Reimagining the Police Station: Fostering Community Connection Through Architectural Design
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Abstract
American community between the police and minority communities, particularly the African-American community, is a significant challenge in American society. This thesis advocates for design to support community policing efforts and rebuild trust between law enforcement and the public. Through research, design strategies such as embracing mixed-use typologies, repurposing civic assets, integrating mass timber construction, and fostering healthy interactions within built environments have been identified. These interventions aim to create spaces where community members can engage with law enforcement in environments conducive to building trust. Moving forward, further exploration and refinement in police station architecture are essential. While architectural solutions alone cannot resolve complex issues, architects have a crucial role in envisioning and implementing spaces that foster positive social change and restore trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.