The Site Visit: Learning from the Locals

During the spring break, students, companied by Professors and TAs, embarked on an in-person site visit to fulfill two main objectives. Firstly, despite the students’ current grasp of the site through analysis and research, it remained vital to verify whether their imagination of the site aligns with its actual conditions as perceived through their own eyes. If discrepancies are discovered between the site’s conditions and their initial analysis, they were encouraged to delve into the underlying reasons causing such disparities.

The second purpose of the site visit was to glean insights from local experts in Phoenix who have been investigating similar issues. The itinerary included a visit to the Heat Response and Mitigation Office in the City of Phoenix, where students had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the city’s approach to addressing heat-related challenges. Additionally, the students engaged in discussions with Prof. Chingwen Chen regarding her prior teaching and studio work, which specifically focused on the Phoenix South Central Corridor. By leveraging the expertise of these local professionals, the students gained valuable knowledge and perspectives on tackling heat-related issues in the region.