ChoraGraph was envisioned as a vibrant gathering space that celebrates creativity, collaboration, and community identity within the Whitely Neighborhood in Muncie. The project combines sculptural design with community participation, creating a space that is both visually impactful and deeply connected to the people who use it.

A central component of the project involved engaging local youth and residents in the creative process through hands-on workshops. Youth participants created sketches, illustrations, and line-work inspired by their neighborhood, highlighting personal experiences, familiar places, and the people and moments that make the community feel like home. Community members also contributed words and phrases describing their neighborhood, identity, and sense of belonging.

These drawings and written responses were digitized and abstractly integrated into the final design, becoming part of the installation’s outer shell and dynamic skin elements. The youth-generated graphics and community language were digitally applied onto aluminum composite panels, which were cut and assembled into the structure, embedding community voices directly into the artwork.

The installation functions as both a sculptural landmark and a flexible community hub. Its layout supports seating, performances, award ceremonies, presentations, meetings, and informal gathering, encouraging ongoing activity and interaction throughout the space. The structure’s form also provides separation from the surrounding street, helping reduce road noise and creating a more comfortable environment for visitors.

ChoraGraph is about connection and shared ownership. By allowing residents and young participants to leave a permanent mark on the project, the installation becomes a symbol of collective identity, creative expression, and investment in the future of the community.