Urban 
Cultural
Oasis

CONCEPT

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Inspired by the escalating mental health issues, privatization of leisure, losing sense of place and belonging prevalent among individuals of the urban community, the Urban Cultural Oasis functions as an Arts and Cultural center with its mission to address the losing of vital social connections between individuals in the urban community of Oakland, California. By revitalizing an existing historical building through adaptive reuse principles, the Urban Cultural Oasis is formulated on the basis of creating a restorative environment as a place for city dwellers to unwind, relax, and heal from stressful routines. Building on wellness, sustainable, human design principles, and environmental psychology, the space incorporates programming that aims to promote wellbeing holistically.