Public Interest Food Retail
- Research Fields Public Interest Design
The on-going collaboration and sponsorship with a major food vendor since fall 2012 through a series of University of Cincinnati Architecture Design Studios has provided a body of research on the relationship between the food retail industry and the social, cultural, economic and physical health of neighborhoods.
One significant inspiration is a non-profit organization in Philadelphia, PA called Uplift Solutions. According to their website – “UpLift Solutions believes that full service supermarkets in underprivileged communities can become the anchor to fulfill community needs and ensure consistent access to fresh, affordable food.” This philosophy has tremendous potential in the food retail industry and my research is attempting to link food retail and design for public space with the tremendous opportunities to positively benefit communities.