From a transformed fish market to a portable bed for the homeless, students at the Academy of Art University in California present groundbreaking architectural designs.
The Academy of Art University in San Francisco is known for its progressive approach to architecture and design education. In their latest showcase on Dezeen, students from the School of Architecture and School of Landscape Architecture present a range of innovative projects that push the boundaries of architectural thinking. From transforming a fish market into a bathhouse to designing a portable bed for the homeless, these projects demonstrate the students’ commitment to addressing pressing social and environmental issues through design.
Stay Over Programme Family Shelter: Redefining Family Shelter Design
The Stay Over Programme (SOP) is a family shelter located at the Buena Vista Horace Mann K-8 Community School. In partnership with shelter residents, Dolores Street Community Services, and the BVHM school, students designed and fabricated modular beds and storage units while reimagining the dining room/after-school area to improve user experience. The project aims to address the overwhelming number of families in the district who lack safe or stable housing. Through community workshops, parents and children provided design input, ensuring the space meets their needs and fosters a sense of belonging.
Unveiling Lost Identities: Investigating Migration Problems in Chinese Architecture and Culture
In China’s rapid urbanization, millions of rural villagers migrated into cities, leaving their children behind in villages. This separation resulted in various negative effects on the children, such as loneliness and a lack of confidence. Qiyang Xu’s project focuses on Zhaoxing village, where local inhabitants have returned to work in their hometowns due to tourism development. The design aims to provide children with a warm place to regain their lost identities and a sense of belonging through local architecture. By addressing the impact of migration on children, Xu’s project highlights the importance of cultural preservation and community integration.
Compost Tower – A New Typology for a Circular Economy
Kenan Beker’s project proposes a sustainable waste center for a future circular economy. The compost tower serves as a facility for nutrient energy transformation and exchange. Instead of locating these systems outside the city, Beker envisions them as visible landmarks integrated within the urban fabric. These vertical embodiments of composting not only deal with municipal waste but also offer landfill alternatives. Beker’s design reimagines waste as a resource that can be reintroduced into water systems, energy, or heat, promoting a more sustainable approach to waste management.
Boundary Connector – Redefining the Hong Kong-Mainland China Border
Xiaoman Sun’s project focuses on the Luohu port at the Hong Kong-Shenzhen border. Sun challenges the idea of the border as a separating line and instead proposes it as a place for cultural and economic exchanges. By addressing the living cycles and cultural circles of border residents, the project aims to resolve the urban and social conditions of the Shenzhen-Hong Kong border. Sun’s design highlights the potential of architecture to bridge divides and promote cross-border interactions.
Cultural Exchange – Celebrating Chinese Culture in San Francisco
Yi Ling Liao’s project aims to reinforce Chinese culture in San Francisco’s Chinatown while establishing a progressive public interface for residents and tourists. By creating street connections and integrating cultural elements, Liao’s design promotes interaction and engagement. The project seeks to retain Chinatown’s cultural identity while offering spaces for art galleries and cultural attractions. Through the integration of mixed-use spaces, Cultural Exchange fosters a sense of community and celebrates the contributions of Chinese immigrants to California’s transformation and economy.
Western Addition Community Center: Empowering Immigrant Families
The Western Addition Community Center in San Francisco provides services to immigrant families, guiding them through the immigration process and connecting them to resources. The center offers English classes for parents and native language and culture classes for children, promoting stronger connections between parents and their children. Lowai Ghaly’s design addresses the diverse needs of the Western Addition neighborhood, recognizing the importance of community support and cultural preservation.
Bayfront Park Mission Bay: A Serene Oasis in the Heart of San Francisco
Sol Lee’s project focuses on the transformation of Bayfront Park in Mission Bay, San Francisco. Lee’s design takes advantage of the park’s stunning location by the Bay, offering unparalleled views and exceptional light quality. The project aims to create a sanctuary from the urban bustle, providing a multitude of vantage points for bay viewing and a dedicated observation area. By incorporating sustainable landscaping and embracing the local ecology, Bayfront Park becomes a space that is both environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing.
Speaking of Reality: Immersive Landscape Architectural Design Presentation
Jason Jeon explores innovative presentation methods for landscape architectural design. Recognizing the limitations of traditional poster boards and videos, Jeon looks to the field of game design for inspiration. By incorporating the latest technologies, Jeon aims to create immersive experiences that effectively communicate architectural concepts to teachers and clients. This project highlights the importance of embracing new technologies to enhance design communication and understanding.
Residence Aerial: Sustainable Residential Design in Palo Alto
Justin Wagner’s residential design in Palo Alto embraces sustainability and the local ecology. Through the use of native-inspired landscaping and living green roofs, the design creates a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly. The project exemplifies the integration of sustainable practices into residential design, showcasing the potential for sustainable living in urban environments.
Metamorphic Insertion: Transforming a Fish Market into a Bathhouse
Maud Indiana Vikjord’s project takes on the transformation of San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf, once a bustling fish market. Inspired by the spatial and tectonic quality of an egg crate, Vikjord’s design creates a bathhouse experience that bridges the gap between cultural immersion and local businesses. The project aims to revitalize the area and provide a curated cultural experience for visitors. By repurposing existing structures and incorporating circular components, the design preserves the history of the site while embracing contemporary architectural concepts.
Conclusion:
The Academy of Art University’s School of Architecture and School of Landscape Architecture showcase a diverse range of innovative projects that tackle pressing social and environmental issues through design. From reimagining family shelters to celebrating Chinese culture and promoting sustainable practices, these projects exemplify the students’ commitment to creating a better world through architecture. By pushing the boundaries of design thinking and embracing new technologies, these students are shaping the future of architecture and paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive built environment.
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