Luke Nichols' first year at the University of Minnesota was "glorious." While his courses were stimulating, that high praise was reserved for something else. For Nichols, college meant a warm bed, hot meals and a dorm room where he could safely store his stuff. Nichols, 29, earned a bachelor's degree in environmental sciences and graduated last May with a master's degree in landscape architecture from the U's College of Design. His passion is housing instability, because "you just never know who" will be caught in its grip. Now a design associate with Minneapolis' Travis Van Liere Studio, he shares his hope of bringing his capstone project, the Cabin Cooperative, to life.
Q: Homelessness is not theoretical to you.
A: I grew up in Prior Lake with a single mother, although my father lived in the same town. We always struggled, moved around a lot, slept in cars, churches, motels. Right before college, my father's house where I was living at the time was foreclosed upon. I was told, "You gotta leave." My friends opened up their homes to me and I'm very grateful for that.
Q: Your vision for the Cabin Cooperative began with an assignment to use design as a catalyst for change in Duluth. For you, this meant addressing the lack of affordable housing in that city. You drew on the small-house movement, but with a twist.
A: The tiny house movement isn't a new idea. But I explored building small houses on vacant, tax-forfeited land throughout Duluth, land that is sitting idle. We would build six- and 12-unit tiny homes on those parcels. It would be a win-win. The city could get tax income for the land and provide affordable homes. I've consulted with developers and lenders. Duluth Mayor Emily Larson has expressed interest as has the housing authority.
Q: Did you actually build a sample?
A: I created a 3-D model and a film.
Q: When you say small, how small?