LB: “Quite frankly, proximity. My passion for architecture was not as strong coming out of high school as it is now and my choice of school was passive. I knew I had an interest in architecture, and I feel lucky that the choice I made was Lawrence Tech where this passion was confirmed. The growth I have experienced at Lawrence Tech has helped me realize certain architectural convictions I hold, which now guide my professional goals and aspirations.
These convictions are shaped within architectural studios, and the conversations, critiques and reviews that happen within them. “I suppose these things happen at most architectural schools, but the level of engagement available to me due to the class sizes and faculty dedication, and the balance and sequence of architectural studios and technical classes at an undergraduate level seems special.” DCDT: What projects are you working on currently? LB: “My current studio work is centered around an architecture that contributes to a circular construction model. Similar to the goals of a circular economy, circular construction attempts to minimize waste throughout the lifespan of a building by recycling and reusing its parts and materials. The development of architectural assemblies that can be taken apart and reused, and awareness of the inherent recyclability - that some materials have = are of primary concern, as well as an efficient material supply and manufacturing of said building. These tasks expand an architect’s responsibility beyond design and construction, and forces them to be aware of and involved in material and product sourcing, as well as its eventual demolition and waste after the building's occupation is over. Therefore, the success of an architect should not be measured only by the performance of their buildings, but also by the path they choose to put a building's materials on. More topically, my research assistantship, under Professor Anirban Adhya focuses on pandemic urbanism. The research is currently analyzing and reviewing pandemics and their responses throughout history in order to form conclusions to analytically speculate upon the current pandemic and the future. The depth of information available in a subject I am not familiar with is exciting to me, and I look forward to developing relevant architectural speculations and conclusions to the current pandemic.” DCDT: How are you adapting your work (and/or making the sale of your work) accessible amid the pandemic? Anything you’ve learned along the way? LB: “I had trouble adjusting to sleeping, working, and eating in the same room, and coming up with some self-motivation when a dedicated studio and workplace is lost. I found that dedicating spaces to do certain activities in and respecting the purpose of those spaces (rather than attending zoom meetings from my bed) helped in being efficient and distraction free. I took the studio environment for granted, and quarantine helped me realize its value. Something I could not find a replacement for are the spontaneous interactions in the studio where I can bounce ideas off of, joke with, and converse with the array of students who occupy it at any given time. I have a newfound appreciation for the studio space and the people within it in this new fall semester.” DCDT: What other local businesses are you supporting during this time? LB: “The only conscious effort I have made is carry out orders from restaurants where I would normally dine in. Otherwise, my time in quarantine has been a largely selfish and introspective experience.” Would you like to be featured in a future @Home with… interview? Just drop a line to stephanie@prologuedetroit.com and we’ll reach out with questions, request a photo and add you to our growing list of Detroit entrepreneurs, designers, architects and artists. Stay safe. Stay @ Home with us.
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