Anthropology and Urban Development
and (CSU, Fresno)
“A city is a place where there is no need to wait for next week to get the answer to a question, to taste the food of any country, to find new voices to listen to and familiar ones to listen to again,” said Margaret Mead. The research conducted by members of the Institute of Public Anthropology involved studying how architecture can educate members of the public by framing the discussion of the built environment that surrounds us. The research involved working with local architects who were challenged to design 350 sq ft housing units for homeless or low income occupants. Subsequently, members of our team assisted in the creation and display of a life-sized model of the architects' design. A series of events were staged where members of the public (from varying socioeconomic strata) were observed interacting with the model. Video taping, interviews and participant observation were conducted during these events and the results of our analysis are informing the design of the actual units. Visitors’ reactions suggest both criticisms and unimaginable support for the project. We discovered how architecture can develop a new culture, change lifestyles, create a unique neighborhood, and foster pride in ones community. This paper is a part of the organized session, The Institute of Public Anthropology: Practicing Relevant Methodologies for the San Joaquin Valley.