LifeFuel
A repurposed gas station for formerly incarcerated individuals to reintegrate into society smoothly both socially and economically.
Designer. 2025.
With the increase in EV use, existing gas station structures need to be repurposed. LifeFuel is a repurposed gas station designed to reintegrate formerly incarcerated individuals.
In repurposing spaces especially, my design decisions are shaped by my values of: respect (preserving history, sustainability and safety for humans, non-humans, and ecosystems), beauty (among landscapes and structurally for human wellbeing), and practicality (practical modern uses, functionality, and responsible construction/materials).
LifeFuel participants register at the station and work in vertical farming facilities, gaining sustainable agriculture training. All logistical and legal matters will be managed for them, and in exchange for their labor, they receive shares of harvested crops to keep or sell for a wage. LifeFuel tackles 4 key challenges: lack of access to education, poor physical health, poor mental health, and unemployment. LifeFuel benefits formerly incarcerated individuals by exponentially improving mental and physical well-being, building community and peer networks, and working on therapy, healing, and reintegration into society.
Research was conducted and combined with renderings shown to the right in order to form a proposal for LifeFuel.
NYC
BALI
LA