Allensworth is California’s first town to be founded, financed, and governed by Black Americans in 1908. Allensworth Passage is a design concept of a 11,000 sf Teaching and Innovation Farm Lab that is resilient in its form and performance, allows for future growth, and celebrates the important history of the site and how that history informs future innovation for sustainable agriculture.
Global Design & Architecture Design Awards 2023
First Award | Mixed Use (Concept)
Project Name: Allensworth Passage
Category: Concept
Studio Name: SmithGroup
Design Team:
Area: 11,000 SF
Year: 2023
Location: Allensworth, CA
Render Credits: SmithGroup
Besides being net zero energy and applying decarbonization strategies in its construction, Allensworth Passage attempts to address the inequities and injustices that this community has faced since its founding. In tackling food scarcity, we envision a space where local farmers can allocate and distribute part of their produce yield back to the community. In addressing water scarcity, we envision the site to not only capture storm water, but also treat water onsite to ensure access to clean water. In tackling flooding, the site design redirects stormwater, recharges groundwater, and raises the buildings on a plinth to keep built environments dry and safe. To address the lack of access to safe green space, we envision the site to be filled with shaded public courtyards with playgrounds and places to gather for the community. When extreme heat can lead to power outages and put vulnerable populations at risk, we envision this project to be a safe haven and provide a cooling center for the community. In facing economic instability, we propose programs that create diverse forms of revenue and promote the entrepreneurial spirit Allensworth was founded upon.
In the face of these multifaceted challenges, Allensworth stands as a testament to the unyielding spirit of its residents and the potential for transformation that lies within the embrace of innovation and community collaboration.
