Hampton University Architecture Students Embark on a Transformative Field Trip to Sarasota, Florida

by Sujin Kim, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Architecture

Hampton University Architecture students had an informative and fun field trip to Sarasota, Florida, in February. This trip was possible thanks to the nonprofit Architecture Sarasota’s generous support and hospitality in partnership with the Sarasota Art Museum and Westcoast Black Theater Troupe. Dr. Sujin Kim, an assistant professor of Architecture, received a grant and built the partnership to 3D scan the former Galloway’s Furniture Showroom and incorporate the project into the coursework.

The Galloway building, built in 1959 and designed by renowned architect Victor Lundy, was originally a two-story-tall wooden “morning glory” structure with a circular mezzanine and glass wall wrapping around it. Unfortunately, the structure was concealed and damaged by a 1980s renovation and is currently underused. The third-year undergraduate students in the Intermediate Architecture Design Studio class propose revitalizing the Galloway building, which is currently part of the Sarasota Art Museum complex. The students’ design proposals will be exhibited in the museum from July through October.

During the field trip, the students explored the Galloway site and museum and met stakeholders. Beyond the project, the students visited an award-winning architecture firm, Sweet Sparkman Architecture and Interiors, and a construction site with Damien Blumetti Architect. The class was invited to Architecture Sarasota’s dinner reception at Umbrella House, designed by great modernist architect Paul Rudolph, and had a chance to mingle with community members, including the Hampton University family, who were interested in arts, architecture, and education. The following day, guided tours of significant modernist architecture further inspired the students. A finale was touring the Westcoast Black Theater Troupe’s facility and seeing A Soldier’s Play performance. This educational partnership will provide feedback on student work throughout the semester.