ProjectHOOD



Woodlawn Canopies; Stories and Futures
Project H.O.O.D. (Helping Others Obtain Destiny)—an organization based in the Woodlawn and Englewood communities—offers job training, essential resources, and tools to empower community members to become peacemakers, problem solvers, leaders, and entrepreneurs. Norman Teague Design Studios and BNMO Design joined Project H.O.O.D. and New Beginnings Church to construct an installation, Woodlawn Canopies; Stories and Futures, on a vacant lot along the commercial corridor at 6600 South King Drive.
The vacant lot across from New Beginnings Church, where Woodlawn Canopies; Stories and Futures is located, encourages communal gathering, performance, play, reflection, historic references, and adventure. The site features an interactive workspace, stage, and exhibition space that showcases the history of Project H.O.O.D. Uniting all elements is an approach to design that brings about unique moments in spatial freedom. Activations that highlight local artists and community members began in Summer 2021 to invite community residents into the space. These events also showcase the work of Project H.O.O.D. that is by and for the Woodlawn community.
The proposed future home of the Project H.O.O.D. Leadership & Economic Opportunity Center, the design and activation of the lot calls attention to the organization’s long-term vision of responding to the many social, economic, emotional, and educational needs that the South Side of Chicago has been struggling with for decades. The design is an attempt to bring refreshing, yet modest, color to the existing monotonous character of the stretch of King Dr. in Woodlawn. It is also meant to provide bright, airy, vivid, and fun interior spaces for the Project H.O.O.D.’s main constituency—young people.
Thank you to Knoll and the College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts at UIC for their generous support.
For more information about how you can support the work of Project H.O.O.D please click here.





Past Works


