BUILDING RETI CENTER

In partnership with the Brooklyn-based non-profit RETI in the Red Hook Community, our two-month summer studio was dedicated to developing resilient design strategies to address climate challenges. We aimed to produce speculative and practical proposals for the local community, emphasizing sustainable development through collaborative research and design.

This studio project not only highlights my architectural contributions but also underscores my roles as the studio’s graphic designer and photographer. As the graphic designer, I was responsible for creating the graphic standards and compiling the final PDF booklet that encompasses all project documentation. My role was pivotal in ensuring cohesive visual communication and branding throughout the project materials. As the photographer, I meticulously documented the studio’s journey, capturing everything from classroom activities and shop time to on-site work, providing a comprehensive visual record of our process. As an architecture student, my contributions spanned various scales of design and implementation, from extra-small to extra-large. Working alongside RETI’s graphic designer, I developed inking stencils with unique patterns, enhancing brand visibility on RETI-produced objects. A significant portion of my effort was devoted to designing and constructing stools from wooden pallets provided by RETI, a medium-scale project that underwent several iterations to reach its final form. Additionally, I played a pivotal role in the conceptual design of a green wall, research on floating concrete, and the creation of a water-floating art garden.

The collaborative studio with RETI in Red Hook has been a multifaceted journey that blended innovative design with practical environmental solutions. My multi-roles as an architect, graphic designer and photographer allowed me to capture and shape the narrative of our project, contributing to both its functionality and visual identity. Through our collective efforts, we addressed critical challenges with creative resilience, leaving an impact on the community and enriching our understanding of sustainable architectural practices.