FORGOTTEN BLACK MECCA

Architecture Elective,
Faculty: Justin G. Moore
2021

Miami's history of low income housing reveals two interesting conditions: the architectural memory of its racial segregation and its fragmented black and indigenous identities. The conditions in which these populations currently live in were designated in the 1930s, post WWII, through FDR's New Deal and redlining practices evidenced by congestion in Black communities like Overtown, Liberty City and Coconut Grove. Throughout this research, the term "Black Mecca" emerged many times in reference to either Overtown or Liberty City, which prompted further research into Black American Meccas. This project is the proposal for Miami's Black Meccas, a cultural center that is the intersection of Miami's diverse communities. The program includes space an Islamic seminary and Christian seminary, an African market place, kiosks and community farming. 

Architecture