A Healthy Town Center for Van Buren Maine

Design Intent

We intend to create a welcoming, flexible community hub that supports well-being, connection, and local activities. The design focuses on reflecting Van Buren’s identity while meeting present needs and future possibilities.

To Our Collaborators

We sincerely thank Luke Dyer, Town Manager of Van Buren, for his vision and support throughout this process. This project was developed under the guidance of Professor Dr. D.S. Nicholas and Jihyun Song at Drexel University’s Community Health and Wellness Studio. We are also grateful to the Van Buren community, whose stories, needs, and hopes have been at the heart of this work. Your input shaped these proposals, and we hope this booklet supports your continued dialogue and decision-making.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROJECTBACKGROUND&GOALS

TIMELINE&PROGRESS

SITEANALYSIS&DEMOGRAPHICS

PERSONASANDNEEDS

DESIGNCONCEPTS

Introducing the Van Buren Community Center project and its vision

INTRODUCTION

The Van Buren Community Center project is a community-driven initiative to transform underused municipal space into a vibrant hub for health, education, play, and local programming. Located in the small town of Van Buren, Maine, the project responds to a growing need for accessible, flexible, and welcoming community infrastructure.

Led by Town Manager Luke Dyer in collaboration with Drexel University's Winter Interior Architecture Studio, the project brings together students, faculty, and local people to explore design solutions rooted in the region’s identity. With a focus on adaptive reuse, sustainability, and local values, the team aims to create a space that supports both current needs and future possibilities.

Understanding the community and envisioning future possibilities

PROJECT BACKGROUND & GOALS

Project Background

A community-based design initiative focused on Van Buren, a small town in Maine

Part of a broader effort to engage students in realworld, socially responsive design work. Connected to the CommunityHealthandWellness Studio 2025 work and aligned with community conversations or public engagement events. Involves curating and presenting student-led interior design or planning ideas relevant to the Van Buren area.

Aimed at producing a printable or digital booklet showcasing selected student projects.

Project Goals

Highlight student design work that addresses real communitychallengesoraspirations in Van Buren. Visualize possibilities for the future of Van Buren through creative, research-based student proposals

Develop a public-facing presentation (booklet or display) that communicates student ideas clearly and accessibly.

Support community outreach by sharing conceptual designs with residents, stakeholders, or city partners.

Provide students with visibility and engagement in applied, community-centered design practice.

From research to design: charting our Van Buren journey

TIMELINE & PROGRESS

January

Initial research: studied Van Buren's town history, demographics, and regional identity Identified community needs and spatial gaps.

Studio was introduced to the context and project goals.

February

Program development phase: brainstormed potential uses (telehealth, market, outdoor space, etc.)

Community-oriented planning informed early layout strategies.

March

Design phase: developed conceptual proposals based on research and programs. Students produced individual design solutions.

July

Project resumed: collaboration with Luke restarted to focus on practical, fundable design implementations. Booklet development began to compile studio work and actionable design strategies.

Exploring Van Buren’s roots, culture, and community identity

TOWN HISTORY 04

SAMPLE WORK FROM

Project Proposal | Van Buren, Maine 11

The community center’s origins as a 1940s movie theater, a vibrant hub in the 1950s, thanks to the nearby Air Force base. The town also served as a social hotspot for New Brunswick visitors, where GIs and Canadians forged crossborder connections during prohibition times.

Preserving Van Buren’s identity remains a priority, even amidst revitalization. Educational elements, like history classes and displays, honor its heritage, including Maine’s largest lumber mill. The Acadian influence and recent influx of diverse residents enrich its evolving character, blending past and present.

Timeline key events:

• 1940s: Theater established

• 1950s: Air Force base brings vibrancy

• 1960s+: Cultural evolution with Acadian influence

HistoricalHighlights

• 1940s Movie Theater: Community center, originally a vibrant theater.

• 1950s Hub: Boosted by the nearby Air Force base, creating social energy.

SocialScene

• Cross-Border Connections: GIs and Canadians socialized during prohibition.

• Cultural Hotspot: Van Buren as a gathering place for New Brunswick visitors.

IdentityandHeritage

• Preserving Identity: Focus on honoring historical significance.

• Educational Initiatives: Displays showcasing lumber mill and Acadian influence.

• Evolving Diversity: New residents blending heritage with modernity.

SITE ANALYSIS & DEMOGRAPHICS

SAMPLE WORK FROM

PERSONAS AND NEEDS

SAMPLE WORK FROM

Ideas that reflect local identity and future possibilities

DESIGN CONCEPTS

KEYINSIGHTS: Van Buren and Its Connection to Nature and Heritage

SAMPLE WORK FROM Anoushka Mann

Project Proposal | Van

KEYINSIGHTS: Site Location and Nearby Attractions

KEYINSIGHTS: Imagery Reference (inspiration) for the Wall Design, Maker’s Market

Imagery

Claude Roussel, La déportation, 1986

While it is important to look ahead, we also want to honor our roots and be grounded in our heritage This bas-relief, called La Déportation, in the reception area, reinstates the resilience of the locals and celebrates their journey

KEYINSIGHTS: Detailed Market Plan, Maker’s Market Modules

Flexible, modular layout supporting vendor setups, community interaction, and adaptable event programming

KEYINSIGHTS: Communal Kitchen & Dining, Maker’s Space

Rammed Earth Wall: sustainable material with strong thermal mass properties, complemented by natural lighting to enhance the space’s durability and ambiance.

KEYINSIGHTS: Telehealth Clinic Exam Room, Outdoor Space (Ice Rink)

The Telehealth Clinic Exam Room supports community health and encourages interactive communication Ice Rink for outdoor activity: a seasonal feature that encourages community gathering.

MAKER’S MARKET

KEYINSIGHTS: Market Booth’s

Modular and simple design supporting flexibility, ease of setup, and sustainable materials for community markets

Proposal |

KEYINSIGHTS: Interpretation from St John River, Market

St John River reflects local identity and history, guiding aesthetic choices, material palettes, and the overall feel of the spaces Flexible, town-like market space combining community gathering, vendor interaction; design emphasizes adaptability, costeffectiveness, and a welcoming atmosphere

KEYINSIGHTS: Exhibit Space, Outdoor Space

Flexible areas for displays, learning, and community gatherings; outdoor spaces designed with seating, greenery, and adaptable layouts to support events, social interaction, and seasonal programming.

KEYINSIGHTS: Media Room, Meeting Spaces

Flexible media and meeting spaces supporting community programs, and private activities, equipped with technology and enhanced by natural lighting.

KEYINSIGHTS: Telehealth Clinic Exam Room, Sustainability Design

Use of Van Buren imagery in the telehealth exam room to reflect community identity Emphasizes natural lighting and outdoor greenery to enhance comfort, well-being, and environmental awareness.

Lobby, Den, Multipurpose Area

Concept, Mural Design Inspired by Van Buren Landmarks

KEYINSIGHTS:Education and Prototype room, Telehealth Reception

Flexible space for workshops and community learning Welcoming and accessible reception supporting telehealth services.

KEYINSIGHTS:Market Place, Public Space

Flexible market spaces that showcase local vendors, artisanal goods, and fresh produce while encouraging social interaction Welcoming plazas and seating areas that blend commerce with relaxation, community events, and seasonal gatherings.

KEYINSIGHTS:Vertical Garden, Cafe

Living wall celebrates donors while promoting sustainability and engages the community through workshops and hands-on learning.

KEYINSIGHTS: Food Market

Casual, airy space with skylight for social interaction and gathering

KEYINSIGHTS: Community Kitchen, Marketplace

Flexible spaces for cooking, dining, and social interaction

Casual space for social interaction and gathering fosters connection, and a welcoming atmosphere.

KEYINSIGHTS:Town Media Space / Multipurpose Area, Sustainability Design

Flexible space supporting community programs, media use, and events Incorporates sustainable features like green roof, skylight, and cross-ventilation to enhance comfort and environmental performance

KEYINSIGHTS:Community Kitchen, Kids Space

Supports cooking, learning, and group activities in a flexible, welcoming space Safe and engaging area designed for play, creativity, and interaction.

Gwyneth Bozentka

KEYINSIGHTS: Cafe / Seating Area

Open, airy space with glass walls and skylights, creating a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere Supports social interaction and community engagement, with cozy vibes like live music performances.

Tala Khakbaz

KEYINSIGHTS: Concept

Emphasizes care, accessibility, connection, inclusivity, safety, support, and community Uses rustic, artisanal, historical, and natural elements to reflect Van Buren’s identity and character

WORK FROM

KEYINSIGHTS: Children’s Play Area

Safe and engaging environment for children of all ages

Flexible play elements that encourage learning, interaction, and creativity

Designed to complement the overall community-centered, welcoming atmosphere

Ivonne Perez

KEYINSIGHTS: Entrance, Marketplace

An inviting entrance with a parametric wood ceiling and a custom desk, featuring a painting to celebrate local people and community identity

Flexible marketplace layout designed for interaction, events, and adaptable vendor setups.

KEYINSIGHTS: Lobby, Clinic Waiting Room

Welcoming, flexible, and accessible space that supports both social interaction and private activities

Inspiring and comforting atmosphere with images emphasizing community, togetherness, and uplift

Visual ideas and inspirations shaping Van Buren’s identity

APPENDIX

LinktotheMiroboard:

https://miro com/app/board/uXjVLnJTeB4=/

References:

https://umaine edu/undiscoveredmaine/aroostook-county-maine/st-john-valley/van-buren/

https://thecounty me/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/VBSign1-scaled jpg https://communityanalyst.arcgis.com/esriCA/index.html

https://www.createdhere.ca/stories/history-of-acadian-art-in-new-brunswick https://newenglandhistoricalsociety.com/hope-despair-acadian-exiles-1755-1766/

CreditsforFaculty/StudentContributors:

Diana Nicholas

Jihyun Song

Anoushka Mann

Gabriela Mosqueira

Emma Straw

Matt Cote

Krystal Hu

Grace McKeon

Mallika Shankar

Valeria Ferrin

Valentina Vargas

Miranda Rothberg

Sofia LaPorte

Ankita Sunil Agawane

Hailee Garzon - DiVergigelis

Gwyneth Bozentka

Liv Jankoski

Aaryn Turner

Shruti Gandhi

Phoebe Millspaugh

Tala Khakbaz

Ivonne Perez

Kristin Pisano