Notre Dame Partners with Mosaic
Architecture students from the Center for Building Communities (CBC) at the University of Notre Dame worked in partnership with Mosaic to create innovative designs that could produce a new group home for several men at Mosaic in Northern Indiana.
During the semester-long project, students met with men served by Mosaic and learned of their needs and desires in a new home. The city of Elkhart, the site of the planned home, directed Mosaic to the CBC, which had earlier created a master plan for the city.
Mallory Mecham, a fifth-year architecture student at the CBC, created a home design for eight men. She said her design goals included making the residence feel home-like and yet fit the historical character of the Elkhart neighborhood that was considered. She said the personal interaction with the residents helped focus her perspective.
"Working on this project was such an enriching experience," she said. "I wanted every aspect of my design to improve the quality of life for the men."
Robert Franco, Mosaic Director of Construction and Facilities, said he was impressed with the level of detail about the needs of the future residents reflected in the designs. Items such as a covered area to protect individuals getting in and out of vans, exercise rooms and ample bedroom space were included. Mosaic staff feedback also led the designs to use open floor plans so that staff could more easily monitor the residents.
Twelve students submitted plans and one was chosen. Mosaic has not yet settled on a specific property, however, and the project is on hold while property and finance options are being explored.
