2017 Film Challenge Finalists

Title: Designed with Dignity in Mind

Category: Homelessness

Description: This video is a short explanation of the inspiration for the renovation project currently underway at Cityteam Chester. Cityteam is a non-profit that serves community members in need of food, shelter and recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Array Architects was introduced to Cityteam Chester in December 2015 when a group of Array employees and family members met to serve dinner to those in need at Hope Café. Hope Cafe serves guests from the community in "a five-star restaurant" style every Saturday night. As the group of designers from Array witnessed the incredible mission being carried out by Cityteam, they noticed the physical environment did not instill the sense of hope and dignity Cityteam seeks to provide guests. Soon after their visit, Array got to work building a team and creating a work plan to improve the space for City Team Chester and those they serve. During extensive Discovery and Analysis phases, Array met with leaders and staff at City Team to create an environment that meets the needs of the organization. In Visioning sessions, Array guided "empathy mapping" sessions with user groups to determine how the environment might provide greater flexibility, safety, durability and a more comforting aesthetic to guests, volunteers and residents. Through the positive relationships of the designers and the many generous material suppliers they work with every day, most construction materials were donated to the cause. Target Building Construction led the construction and management effort to bring the new design to life. Target not only orchestrated the donated time of many skilled tradesmen, they have also provided additional materials to complete the project. Inspired by the work and staff of City Team, Array initiated and organized teams of industry partners to provide a new beautiful home for its Hope Café; a safer, more gracious entry for volunteers and residents; additional storage space; and, a redesigned food pantry.