Baltimore once was a million inhabitant city. Due to suburbanisation the amount of inhabitants decreased to around 600,000. Leaving houses and factories abandoned. Nowadays Baltimore is still recovering from these mayor physical and social changes.

During a visit to charity organisation Paul’s Place in Pigtown, the size of the problem became very clear. Dozens of people line up for the free lunches, clothing and other needs. These people are not capable of taking care of themselves, many of them are home and/or jobless and have difficulties surviving.

Looking at the statistics it shows that 12% of the Pigtown population is indeed jobless, versus 7% in the city of Baltimore. How can we get these people to empower themselves, making it able for them to provide in their basic needs. I believe an income is key. Pigtown residents have difficulties finding employment. Due to a lack of communicational tools, for example the internet, finding a job becomes even harder. And imagine having to look for a job in a place like this, in a classroom like environment with the laptops fixed to the tables to prevent theft.

By designing a new public building where employee and employer can meet directly, barriers such as the internet no longer play a role. Located on the intersection between West Cross Street - Scott Street, the building is close to the networks it links - that of the employee and the employer. The intersection with Marty’s Deli as a main attraction functions as an active meeting spot in the neighbourhood, on a very visible place. Linking Marty’s Deli to the building offers a familiar atmosphere and a possibility to enter the building unnoticed. The building becomes a accessible spot for the Pigtowner itself and the job seekers. Having access to the internet and having and updated resume no longer play a role in finding employment.

Finding a job becomes easier for those who need it the most.