Tracing Memory

Design school for Marginalized Youth 

Saint Louis, MO

Washington University in St. Louis, 2014

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The historic neighborhood of Lafayette Square has been the site of cyclical patterns of decay and rebirth. Through this pattern, Lafayette Square becomes a palimpsest. It's never static, and always changing into a new form. Even with this change, a residue of the past remains through the traces it leaves behind. It is the occupying and layering of these traces that helps construct memories of experience. This design school for marginalized youth brings together two elements that are ignored and unwanted by society, troubled youth and material waste. Visiting artists and professionals bring visions of re-creation to reinvigorate the future paths of youth.