UC berkeley PEOPLE’S PARK

Located three blocks south of the UC Berkeley Campus Park, People’s Park has evolved over the last sixty years – from a residential neighborhood in the 1950s, to a contested place and hub of community activism in the 1960s, to a community open space with a variety of activities and uses today.

With the goal to create a cohesive place that addresses the needs of its time, UC Berkeley’s People’s Park project includes student housing, supportive housing and services for formerly homeless and very low income residents, and a safe and welcoming open space that commemorates the significant history of the location. 

In collaboration with LMS Architects and Hood Design Studio, SITELAB conducted physical and historical research, developed urban design principles, devised the placemaking and ground level programming, and crafted a commemorative program to capture the legacy and significance of People’s Park.

 In collaboration with Emily Weinstein, SITELAB led the community and stakeholder engagement process. Through a series of public open houses, community members expanded on the values of People’s Park’s history, its continued community activism, and its potential transformation in addressing the shortage of affordable housing in the region. 

The project is currently in the process of developing a preferred site plan and the commemorative program.

Community Engagement

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