history.
14,000 books
form a closed bookstore.
60,000 glass slides from the University of Chicago.
8,000 vinyl records from a closed record shop.
A large collection of information and knowledge that would
otherwise be thrown away is now preserved and fully accessible through the
Dorchester Project.
Political impacts
While the project is seen as generating positive development
towards the renewal of the neighborhood, it has also received hate mail.
