Architecture has more commonly been defined through a narrow lens of walls, floors, structure, and enclosure. The foundation of architecture has also been rooted in Eurocentric ideals of what is aesthetically pleasing and socially acceptable. Through the works presented throughout this semester, we were able to view architecture in a broader way. The works of Jennifer Newsom (Double Consciousness), Felecia Davis (The Dreadlock Series), and Vernelle Noel (The Infinite Line Active-Bending Pavilion) defines innovation not solely as a technological advancement or formal originality, but through the integration of Black cultural practices, spatial experiences, and alternative material strategies. They demonstrate that integration of identity and memory can be a strong driver of architectural innovation.
In my undergraduate education, architectural innovation has more commonly been defined as technological advancement and original ideas. We were taught the Eurocentric foundational architectural ideals for what is considered "good design" with little emphasis on the social, cultural, or political dimensions of space. This semester’s exploration of projects from the guest lecturers, however, has expanded my understanding of architectural innovation. I now recognize that innovation is not only about advancing technology or producing new forms but it can also stem from the desire to advocate for marginalized voices, weaving cultural memory into the very fabric of design.
This idea of "weaving cultural memory into the fabric of design" is where my thesis project originated from. Within my thesis investigation, I'd like to find a way to use architecture as a tool for healing, memory, and empowerment by reclaiming abandoned spaces and reimagining them through the lens of community identity and cultural resilience. I aim to create spaces that do not simply serve functional needs, but that also honor lived experiences, restore a sense of belonging, and challenge traditional narratives about whose stories are preserved in the built environment. I feel that this theme of reclaiming narrative and re-centering marginalized identities was in constant rotation among the lecture works this semester. If you look specifically at Jennifer Newsom's "Double Consciousness", this project places the Black psychological experience of space at the center of the design process. Looking to Felicia Davis's "Dreadlock Series", this project centers Black cultural practices by translating the aesthetics and techniques of Black hair into architectural forms. The ways in which these designers integrate Black culture into the fabric of architectural innovation has catalyzed my shift in understanding the infinite possibilities regarding my architectural thesis.
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