Wes Hiatt advocates for shaping positive change
In the heart of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the construction phase of the Alley House Program's first pilot building site is now underway. This innovative project, led by Hiatt, assistant professor of architecture and co-director of the Small Cities Lab at Lehigh University, aims to address the lack of affordable housing in the city.
The Alley House Program is filling a critical gap in our understanding of smaller cities, a sector often overlooked in urban planning, design, and architecture research. By adopting an interdisciplinary, coalition, and community-driven approach, the program involves city officials, architects, students, community development folks, and longtime residents.
Construction on the first pilot alley house, or 'accessory unit', commenced this summer, with subsequent units to be built over the next few years. This endeavour is supported by Governor Shapiro's PHARE program and a congressional grant, marking a first in the university's history.
Research has been a key component of the program's planning. Students and faculty have documented hundreds of existing alley houses, walked more than 50 miles of alleys, and interviewed residents. This research has directly shaped zoning proposals and the physical design of the new pilot units.
The work of the Alley House Program extends beyond Bethlehem. Another part of the research, supported through a grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, is looking at how other small cities have successfully adopted their own accessory unit policies.
Hiatt encourages his students to be open to new things and different paths, and to get exposure to as many different ideas as possible during their time at Lehigh. To date, over 60 students from 12 different majors have been involved in hands-on experience with design, zoning, community engagement, public storytelling, and construction.
The collaboration between the university and the community has built trust and resulted in a project that neighbors support. It continues to be shaped by resident involvement, making it a true reflection of the community it serves.
The Alley House Program is more than just a research project or a construction initiative. It's an example of how art, architecture, and design students can apply their skills to create lasting change in their communities. The work of the Alley House Program has a political, social, or cultural impact as it shapes the places where people live.
Hiatt's father, a landscape architect and carpenter, may have influenced Hiatt's interest in making things. This passion for creation, combined with a commitment to community engagement and a desire to make a difference, has propelled the Alley House Program forward.
In essence, the Alley House Program aims to help communities rethink land-use policy in a way that honors local history and opens new possibilities. By fostering collaboration, encouraging research, and engaging communities, the Alley House Program is setting a new standard for urban development in smaller cities.
