Identity in Architecture

Wealth

The Tower physically representats the wealth gap. While upper class families in ancient civilizations such as Imperial Roman lived in ground floor apartments, the upper floors’ unimpeded views, reduced noise, and inaccessibility is considered more desirable in modern cities. Wealth, represented by highest floors, is exemplified by an attention-drawing finial, and emphasis on luxurious interior materials that prioritize form over function. The lower levels’ optimized space and standardized materials represent working class residents.

Religon

My inclusive place of worship welcomes everyone, including those only seeking a peaceful moment. The Welcome Center cohesively incorporates recognizable architectural elements and styles from a wide range of cultures and religions, including: Baha'i; Buddhism; Christianity (Eastern Orthodoxy, Protestantism & Roman Catholicism); Daoism; Hinduism; Islam; Jainism; Judaism; Mesopotamian Polytheism; Sikhism; and Zoroastrianism.

Age

My park is an age-inclusive communal space that meets disparate experiential requirements. It solves an urban need for authentic opportunities to experience nature while not isolating by age. The playground’s kinesthetic challenges attract children, while the seating area (with an open library and coffee shop) provides a communal meditative space for older visitors. The calming lake connects the areas, and provides space to walk alone, with family or with friends.

Ethnicity

Many ethnicities incorporate critical identifying elements and symbols into their architecture. It helps create meaning and helps transcend time by connecting contemporary culture with traditions and history. The Yunnan province in China is home to a wide variety of ethnic groups. I designed this building to represent the architectural style of the Yi ethnic group. I was interested in their balance of vibrant intricacy with nature, and the beauty of their form in solving functional geographic, climate and societal needs. The characters on building signage accurately reflect what remains known of their dialect.

Mental Health

Mental health is impacted by our physical environment, and too often hospitals and recovery centers are composed of artificial spaces that negatively impact wellness. I reimagined a residential center that prioritizes patient wellbeing. The calming atmosphere increases the likelihood of a successful recovery by replacing palpable sources of anxiety with peaceful design elements. This includes private areas such as therapy offices and bedrooms.

Race

Urban design has the capacity to segregated and promote “otherism.” This is my design for a modernized version of the infamous Robert Moses bridge (with similar measurements). The original bridge prevented black families from entering certain areas of New York by ensuring only short luxury cars could fit beneath it. While the design is beautiful, it is emblematic of the need for timely and transparent analysis and discussion of societal impact during each phase of urban planning.