Student Work

Course Description

THE HIVE

Students: Daniela Casalino
Studio: ARCH 504 — Rob Corser — Winter 2024
Location: Seattle, Washington

Project Description

The Hive reimagines food as a tool for empowerment and connection in Rainier Beach. At its core, the project creates opportunities for local food entrepreneurs to thrive by offering affordable access to facilities, mentorship, and a vibrant community hub. In a neighborhood rich with cultural diversity, the design celebrates food as both sustenance and a shared story.

THE HIVE Aerial Sketch.

The program includes a commissary kitchen where small businesses can prepare meals without the high costs of private facilities, a food hall that brings neighbors together to share flavors, and teaching spaces where skills can be passed down to future generations. Flexible outdoor areas host markets, gatherings, and seasonal events, while a rooftop beekeeping program offers both ecological benefits and a symbolic link to community interdependence. Every design decision supports resilience—whether by lowering barriers for entrepreneurs, strengthening cultural exchange, or weaving food systems into the urban fabric. The Hive is more than a building; it is an ecosystem where creativity, culture, and community flourish.

THE HIVE Commissary Kitchen.

 

THE HIVE – Beekeeping Rooftop.

 

Images from THE HIVE.