seam (n)-a line along which two adjoining pieces of fabric are sewn together.

The Closer You Seam is a reconnection project aimed to stitch together the urban and residential fabrics of downtown Raleigh that are currently separated by MLK Jr. Boulevard. The physical barrier prevents residents of South Park from crossing the highway safely and further exacerbates the lack of affordable and accessible resources for the community to flourish.TheCloser You Seam looks to create that connection by transforming MLK Jr. Boulevard from a five lane highway to a three lane pedestrian-friendly parkway, and rerouting the proposed HeritageTrail to cross this threshold in a meaningful and caring manner.

Once a seam is established, further development can be implemented to create a public space dedicated to community nourishment. There already exists the infrastructure of food resources across the downtown area, but not a central location to distribute the food to those who most need it.The Closer You Seam utilizes both infrastructure and architecture to analyze accessibility and streetscapes in Raleigh, and suggests that opportunities not only lie within a destination but the journey as well.