The document summarizes a student design team's solution to address declining graduation rates in Indianapolis Public Schools. The team proposed creating a shipping container space called "The Bloc" as a third place for at-risk teens. Key aspects of The Bloc include providing a safe community space, caring adult mentors, and activities/resources to help motivate teens and improve graduation rates. The design considered input from teens and community stakeholders and included branding, floor plans, and partnerships needed for operations.

3. FOREWORD
This report provides an analysis of graduation rates in Indianapolis
research conducted and a description Public Schools. What emerged was
of the creative solution developed by an incredibly unique solution to the
an undergraduate student team from graduation crisis, presented on the
Herron School of Art and Design in following pages of this report.
Indianapolis Indiana.
The results of the research linked
poor graduation rates to low
socioeconomic status, a lack of
caring adult relationships and safety
concerns. More importantly, research
revealed that teens at-risk of dropping
out have limited or no access to
places where they can escape from
the stresses of their school and
home lives. Using this information
as a guide, the team then explored,
prototyped and tested several creative
solutions that could help improve

6. PROJECT
INTRODUCTION
As fulfillment for a Visual found during the first phase. The
Communications Design senior- third, and final phase focused
level course, the student design on developing the best and final
team Hubco was formed to address prototype to present to community
the current situation of graduation members.
rates at Indianapolis Public Schools.
The team spent the entire Fall 2012 During this project, the team engaged
semester focused on developing a in dialogue with local community
creative design solution that could stakeholders affiliated with at risk
help local teens at risk of dropping out. youth and education in Indianapolis.
One of these stakeholders was Robert
Hubco conducted the project in Helfenbein, who holds a PHD and
three phases. Phase one included is the Associate Director of the
the research and evaluation of the Center for Urban and Multicultural
current situation of Indianapolis Education. The team also collaborated
graduation rates and students at risk with Danielle Guerin and Anne West,
of dropping out. Phase two consisted co-directors of the Student Success
of prototyping several creative Initiative from the Marion County
approaches to solving problems Commission on Youth.
creating a third place the challenge project introduction

7. DEFINING THE
PROBLEM
In the last decade, declining high a person with at least a high school absence rates, and misbehavior
school graduation rates have raised diploma (Harlow, 2003). are closely related to a student’s
many concerns for educators, parents + Dropouts are more likely to be predisposition to drop out. It is
and students nationwide. Each year, unemployed, live in poverty, receive very important to understand and
roughly 30% of students do not public assistance, go to prison, end up recognize when these warning signs
graduate from high school on time (US on death row, be unhealthy, and get are displayed by at risk students.
Department of Commerce, 2009). This issue divorced (Bridgeland, 2006). Studies have found that students who
tends to disproportionately affect + High school dropouts earn $24,000 eventually drop out typically display
the minority and poor populations, on average per year as compared to one or more warning signs in the
which creates a poverty cycle that is average earnings of $40,000 per year sixth grade: failing either English or
extremely difficult to escape. for individuals with a high school math, attendance less than 80 percent
credential (U.S. Department of Commerce, 2008). or a mark of unsatisfactory behavior
THERE ARE MANY NEGATIVE on their report card. It has also been
FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH A There is no single reason as to why proven that when the same warning
STUDENT’S DECISION TO DROP OUT: students decide to drop out. However, signs were developed after sixth
+ Dropouts are more likely to receive studies clearly indicate that low grade, they are not as powerful in
some type of government assistance academic success in key subjects, predicting eventual dropouts (Balfanz).
and more than eight times as likely to
be in jail or prison compared to
creating a third place the challenge defining the problem

8. N E E D S S TAT E M E N T
In order to keep students in school, Citizens need to accept responsibility
their social, health, economic and contribute to the local community
and family needs, as well as their by providing teens with community
academic needs must be met. The spaces where they can go to simply
schools alone cannot provide this relax and be with peers without
kind of support for students. The feeling threatened or excluded. The
collaboration of local community construction of such a space would
members and organizations is needed provide an outlet for at risk students
to help solve the drop out crisis. to build relationships with caring
adults in the community—increasing
their chances of academic success and
healthy youth development.
“The schools alone cannot provide
this kind of support for students.”
creating a third place the challenge needs statement

9. AUDIENCE
Clearly, early identification of Because of the time span these Research also shows that they have
warning signs is critical to improving students have between their current limited or no community places where
graduation rates. It is also important situation and the act of dropping they can escape from the stresses of
to identify and understand the out, they have a greater opportunity their school and home lives. A report
students who are affected most. If to change their attitudes and of a youth focus group representing
students are not correctly identified, school performance than their older Marion, Hamilton and Hendricks
then efforts and resources could peers. Most of these teens struggle counties, revealed that “they want
be wasted. Students enrolled in academically and face other barriers opportunities and a place to go where
Indianapolis Public Schools between to educational attainment such as they can play intramural sports, to
the ages of 12-15 who display early the lack of parental involvement, not learn to cook, manage money, and
warning signs of dropping out are the feeling safe either in school or home learn basic car maintenance and life
primary audience. environments and struggling to skills. Most importantly, they want a
balance multiple responsibilities. place where they can go and choose
from a variety of no-cost activities.”
(United Way, 2008)
“they want opportunities...”
creating a third place the challenge audience

10. BACKGROUND
American urban sociologist and former professor emeritus of IN HIS BOOK THE GREAT, GOOD PLACE (1989),
Sociology, Ray Oldenburg, is best known for his written work OLDENBURG OUTLINES SOME SPECIFIC
about the importance of informal public gathering places to CHARACTERISTICS OF THIRD SPACES THAT HE
communities and public life. He is credited for coining the BELIEVES TO BE ESSENTIAL TO SUCCESS:
term “Third Space”. In his book, The Great, Good Place , he + They are on neutral ground. All are welcome,
defines the “first space” as the home, the “second space” as the and no one plays “host”
workplace and “Third places”, are the public places on neutral + They are a leveler; people of different
ground such as bars, coffee shops, pubs and general stores socio-economic strata attend
where people can gather. Oldenburg argues that “third places” + Conversation is the main activity. Even though the
are central to a community’s social vitality and the foundation setting may be a place for drinking, or exercising, or
of a functioning democracy. The benefits of a third space serve playing a game, talking is always present
not only community residents but also the community at large. + They are accessible; there are no physical,
For an individual, the third place offers stress relief from the policy, or monetary barriers to entrance
everyday demands of both home and work. For the greater + They are a home away from home. There
community, the third place strengthens community ties through are “regulars” who find the atmosphere
social interaction. It also provides a feeling of safety and security comfortable enough to “root” them there
by being publicly accessible and promoting open and visible + The mood is playful, laughter is often heard, and
interaction (Soukup, C. (2006). wit is prized
creating a third place the challenge background

14. SOLUTION
The Bloc would serve as a third THE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
space for local Indianapolis teens OF THE BLOC ARE:
to socialize and relax away from
home and school. Because this + To provide a safe place for teens to
space was designed using two be away from school or home.
repurposed shipping containers,
it could easily be transported or + To provide caring adults for teens to
duplicated to reach more teens. The build positive relationships with.
space could be located and partnered
with neighborhood centers around + To build community partnerships
Indianapolis. within local neighborhoods.
+ To motivate and inspire teens who
are at risk of dropping out.
+ To improve graduation rates at local
Indianapolis high schools.
creating a third place the creative approach solution

15. CONSTRUCTION
On August 8, 1989, a United States There are several benefits to shipping Some container companies even
patent was granted to Phillip C. container architecture. First is offer prefabrication services to have
Clark for an invention described the cost. Purchasing a shipping the container altered before delivery.
as a “Method for converting one or container and converting it into a Shipping containers allow for design
more steel shipping containers into building is relatively inexpensive customization as well. The ability to
a habitable building at a building compared to the cost of constructing dictate where doors, windows, walls,
site and the product thereof.” The a permanent building. Repurposing and facilities are placed ensures that
document of this patent contains an existing container is also a more the space can be tailored to a specific
diagrams and information that have environmentally friendly and time use and audience. (Singla, 2011)
created the foundation of many efficient. Design and transportation
shipping container architectural are also simplified because shipping
projects buildings such as offices, containers are made to standard
homes, apartments, dormitories, art measurements and provide modular
studios and libraries. elements that can be combined.
creating a third place the creative approach construction

16. O P E R AT I O N S
The inside of The Bloc has been We met with teens from the Marion
designed to be a customizable space. County Commission on Youth
This is appropriate because The Bloc student council to ask them what they
is a temporary space. It may need would like to see inside a space like
to be relocated or the inside may The Bloc. We had them draw floor
need to be rearranged often. What plans and present them at a round
would go inside would depend on table discussion. The most common
the community resources available responses are on the page to the right.
such as organizations, programs and As a part of The Bloc’s kit, there is a
volunteers. More importantly it would flash drive with the audio version of
depend on the needs and wants of the the round table discussion, the times
student members. are listed with the quote.

17. O P E R AT I O N S
THEATER/STAGE AREA LOUNGE AREA PATIO AREA
(8:00) “… and then you would have a (4:50) “…Lots of bookshelves with (7:10) “… a green room, that would be
theater, which would also double as a good books and college resources.” nice.”
stage with surround sound..” (13:50) “ Comfy chairs, like, chairs
(15:10) “If local, small bands could play where you can take off your shoes and CAFÉ/KITCHEN AREA
– that would be cool.” just recline.” (9:07) “… and a cafeteria with a lot of
(5:30) “There would be weekly movie food and snacks”.
screenings or open mic night or STUDY/WORK AREA
things like that.” (4:50) “There’s free wi-fi and it’s
(6:15) “…dancers, musicians, anyone- really bright and colorful and there’s
they can come.” probably, like, big couches – meeting
space; and other comfy chairs for if
TECHNOLOGY LAB
you just want to chill or read or do
(4:50) “An Ipad lab – so just having
homework or something....”
computer, ipad access…”
(10:10) “There are lots of tables for
(8:30) “…a computer lab with free wi-fi,
people to do group work”
a work out room with a lot of weights,
a basketball court and a game room
with, like, at least ten different flat
screens and game systems…”
creating a third place the creative approach operations

19. THE BLOC BRANDING
DESCRIPTION
Inspiration for the identity of The began. The color palette for The Bloc defined in the space, for easy
Bloc sprouted from the round was chosen for the “hip/cool” factor classification and association. The
table discussion with the student that teens are looking for, also while symbols are combined with the color
focus group (also discussed on the staying gender neutral. The logo is to palette, also.
operations pages). The students resemble the shape of the shipping
and experts were able to contribute container through closure by allowing This brand is a result of both primary
valuable visual descriptions to begin your eye to form the shape. Using and secondary research that provides
the branding process. Initial visual black and gray, the only neutrals in a voice for the space as well as the
research was made to study what is the palette, creates a standard for the audience.
currently being done with the exterior logo. There may be later uses when
and interior of shipping containers the logo may be converted using the
in the world today. Visual research on rest of the large palette. The pattern
the branding and identity for brands was created as an exterior for the
such as MTV and Nike helped to shipping containers, as well as a
visually frame the look and feel The visual graphic element to use as an
Bloc is going for. accent throughout The Bloc, such as
the symbols. The symbols are made to
After initial the initial research phase use as wayfinding within the interior
was complete, the making space of The Bloc. Each area is
creating a third place the creative approach branding description

20. LOGO C O L O R PA L E T T E
C O L O R VA R I AT I O N S
creating a third place the creative approach logo and color

21. PAT T E R N
creating a third place the creative approach pattern

22. SYMBOLS
kitchenette work stations restroom miscellaneous
conference table screening room patio
creating a third place the creative approach symbols

23. FLOORPLAN
40’
8’
16’
couch
entrance
creating a third place the creative approach floorplan

24. INTERIOR PERSPECTIVE
creating a third place the creative approach interior perspective

25. EXTERIOR PERSPECTIVE
creating a third place the creative approach exterior perspective

26. S I D E E L E VAT I O N
side a
side b
creating a third place the creative approach side elevations

27. F R O N T E L E VAT I O N
front a front b
creating a third place the creative approach front elevations

28. CONCLUSION
Creating an environment in our Kaleidoscope Youth Education Center Learning Well
community where all students can Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center Mentors of America
access the support and resources they Peace Learning Center The Bully Prevention Alliance
need to succeed will require members #2: MENTORS Young Audiences of Indiana
of the local Indianapolis community. Once open, there would need to be #3: FUNDING
There are some promising members responsible adults on site during Ideally, the space would also receive
and organizations present in the all hours of operation to help run funding and sponsorship from local
Indianapolis community that could activities, programming and events. organizations. Some of these could
get involved to take the next step in These adults could be community include:
fixing the drop out crisis. members such as teachers, mentors, Dollars for Scholars
#1: LOCATION counselors, coaches, college students or Eli Lilly Co.
It could be located and partnered with volunteers from organizations such as: Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana
local community centers, schools and Ace Mentoring National Alliance for Child Safety
other organizations including: Achievement Team Scholarship America
Concord Neighborhood Center Attendance Anonymous Teachers Credit Union
Fay Biccard Glick Neighborhood College Mentors for Kids Twenty-first Century Scholars
Center Down But Not Out Communications Program
Forest Manor Multi-Services Center Indiana Youth Group United Way of Central Indiana
Hawthorne Community Center INDYpendence Job Corps U.S. Department of Education
creating a third place conclusion

29. WORK CITED
Balfanz, R., & Byrnes, V. (2006). Closing the mathematics achievement gap in high-poverty middle schools: Enablers and constraints.
Journal of Education for Students Placed at Risk, 11(2), 143-159.
Bridgeland, J.M.; Dilulio, J.J.; Morison, K.B. (2006). The Silent Epidemic: Perspectives of High School Dropouts. A report by Civic
Enterprises in association with Peter D. Hart Research Associates for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Harlow, C. W. (revised 2003). Education and Correctional Populations. Bureau of Justice Statistics Special Report. Washington, DC: U.S.
Department of Justice. <http://bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov/content/pub/pdf/ecp.pdf>.
Singla, Smita. “7 Benefits of Shipping Container Home Design.” Marineinsight.com. N.p., Aug. 2011. Web. <http://www.marineinsight.
com/marine/environment/7-benefits-of-shipping-container-home-design/>.
Soukup, C. (2006). Computer-mediated communication as a virtual third place: B Building Oldenburg’s great good places on the world
wide web. New Media & Society, 8, 421–440.
United Way of Central Indiana. 2008 COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT CHAPTER 4. United Way, 2008.
U.S. Department of Commerce, Census Bureau, Current Population Survey (CPS), March 2008.
creating a third place work cited