Community places pose unique design issues: how does an architect create a space for common use and ownership that reflects the collective spirit of a group? Such a place must be safe, inviting, and inspire users to return again and again. Often the budgets for community places are limited, yet here more than anywhere else is a need for beautiful architecture that will be a symbol and point of pride. Our experience with community and civic architecture ranges
from city halls and community centers to museums and mass transit facilities. Each situation brings its own special conditions. Our task is to help the community reach consensus on the function of the project, and then find an innovative way to give the community's ideals, values and energy just the right physical expression. A truly successful community project should seem as if it has always stood on its site, and should elicit a lasting feeling of belonging.
