La Grange Community Resource Center

Abstract

A natural disaster can hit anywhere and any time. When a community prepares through the use of disaster mitigation, it enables a community to be resilient in the face of adversity. Architecture can play a key role in the mitigation process by facilitating support and designing in meaningful ways that integrate emergency shelters into communities in a seamless fashion. Resource centers can be used in a multitude of ways that can benefit a town all year round. This complex combines housing, outdoor spaces, a learning center, a recreation center, and a resource based building in the rural town, La Grange, Texas. The program of the complex was developed to adapt their city to promote disaster relief and mitigation, as well as, stimulate the local economy, culture, and resident engagement. The process of combining all of the facilities in one site enables not only full access by the community, but also forms a space that can be rented out to generate an income.