PROJECTS
Malak Atwi - Bioregional Market
Katerina Jonna - UNBOXED
P.O.+ [Post Office Plus]
You might not think about the U.S. Post Office all that much. Maybe you haven’t visited in a while. Perhaps your prevailing associations with the Postal Service are limited to junk mail, long lines, cheap construction, and disgruntled employees. It’s true that the Postal Service as an American institution is hurting, and has been for some time.
Historically, the United States Postal Service has been a cornerstone in the development of the United States, responsible for creating a communications network that linked diverse communities across the nation. It promoted literacy, education, commerce, and civic discourse by providing an affordable and reliable means for communication. In contemporary America, the USPS remains the most widespread government agency, with the largest fleet of vehicles and the most physical locations in both urban and rural areas of any government or commercial entity. Despite this reach, the USPS continues to face significant challenges, grappling with cultural, social, and technological changes that have led to a decline in use of their services.
Post Office + addresses this decline head-on, challenging students to propose a new model for a post office in the city of Ypsilanti, Michigan. The imperative for the USPS to adapt or face obsolescence calls for creative solutions that not only address current issues but also reimagine the post office as a vital civic center for years to come.
What’s your Post Office +?