Gensler 2022 Summer Fellowship exposed participants to Gensler’s research initiatives around their mission to re-define the future of cities. As summer fellows, we dived into the efforts on project work related to Gensler’s Measurable Impact work and measurement of Key Performance Indicators (KPI) to identify what works and what does not about building designs. Our team was charged with designing the future of education-ecosystem buildings and creating resilient spaces with the end goal of student success. We used a collection of perspectives to create an educational place that considers the views of different users. We drew emphasis on user experience to design the Golden Tiger Campus Connector (GTCC) in Tuskegee University. The design inspiration for this connector is the fusion of multiple activities, creating a vivid live and learn community. Located amidst the core activity zones on campus, GTCC is a one stop destination for almost everything you need in campus for all typology of uses. Paving the way for a healthy well-being responding to physical, environmental, and social dimensions, the spaces are developed based on the five core KPIs, being outdoor livability, community inclusivity, connectivity, sustainability, and learning variations.
Key performanCe indiCaTors:
Outdoor Livability
• Outdoor walkability
• 24-hour cycle
• Lighting
• Climate control
• Optimal use for academic months of the year
Community Inclusivity
• Social interaction
• Urban/Rural environments
• Crowd, Activity
Internship (Gensler Summer Fellowship) Team: Tarlan Poursoti, Alex Q. Jones, Uthman Olowa, Christina Jeyaseelan
Responsibility: Researcher, Design team member, Preparing preseantation documents
Connectivity
• Travel distance to student physical and social needs
• Decrease in vehicular reliance
Sustainability
• Building life cycle
• Building program adaptability
• Decrease in building demolition, Increase in building electrification
Learning variations
• Physical, Virtual, Hybrid
• Auditory, Visual, Kinesthetic, Reading, Writing
• Increase in average GPA
The various activities experienced by different users are outlined in this series of analysis. This makes us understand the user experience better and design accordingly. The amalgamation of every user’s activity showcases the future of education ecosystems and the way all kind of users interact in the environment, creating a dynamic habitat.
Connection
Outdoor livability
Sustainability
Learning variations
Community inclusivity
This diagram indicates the proposed KPIs for higher education and how much the proposed building is going to expand them.
Educators’ experience
Supporters’ experience
Visitors’ experience
Students’ experience
The multi-use campus connector consists of series of different spaces that encompass reading-residential zones, academic zones, a wellness center, community centers, and interconnecting bridges. The community zones in each block are designed with flexible adaptability for the changing activities. The central community square is the focal point that stitches all the surrounding buildings together within and also with the existing adjacent open space, striking a good balance between public and private spaces. All of these areas are developed based on the measurable impacts with our 5 core KPIs.
Tompkins
Existing KPi valuEs
PotEntial KPi valuEs
We have explored specific spaces on the site through the lens of different persons and have came up with the design solution for each experience.
PErsPEctivEs of a studEnt:
“What I admire about the new building is the flexibility in types of classrooms and that it doesn’t follow the old logic of classroom design. Some prefer studying in a group and the main study lounge is the best spot for them. However, some prefer to study in a quiet zone, and for them we have the individual focus rooms.”
focus rooms
PErsPEctivEs of an Educator
PErsPEctivEs of an Educator:
“As a faculty, I feel inspired when I enter the building. The building motivates the faculty to impart their inspiration onto the students. In fact, the space promotes formal and informal moments of connection between faculty and students.”
With a faculty to student ratio of 1:10, the spaces in the building support small gatherings. These spaces are superior alternatives to lecture halls and traditional classrooms, supporting a more diverse learning style.
Over 80% of educators polled in Gensler’s Educator Roundtable Survey affirmed that flexible spaces and breakout rooms lead to an improved learning environment.
KPis on targEt
flExiblE tEaching
PErsPEctivEs of a visitor:
“I am a workshop coordinator, and as an outsider, I can easily understand the cultural and historic legacy of the campus through artworks and murals displayed in the community spaces. I believe it helps the students to have an understanding on the origin of their campus too. I also enjoy the amenities accessible around these building, such as the market space with food store and also within university tours. The connectivity of the building is great as I did not have any issues in navigating through the campus without any confusion. The spaces are safe and secure with enough accessibility to the visitors integrated with innovative tech protocols.”
of a suPPortEr
Sustainability
PErsPEctivEs of a suPPortEr:
“I am a senior member and a native of Tuskegee, with additional family members employed/enrolled at the university. As a supporter, I enjoy engaging in the campus kitchen and garden. I grow and utilize different vegetables and products that are grown in the campus and I utilize them in cooking and preparing food. This helps me in interacting with students in the community kitchen or canteen environment.”
VIEW FRAMING
VISUAL MASONRY PEDESTAL
camPus gardEn
camPus KitchEn
family closEts
ExtErior rEndErs
KPis on targEt: Connection
JpefCu-CorporaTe HeadquarTers
Metairie, Louisiana Summer 2024
Professional Project (Holden Architects) Team:
Cody Pate, Jakob Mier, Dakota Boesch Responsibility: 3D modeling, Preparing DD and CD sets, Preparing architectural drawings and architectural Specifications
Located at the corner of Elmwood Park Blvd and Powell St. in Metairie, LA, this 15,552 SF new construction project involved the design and construction of a two-story corporate headquarters and credit union branch for Jefferson Parish Employees Federal Credit Union (JPEFCU). The facility integrates a modern and functional design tailored to meet the operational needs of both the credit union’s branch services and corporate administration. Emphasizing a seamless blend of functionality, aesthetic appeal, and operational efficiency, the project provides JPEFCU with a state-of-the-art facility to better serve its members and employees.
Tarlan Poursoti,
The ground level serves as the public-facing credit union branch, offering a welcoming environment for members. It features spacious teller areas, private offices, and a fully equipped drive-thru for convenient banking services. A dedicated employee parking area ensures easy accessibility and security.
The upper level houses the corporate headquarters for JPEFCU. Designed for collaboration and efficiency, this space includes executive offices, meeting rooms, and shared workspaces for administrative functions.
The design includes roof access for maintenance and potential future installations, aligning with sustainable and forward-thinking architectural practices.
EmPloyEE ParKing
north ElEvation scalE: n.t.s
south ElEvation
scalE: n t s
viEw of thE EntrancE viEw of thE quiEing arEa
viEw of thE corridor
viEw of thE main confErEncE room
Plan dEtail scalE: n.t.s
wall sEction scalE: n.t.s
wall sEction scalE: n t s
leT’s Carnival
New Orleans, Louisiana Spring 2023
Throughout the process of designing the Carnival School for the Treme neighborhood, our foremost aim was to prioritize community engagement. Recognizing the historical significance of the area, the goal was to create a space that honor its cultural heritage. We also aimed to encourage people to participate in the festivities of Mardi Gras; thus, we carefully considered how to integrate this aspect into our design. We drew inspiration from Caribbean carnivals, incorporating different levels where people could watch the carnival events and participate in social activities. Considering the existing historical building in the site, we extended its grid to seamlessly connect with the neighborhood, balancing preservation and future development. Two plazas, linked by the Carnival School, were designed on opposite edges of the site to ensure visibility and community connectivity. We carefully designed the masses and created a stage on the second floor that overlooked one of the plazas. To shield visitors from the elements, we covered outdoor areas with a canopy. Envisioned as a vibrant community center, the space is crafted for people to gather, celebrate, and actively engage in the rich culture of the Treme neighborhood.
The competition challenged entrants to develop affordable housing for Hispanic farmworkers in Visalia, CA, one of the world’s most productive farming regions. The concept of this project is driven from the fact that Hispanic communities have a strong bond with each other and social interaction is important for them. With that in mind, the structure of beehive has become the main source of inspiration for the design of this affordable housing, representing the Hispanic community.
Since equity, resilience, and environmental protection are the main challenges, various strategies have been selected to address these issues. In this project, a great effort has been made to incorporate as much natural greenery to the building site as possible. Since the residents are mostly farmers, the notion of adding community gardens seems logical and welcoming. Thus, community gardens have been designed on the rooftops so that the residents can enjoy the combination of green space with living areas. This approach also promotes community interaction between the residents, which is considered as an equitable design approach, too. Since the site is located in an area where drought and wildfire are threat, drought tolerant vegetation could be the perfect choice for plant type selection.
Academic Project (Graduate Design Studio)
Architectural Competition (Architecture at Zero 2021)
Instructor: Soo Jeong Jo, Individual design
The buildings’ orientation lets the majority of windows to face North and South so that the electrical grid demand and household costs associated with cooling is reduced.
community gardEns on rooftoPs
viEw of thE community gardEns on rooftoPs
form dEvEloPmEnt
The differentation in elevation allows for a more playful form and the placement of community gardens on roof tops. Not only does this approach adds to the greenary in the project, but it also increases community interaction. As a result, equity is integrated into the design of this residential complex.
dEsign oPtimization ProcEss
Compared to square, hexagon allows more light to enter the interior area since its shape has more sides than a square.
first floor Plan
sEcond floor Plan
The project design achieve an EUI of 9.91 kBtu/ft²/year, meeting the Architecture 2030 Challenge.
ENERGY SAVING STRATEGIES:
1. Cross ventilation through the windows that maximize natural light, a priority for residents.
2. Water collection on Roof with a slope of 5-8 degrees.
3. PV panels tilted at 15° maximize sunlight, providing year-round energy for heating, cooling, and lighting, with surplus energy stored for emergencies..
4. Trees create moisture and direct airflow, allowing cool air to enter through windows as warm air rises and exits, cooling the units.
5. Balconies acting as overhangs for sun shading of windows.
6. Geothermal heat pump system with radiant heating/cooling in summer and winter.
7. Recycled greywater from shower used for toilet flush, irrigation, and car wash.
8. Permeable walking paths to support water conservation.
12.25-inch SIP walls are selected for high performance, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. PV panels offer 20.4% efficiency and 75–90% surface coverage.
bEnchmarK comParison (Kbtu/ft2/yr)
COMMERCIAL-MIXED USE
A. Pedestrian entrance
B. Car entrance
C. Community center
D. Community gardens with drought tolerant vegetation on roof tops
E. Playground
F. Barbeque space
G. Basketball court
H. Parking area
I. Parking shades with PV panels on top
J. Electric vehicle charging station
K. PV panels on roofs
E GLENDALE AVE
Comfort indoors:
100% comfortable
0% not comfortable
Comfort indoors:
100% comfortable
0% not comfortable
DEC - MAR:
1. Comfort (92 hrs)
2. Sun shading of windows (86 hrs)
3. High thermal mass (16 hrs)
4. High thermal mass night flushing (16 hrs)
7. Natural ventilation cooling (16 hrs)
8. Fan-forced ventilation cooling (16 hrs)
9. Internal heat gain (715 hrs)
12. Wind protection of outdoor spaces (0 hrs)
16. Heating, add humidification if needed (2081 hrs)
JUN - AUG:
1. Comfort (1042 hrs)
2. Sun shading of windows (1835 hrs)
3. High thermal mass (1037 hrs)
4. High thermal mass night flushing (1727 hrs)
7. Natural ventilation cooling (752 hrs)
8. Fan-forced ventilation cooling (635 hrs)
9. Internal heat gain (2489 hrs)
10. Passive solar direct gain low mass (939 hrs)
12. Wind protection of outdoor spaces (0 hrs)
15. Cooling, add dehumidification if needed (356 hrs)
16. Heating, add humidification if needed (2820 hrs)
Climate consultant suggests that sun shading of windows, high thermal mass, natural and fan forced ventilation cooling, internal heat gain, wind protection of outdoor spaces, and heating, add humidification should be considered for more comfort in Visalia, CA.
This project called for an elementary school with 6 classes in the village of Dehno located near the city of Jiroft. The objective was to change the repetitive school building patterns and design a sustainable environment for youngsters.
In designing this school, I have considered the climatic features of Jiroft and its vernacular architecture. Jiroft has long hot summers and short mild winters. In summer, the intensity of heat creates extreme hot weather (+48 ° C). Having taken this climatic condition into account, the approach is to optimize energy consumption in buildings and use solar energy to reduce cooling and heating costs. The school is located on a lower level from the ground to take advantage of soil thermal capacity. The buildings are built on the east-west axis with views to the north and south so that they are not exposed to solar radiation. Also, they are associated with an awning that controls the sunlight. The classrooms are arranged around a central courtyard and native trees are planted to refresh the air in summer and save internal heat in winter. While the ceilings are thin and light, the walls are considered to be thick with indigenous materials that have high thermal capacity so that they trap the heat and prevent it from entering the internal spaces.
Primary entrance
Secondary entrance
Classroom
Library
Computer room
Lab
Studio
Administrative office
Principals room
Teachers’ room
Teachers’ lounge
Teachers’ accommodation
Health room
Consultation room
Conference room
Students’ lunch club
Staffs’ lunch club
Teachers’ WC
Students’ WC
Storage
Central courtyard
Backyard
The office spaces are located in the middle of the site so that the school officials can monitor the classrooms.
ExPandablE and rE-dEPloyablE classEs:
Utilizing wind catchers to cool the classrooms and ventilate the air. The trees create moisture and direct the air. The air enters the classes through the wind catchers. The warm air accumulates in higher altitude and exits while the cooler air chills the classes.
There is a resting room between every two classes for the children to relax and interact with each other.
viEw of thE main EntrancE
flExiblE furniturE dEsignEd for thE studEnts in thE bacKyards
PossiblE arrangEmEnts for classrooms
06 Tiny House
Fall 2015
Academic Project (Design Studio I)
Instructor: Aida Maleki Individual design
Human dimensions and expectations play a paramount role in designing every building and determining its dimensions. Being my first project ever, this tiny house is designed for a bachelor with the condition that the plot area should not be more than 4 meters by 12 meters. To accommodate the required spaces within this plot, I have applied a linear layout and separated the spaces using furniture and a staircase. The form of the house is inspired by the shape of a paper that folds and creates a void in the middle. This void is considered as the terrace of the house, which is placed right at the core of the project so that all of the interior spaces gain access to enough light and ventilation.
Responsibility: Concept development, 3D modeling, Designing the units, Interior designing, Rendering
The Elgoli residential complex is located in one of the most crowded areas of Tabriz city. The site analysis indicated the absence of social interaction between the residents of this area. Consequently, our main focus was to enhance social interaction between the neighborhoods and fill the existing gap between them. To do so, we came up with the idea of creating semiprivate green yards in every story of the complex so that the neighborhoods gain the opportunity to socialize with each other, practicing farming activity and feeling the nature in their houses. We also connected the buildings by designing a bridge between them to visualize our concept.
modEl ProcEss
sEmi-PrivatE grEEn yards
maquEttE
viEw of thE connEcting bridgE bEtwEEn two aPartmEnts
ExtErior rEndEr
ExtErior rEndEr
8 sample plans of the residential complex ranging from affordable to luxury:
arEa:158 m2
arEa:183 m2
arEa: 55 m2
arEa: 113 m2
arEa: 113 m2
arEa: 220 m2
arEa:119 m2
arEa:115 m2
bathroom layouts
New York
Architectural Competition (Re-imagining the DL&W corridor) Team: Tarlan Poursoti, Hadi Seyednouri, Zeynab Azizian, Saeedeh Garachourlou Responsibility: Researcher, Concept designer, Design team member, 3D modeling, Rendering, Post production
The brief was to transform the abandoned 1.5-mile DL&W rail corridor into a multi-use urban nature trail and green-way. To achieve this goal, we redesigned this corridor as a line spreading nature and natural activities throughout the riverside, park, and urban blocks like an artery carrying blood and fundamental materials from the heart throughout the whole body. Hence, the name “Green Artery” is selected for the corridor. It is a fluid line flowing through the grid network of the city. The existing site of the project is full of green spaces. Thus, we decided to make minimum changes in it by saving the majority of the trees. We saved 81% of the existing trees in the exact current place and planted the rest somewhere else. We have even added a kind of productive greenery, named “community gardens”
rEndErs
Crowd diaGram
There is least crowd and maximum quietness in the urban block and much more crowd in the natural block near the river.
CommuniTy Garden
In the less active zones of the site, we have designed community gardens. Community gardens are divided gardens where the citizens can plant anything and sell their fresh products. It acts as a group of mini-farms for amateur farmers (citizens).
aCTiviTies for all
In our complex, there is something interesting for any individual with any gender, age, ability, etc. We have even thought about the disables. They can plant whatever they want and have their products in the community gardens. Elderlies can enjoy the central park, sitting by the fountains and watching the children playing. However, all of these people can join each other in quiet places having fun with a barbecue and delicious fish hunted by men.
aCTiviTies of pasT people
Some fundamental activities for living, such as farming, fishing, climbing, walking, igniting fire, etc, which were necessary for living sometime, are joyful activities now. We have considered these activities and atmosphere of that basic virgin nature as the main theme of our project.
oBservaTion deCK
As a unique green complex, our design seemed to need some specific place for having good views into the site for photographers and other visitors to enjoy and document in their memories. Therefore, in addition to various great views given at any point in the corridor, we have added an observation deck that gives a stunning view of the whole site.
ExPlodEd viEw
09 isola pepe verde
Milan, Italy
Fall 2018
The competition called for a project that could re-design and transform Isola Pepe Verde’s garden in Milan, Italy, with a specific focus on the playground, the first area intended for renewal, and increasing children’s creativity and physical activity.
The complex, in general, has not been changed in roofs, classrooms, walls, and trees, but there are new elements added for special purposes, and whatever maintained is modified to fit our scheduled activities. Being multipurpose and economical was so important for us while designing, and this is noticeable all over the complex. The main theme of the design is play and creativity, which is not imposed on children, and they always have various options to select. In such an energetic place, they even may imagine new games and activities such as climbing, crawling, running, jumping, and even creating..
Responsibility: Researcher, Concept designer, Design team member, Furniture design,Preparing diagrams and sections, Rendering
We have mixed the cheerfulness and activeness of children with the tranquility of nature made by the greenery of the complex, where adults can sit beside and watch the youngsters playing while they are tasting a cup of coffee, or they even may join their children and enjoy the Sandy Land, String Jungle, or even help them create some handicrafts.
Although different zones are dedicated to different groups of people, perfect connections and separations are considered among these zones. For example, the zone which is dedicated to the young is separated from the children’s playground, which is slightly linked with the zone of elderlies and parents.
ExPlodEd viEw
Kids’ area, playground, sandy land
Flexible, transformable, and movable furniture made from native materials can be constructed by different groups of people.
The surrounding wall prevents unwanted people from entering the park and ensures its security while the people outside can easily see the activities inside. Furthermore, this transparent wall represents a suitable place for people, especially elderly ones, to sit on the edge in two sides of the entrance.
Sitting area for elders and parents, marketing, exhibition
Party zone, cafe, adults’ zone Cafe, WC
Workshop, courses for adults, summer school, marketing
Eco boxes, gardening
cafE, adults’ zonE
bEforE
bEforE
aftEr
aftEr main EntrancE
10 persian miniaTure CenTer
Tabriz, Iran
Summer 2018
APersian miniature is a richly detailed miniature painting that depicts mythological themes from the region of the Middle East, now known as Iran. These paintings are visually stunning, with a high level of detail. Since Tabriz is a well-known city in the realm of Persian miniature, I was interested in designing a center where people can gain knowledge about this kind of art and learn to create such artworks. The main concept of the project is developing the possibility of revelation and discovering the truth. Therefore, the spaces are not comprehensible in the first place. Although the directions are clear, one does not know what will happen after passing along one place to another. The project’s plan is designed in an asymmetrical complex way. The goal is that the individuals do not easily reach the main spaces such as galleries and exhibitions so that they get encouraged to pass along various places to discover new ones.
Academic Project (Design Thesis)
Supervisor: Ahad Nejad Ebrahimi
Individual design ExtErior rEndEr
In facade designing, I focused primarily on the difference between the Persian miniature and abstract style. To indicate this contradiction, I incorporated Piet Mondrian’s well-known painting “composition with red, blue, and yellow” into the design of the windows.
10
5 20m sitE arEa: 14160 m2
maquEttE
maquEttE
The site of the project is located near the tomb of Kamaleddin Behzad who is the most famous of Persian miniature painters.
A perforated facade design allows for interior illumination to create more playful spaces.
v Ew of thE courtyard
viEw of thE corridor
viEw of thE courtyard
re-live THe HisTory
Kakadu national park, Australia
Summer 2019
TArchitectural Competition (We Australia) People’s Choice Award Team: Tarlan Poursoti, Hadi Seyednouri, Bahareh Torabi, Saeedeh Garachourlou
Responsibility: Researcher, Concept designer, Design team member, 3D modeling, Rendering, Post production
he brief was to build a tourist village that helps visitors to learn about the history of human evolution, which not only sensitizes, but spreads awareness about the changing relationship between nature, natives, and the country of Australia.
To efficiently narrate the history of Australia to the tourists, we have got two strategies in our project:
1. To narrate using all of the senses
2. To narrate visually
To achieve these goals, we have divided the site into respectively four zones: the Pre-human and Humanization era zone, the Aboriginal Australia zone, the Colonial Australia zone, and the Global Australia zone. Inside any of these zones, there are functions related to that period of history. Also, geometry, nature, and materials are following that period. Tourists are expected to feel those periods in the related zones by various senses. In other words, they are expected to live those periods of history.
For the second goal, we have designed a corridor (time path) narrating the history visually. It changes in accordance with any period.
The geometry of the site changes in accordance with the characteristics of any zone. It is vividly changing from organic to modern geometry.
Multipurpose amphitheater 11. Invasion wall
Camping zone
Bora ring
Booths 15. Narrative corridor (time path) 16. Bird watching tower 17. Flora zone 18. Fauna zone
As you can see, the flag of Australia effects the Global Australia zone.
The congestion of the trees changes in the site. It is inspired by the fact that nature has been damaged gradually with human evolution.
Chronological history of Australia
We have divided the site into 4 zones to make the people understand the historical periods chronologically. Any zone is dedicated to one important era in Australia’s history.
In this historical era, we did not have that many humans so we assumed here as an exhibition for observing nature and animals.
aBoriGinal ausTralia:
Bora ring was the name of a place where the indigenous used to hold ceremonies like playing music or dancing. We have a camping zone inside this section for the people preferring open spaces.
The materials used in the pre-human zone and this zone are natural while we have glass and steel in the next zones.
GloBal ausTralia:
A community center is designed in this zone to serve as a cafe, restaurant, and simultaneously a place for linking the tourists from different cultures.
Colonial ausTralia:
We have a collapsed wall in the first part of this zone as a memory of invasion, which caused a great change in the history of Australia.
In this period, the invasion has occurred, and the British are living in Australia. Agriculture has been developed, and everything is getting more modern. Thus, we have designed cooperative gardens to let the tourists enjoy the nature.
Wooden huts designed in the Colonial Australia zone to let the tourists have a comfortable trip.
Time paTH:
We have designed a path through all of the zones. This path serves as an exhibition narrating the history visually by some images and descriptions. Material and form of this path change in accordance with the zone changes.
The material of the time path varies from raw wood to metal to demonstrate the chronology of the changes all through history.
aboriginal australia
colonial australia
global australia
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wonder Home
Spring 2018
What do you believe will be the future of home?
Ever since the dawn of civilization, home is considered as the most significant architectural place we experience. The emphasis on the design of homes was placed on the location and the completeness of residential units. However, overcrowding and heavy traffic in cities of the future will lead to living in highlands. To solve the transportation problem, we suggest a combination of home and automobile.
Firstly, not only is home a place we live in, but it also is a place we live WITH. The future homes we propose will not be just homes; they will be our friends that experience the world and respond to changes. We will be able to change their color, decoration, and even the material. Secondly, this home is wherever you are, and you can take it with yourself when you travel. Imagine how terrific it would be if you lay in your own bed, sat on your favorite chair, and felt the coziness even if you go miles away from your city. These homes will let you go outside and discover the world while you are inside! Don’t you think it would be fascinating?
Responsibility: Concept designer, Design team member, Searching out the right material, Preparing drawings and presentation documents, Rendering
ExtErior rEndEr
main concEPt
EnvironmEntal intEraction
oxygEn flow functional divErsity
rEsidEntial
grEEn sPacE
sErvicE zonE
oxygEn sourcEs
fusion of simPlE and stablE forms
ExtErior rEndEr
Due to the mobility of the units, flexible and sustainable material has been chosen, which can exist in various and different climates. The considered material is hypernature skin with adjustable pores, which protects the residents from undesirable weather conditions and also can filter pollution without letting oxygen exit.
dEvEloP-ablE
Twisting in order to profit from different views and sunlight among the day sEction
intErior rEndEr
intErior rEndEr
intErior rEndEr
daTa visualizaTion
Baton Rouge, Louisiana Spring 2022
Hurricane Frequency in the Gulf States
Since 1900, hurricanes striking the United States bordering the Gulf of Mexico have killed more than 9,000 people and caused tremendous damage. The shores around the Gulf of Mexico have been in the crosshairs for an increasing number of hurricanes and tropical storms, including Charley and Wilma in southwestern Florida and Ivan, Dennis, Katrina, Rita, Gustav, and Ike along the northern Gulf coast from Panama City to near Galveston. This set of visualizatons indicate the 82 hurricanes that have accurred in the Atlantic ocean in the last 20 years and have affected the states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, also known as the Gulf States.
The Timeline depicts the hurricanes of the Last 20 years and their intensity.
The brief was to design a poster that reflects the design principles of Afrofuturism and Black Cultural Design. To achieve this, I showcased two different periods - the present and the future - and an African American figure using the “Afrofuturistic design lens” to envision a better future for their community. Emphasizing one of the 10 principles of Black Cultural Design (intense use of color and texture), I incorporated vibrant colors and African patterns to bridge the present and future. In fact, this pattern acts as a joint between these two time slots. The poster also includes LSU’s Memorial Tower, chosen as the ideal location for display due to its symbolic connection to time, aligning with the poster’s theme of time travel. Notably, the poster has been selected by one of LSU’s deans to be displayed in her new office.
Academic Project (ARCH 4221- Afrofuturism in Architecture)
