Khadeine Ali | Design Portfolio

the story of

KHADEINE ALI

selected works 2017 to 2024

Hello.

My name is Khadeine.

Spaces are not merely physical entities; they are living narratives waiting to unfold.

My design journey is fueled by a simple yet powerful belief: spaces have the power to transform human experiences. Inspired by the transportive magic of storytelling—found in literature, travel, and cinema— I aspire to craft environments that invite people to pause, reconnect, and create memories that resonate long after they've left.

Deeply rooted and inspired by my Trinidadian heritage, I believe that interior design is a powerful tool for social change. Each project is an opportunity to challenge the status quo—creating spaces where marginalized voices are celebrated, where healing happens naturally, and where communities find strength.

1. 2 1 3 .4 3 5.6 5 Design is more than a conclusion - it's an enduring narrative that unfolds with intention.

Each creative choice is an opportunity to build and celebrate the histories that came before.

As a designer, I believe that it is important to seize every moment, every decision, and craft a story worth telling.

Selected Works.

. 2 1. 2 .4 3 .4 .6 5.6 academic

01_sankhikhan

GRADUATE STUDIO III | PROFESSOR eva perez de vega, phd GOVERNOR'S ISLAND, NY (2024)

02_KAISO

UNDERGRADUATE capstone | PROFESSOR CHARLES BOGGS PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO (2017)

03_TERRA

GRADUATE STUDIO II | PROFESSOR MARIA TRELLES LINARES BRONX, NY (2024)

04_ENTR’ACTE

UNDERGRADUATE STUDIO IV | PROFESSOR CHARLES BOGGS LACOSTE, FRANCE (2017)

exhibition & professional 05_HOLD ON

DESIGN EXHIBITION | NYCXDESIGN “HOW DO YOU FEEL” EXHIBITION NEW YORK, NY (2024)

Reconnecting with the earth.

Inspired by Lenape wisdom, Sankhikan reimagines sustainable living on Governor's Island by harmonizing human habitat and natural ecosystems.

The project's philosophy of 'grounding' manifests in its central fireplaces, which serve as gathering spaces and climate control systems.

Surrounded by rammed earth floors, these structures transform into solar chimneys during summer months, enabling natural ventilation throughout the building.

Sankhikan demonstrates how urban development can actively nurture its ecosystem while providing residents with opportunities to live sustainably and share knowledge. It stands as a blueprint for future communities that honor cultural wisdom, foster ecological health, and strengthen community bonds— showing a path forward to reconnecting with their natural environment and cultural heritage.

“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” -Chief Seattle

Sankhikhan adaptive reuse governor's island, ny scope: 12500 ft2

01

the layers of Governor's Island. when things start to slow ground or nest in trees, down, and the hustle of finding refuge in the new york city fades into island’s varied habitats. the distance, a new world This curiosity leads to on governor’s island reveals itself. a deeper exploration of the island’s layers, Among the grasses, where the interplay gardens, and tree between plants, animals, canopies, the subtle and humans becomes evident. Ground-nesting activity of different bees pollinate native bee species becomes wildflowers, while humans noticeable. With further observation and research, engage in community composting and plant most bees burrow in the

restoration, each contributing to a vibrant cycle of life. By slowing down and noticing these interactions, one begins to see Governor’s Island as more than just a green space amid an urban landscape—it becomes a living ecosystem where every species plays a role in maintaining the island’s ecological balance.

primary users.

Milo, researcher.

Milo is a postgraduate researcher specializing in urban ecology and botany. His research focuses on the potential for Governors Island to become a self-sustaining ecological space, exploring how its proximity to New York City affects its biodiversity.

Milo is engaged to Cami, a woman of Lenape descent, who has profoundly influenced his views on ecological stewardship and the importance of

Layla, professor.

Layla is a former architecture professor from Syria who specializes in vernacular design. After fleeing to the U.S. with her three children due to her husband’s capture during the Syrian Civil War, she dedicated herself to creating culturally significant designs that promote ecological resilience and community well-being. Discovering the Parsons Circular Consortium (PCC) program, Layla applied to continue her work while her asylum papers were being processed. She views the PCC residency as an opportunity to restore her professional purpose and provide stability for her children.

Amara, artist.

Amara is an interdisciplinary artist who creates natural dyes from renewable materials, such as seaweed and food waste. She draws significant inspiration from her family; her mother was a self-taught textile artist, while her father was a fisherman and amateur botanist. Amara hopes to explore Governors Island as a hub for community engagement, art, and storytelling, aiming to connect residents to local ecosystems through interactive workshops.

BASEMENT LEVEL level basement

DECONSTRUCTION PLAN | 1/4”= 1’0” A2: Wall to be deconstructed, with structure remaining. Plaster and laths to be reconstructed into furniture A. Staircase to be deconstructed completely, pieces to be incorporated into furniture for bedrooms and parapet wall.

A3: Windows to be filled in, material to be reused from Level 1 deconstruction of back wall.

A4: Wall to be deconstructed, staircase structure to show. Pieces to be reused in the construction of Furniture A.

B2: Walls to be completely deconstructed. Pieces to be reused in the reconstruction of bedrooms on Level 2 and Attic.

B3: Wall to be deconstructed and reconstructed in the area, accounting for more support space and the lower ceiling height due to the collective cocoon.

B4: Wall to be deconstructed, pieeces to be used in creating the addition to support areas.

C be in C Br on cr C to pa

level one

LEVEL ONE

project objectives.

the project objective of the parsons circular consortium (pcc) is to create a residency program for artists and researchers focused on circularity and ecology. specifically, the pcc aims to:

1. Develop a co-living space that supports flexible and adaptable living arrangements for residents.

2. Explore and implement sustainable design practices, including material circularity and multispecies coexistence.

DECONSTRUCTION PLAN | 1/4”= 1’0”

3. challenge traditional concepts of living spaces and promote innovative approaches to shared living environments.

B2: Wall to be deconstructed, remain 2’ from ceiling. be reused in the construction of Furniture A. Brick wall to be used to construct the staircase in back. B5: Walls to be completely deconstructed. Pieces to be reused in the reconstruction of bedrooms on Level Plaster and laths to be reconstructed into furniture B. B3: Staircase to be deconstructed completely, pieces 2 and Attic.

C2: Wall and staircase to be deconstructed and used to be incorporated into furniture for bedrooms and in creating the surrounds for the collective cocoon. parapet wall in attic level.

C3:Walls to be completely deconstructed, pieces B4: Windows and part of brick wall to be deconstructed. In place will be a glass door. Material to be used to construct Furniture Type A, a rotating from brick wall can be used in the staircase in back of partition and exhibition space. house, or to reinforce the ramped entrance. Pieces to C4: Part of shear brick wall to be deconstructed.

LEVEL TWO

B o c D B o c D B P

wet lab laundry room

storage and building support

dye room

exercise room

collaborative workspace & exhibition area

maker space

PROPOSED PLAN | 1/4”= 1’0”

C2: Walls to be completely deconstructed, doors to e held for time being or donated. Pieces to be used n the construction of furniture Type B. C3: Part of shear brick wall to be deconstructed. ricks to be used to rerinforce the collective cocoon n Level One, and if excess remains, to be used to reate the backyard steps.

C4: Walls to be completely deconstructed, pieces o be used to construct Furniture Type A, a rotating artition and exhibition space.

Bricks to be used to rerinforce the collective cocoon on Level One, and if excess remains, to be used to create the backyard steps.

D4: Part of shear brick wall to be deconstructed.

Bricks to be used to rerinforce the collective cocoon on Level One, and if excess remains, to be used to create the backyard steps.

D6: Wall to be deconstructed, remain 2’ from ceiling.

Brick wall to be used to construct the staircase in back.

Plaster and laths to be reconstructed into furniture B.

PROPOSED FURNITURE INTERVENTIONS

earth brick making workshop area

seed and soil bank

gathering kitchen

library and archive herbarium collective cocoon

biophilic meditative space

collaborative workspace & exhibition area

collective cocoon

extended ‘front porch’

PROPOSED PLAN | 1/4”= 1’0”

from brick wall can be used in the staircase in back of partition and exhibition space. house, or to reinforce the ramped entrance. Pieces to C4: Part of shear brick wall to be deconstructed.

B P

LEVEL TWO level two

DECONSTRUCTION PLAN | 1/4”= 1’0” A2: Wall to be deconstructed, with structure remaining. Plaster and laths to be reconstructed into furniture A. Staircase to be deconstructed completely, pieces to be incorporated into furniture for bedrooms and parapet wall.

B1: Walls to be completely deconstructed, pieces to be used to construct Furniture Type D, a Murphy bed made out of deconstructed materials.

B2: Walls and staircases to be deconstructed completely, floor to be filled in with structural elements

m being used from the staircases structure and framing.

C B3: Part of shear brick wall to be deconstructed. c Bricks to be used to rerinforce the collective cocoon on Level One, and if excess remains, to be used to create the backyard steps.

B4: Walls and staircases to be deconstructed completely, floor to be filled in with structural elements being used from the staircases structure and framing.

B5: Walls to be completely deconstructed, pieces to be used to construct Furniture Type D, a Murphy bed

attic level ATTIC LEVEL

DECONSTRUCTION PLAN | 1/4”= 1’0” A2: Wall to be deconstructed, with structure remaining. Plaster and laths to be reconstructed into furniture A. Staircase to be deconstructed completely, pieces to be incorporated into furniture for bedrooms and parapet wall.

B1: Walls to be completely deconstructed, pieces to be used to construct Furniture Type D, a Murphy bed made out of deconstructed materials.

B2: Walls to be deconstructed, pieces to be used in the construction of new interior partition walls.

B3: Part of shear brick wall to be deconstructed. Bricks to be used to rerinforce the collective cocoon on Level One, and if excess remains, to be used to create the backyard steps.

B4: Walls and staircases to be deconstructed completely, floor to be filled in with structural elements being used from the staircases structure and framing.

B5: Walls to be completely deconstructed, pieces to be used to construct Furniture Type D, a Murphy bed made out of deconstructed materials.

Brick wall to be used to construct the staircase in back.

Plaster and laths to be reconstructed into furniture B.

PROPOSED PLAN | 1/4”= 1’0”

made out of deconstructed materials.

C4: Wall to be deconstructed, pieces to be used in creating new partitions in bedrooms.

PROPOSED FURNITURE INTERVENTIONS

PROPOSED PLAN | 1/4”= 1’0”

symbiotic section

The symbiotic section integrates a skylight enhances natural light and This passive heating strategy can human and non-human life within allows for varied spatial arrangements. be revitalized in modern homes by the various layers and biodiversity of using the fireplace as part of a central Governor's Island.

Research shows that masonry fireplaces system for both heating and cooling. provide more than just ambiance; they By incorporating thermal mass design, The building's design focuses on both also offer opportunities for thermal mass the fireplace acts as a heat reservoir, vertical and horizontal connections, and radiant heat, effectively warming absorbing warmth during the day creating a living ecosystem that supports adjacent rooms, including those located and slowly releasing it at night. This diverse communities. The inclusion of above the fireplace. contributes to energy efficiency and

temp susta provi warm share

perature regulation, creating a ainable, low-energy solution for iding cool air in the summer and mth in the winter, particularly within ed walls and communal spaces.

solar chimneys + heating efficiency.

exterior wall

hemplime insulation

wheat paste

clay plaster (rough coat)

clay plaster (finish coat) wooden trusses

clay plaster / paint

sand

wooden laths

straw earthen floor pumice rock pebbles

recycled rubber

Earthen Floor

grounding in heritage.

At the heart of the PCC artist retreat on Governor's Island lies the concept of "Allamhakink" - "within the earth" in the Lenape language. This principle honors the Island's rich history and the wisdom of its original inhabitants while creating a space for artistic expression and sustainable living.

It was crucial to understand and adapt traditional forms of earthen floors, clay paints and plasters and soil bricks to be circular and cyclical- aligning with the goals of the PCC.

mice powder (pigment)

compost from earth matter

crushed oysters (calcium carbonate)

peat moss

allamhakink

kaolin clay

recycled rubber

pumice stones

Making the Earthen Floor on-site.

honoring the Land and Its People Using rammed earth, local soil, and clay in constructing the collective cocoons and floors is a profound act of respect and connection. These materials, sourced from the land we stand on, create a tangible link to the generations who call this island home. The earthen structures remind us of our responsibility to the land and its history, grounding the user in place and time.

Centering and Transformation The collective cocoons, positioned between traditional fireplaces, become sacred spaces of transformation. Like the Monarch butterfly's chrysalis, these earthen chambers nurture creativity, connectivity, and personal growth. The cool touch of clay walls and the subtle scent of earth create a sensory experience that grounds the mind, heart, and soul.

Earthen Floor

Wooden Frame for Soil Bricks and Floor

Conceptual Model of Collective Cocoon

The Collective Cocoon is positioned between the fireplaces on the ground floor, symbolizing the transformative power of creativity and community. It draws inspiration from the remarkable metamorphosis of Monarch butterflies. Just as these insects undergo a profound change within their chrysalises, the Collective Cocoon nurtures the artistic evolution of PCC artists, situating them as the "hearth" of the home. This living, breathing artistic hub fosters belonging and shared purpose.

Like the Monarch’s journey, the Collective Cocoon represents resilience, growth, and the beauty of collaborative creation. It is a symbolic sanctuary where artists can retreat, reflect, and emerge renewed, much like the butterflies in their natural habitats.

collective cocoon

restorative garden The collective garden stands as a living testament to the core principles of Sankhikan, embodying ideas of circular materials, restoration of native flora and fauna, and the embrace of cyclical building practices.

At the heart of this garden are planters made from soil clay bricks, molded by participants and embedded with native seeds. As these bricks gradually break down and absorb moisture, they transform into nurturing beds for new native plants. this process creates a selfperpetuating cycle of growth and regeneration, with the potential to spread diverse, indigenous plant species across Governor's Island.

To the beat of Calypso. " People see suicide as an

attack on loved ones rather than an inner battle. When I spoke to my mother about it, she'd address how it would make her look. It was never about how I felt. I asked for her help to pay for therapy.

She refused, saying that I'm not mad and the meds would make me mad instead."

This is one story of struggle.

There are so many more.

According to WHO, Trinidad and Tobago has the secondhighest rate of suicide in the region. One in four people is also undiagnosed with a mental disorder in the country.

The imperative question: why?

Undergraduate Capstone Project | Awarded Faculty Selected Outstanding Capstone Prize

“By calypso, our stories are told.

Ca­lyp­so cel­eb ­ rates life and analy­zes the way we live it.”

Kaiso

suicide outreach center port of spain, trinidad & tobago scope: 15000 ft2

02

a calypso connection. colonialism. It brought a Calypso is the beat that pulses through the veins of sense of community to an ostracized populace.

Trinidadians.

Trinidadians together in a way that prejudice cannot obscure nor tarnish.

Calypso, as a part of Through its ebbs & flows, calypso allows Trinidadians Trinidad’s consciousness, to reflect on the stories that brings people back to tie the nation together. In their roots: the humility of Trinidad’s history, calypso their ancestors fostering was rhetorically and community to build anew and overcome obstacles emotively used as social together. These harmonious commentary. Seemingly joyful jingles were double tunes were catalysts for social change, and till entendres shedding light on the trials of racism and this day, calypso binds

Calypso has changed Trinidad in a way that textbooks can never fully capture. As the voice for the disenfranchised, calypso draws similarities to a suicide treatment center as both raise awareness, acceptance, and community in midst of alienation and obscurity.

duality: the grounding elements in a transformative experience

double entendre

intertwining spaces and structures create a layered approach to healing and awareness

healing that is truly transformative. the ebb and flow of calypso as the Trinidadian pulse

what’s in a brain?

cultural stigma taboo social distancing

shame 1 in 4 Trinidadians are misdiagnosed with a mental disorder

Trinidad has the second highest rate of suicide in the region

beautiful paradox 1 in 5 people leave a note 78% of people in developing countries believe seeking treatment is a sign of personal failure.

the value of community in a world of anonymity.

"Religion is a protective factor for many.

Those who are faithful justify their failed attempt as wrong according to religion, causing them to feel overwhelmed. when seeking help, they would rather not be seen due to the negative stigma."

-Dr. Winston Gopaul-

The power of community and spirituality is crucial a victim’s healing, especially when siting a treatment facility in Trinidad.

Stigma discourages people in need of treatment from seeking help. Changing the perception of suicide treatment would be most effective by bringing the primary users, at-risk patients and those bereaved, together. There is an incredible opportunity to foster community and inclusivity. It would emphasize a simple truth: mental health disorders can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, class or ethnic background.

primary users. men between the ages of 15 to 21. currently in high school, studying for the prestigious CAPE exam. under high expectations to succeed. those who are thinking of suicide.

women between the ages of 15 and 23. 80% of women who attempt are victims of domestic abuse, and do not complete because of their kids. those who attempted but survived. women between the ages of 33 and 46. mostly single mothers who are raising their children alone, and have lost their partner or a child. those who lost someone to suicide.

how can design address suicide stigma?

The Old Public Library.

a vignette of the past.

Woodford Square & the old Library are as essential to Trinidad's collective narrative as calypso.

Addressing stigma to rewire engagement. Historically rule in 1901 to help grow socio-cultural perceptions dubbed University Square, an educated middle class. on mental illness is critical Trinis visited this square to The building's accessibility Trinidadians to consider when siting a be kept acquainted with welcomed mental health treatment current events. It lies in to read and discuss the close proximity to places ideas of democracy. center in Trinidad. where at-risk people can Like calypso, the fight Surrounded by Parliament, seek asylum: rehab centers, for independence was City Hall, Hall of Justice, schools, religious spaces, a collective voice that transcended religion, race, and places of worship, hospitals & shelters. and economic divides. the historic Woodford Square is located at the The Old Public Library was crux of justice and civic established during colonial

unapologetically trini. the story of a city. a personified narrative.

destigmatization.

Site confines: 10.6532° N, 61.5105° W

together we aspire. together we achieve.

why choose the old public library? proximity to schools fosters a sense of safety & belonging to community

the old library brought people together to fight for independence

woodford square: a historically significant civic center

the ties that bind us...

community.

bereavement.

religion.

culture.

...are stronger than those that tear us apart.

what people often forget is that the brain is the most important organ in our body. just because you can't see mental illness doesn't mean that it's not destructive to an individual or their family without intervention." community: addressing the generational bereavement is the period of grieving after gap can bring people together to shed losing a loved one. this process parallels negative stigma & raise awareness. that which a person who is ideating suicide feels when coming to terms with their life. religion is a coping mechanism for trauma. it gives a sense of belonging to trinidadians, In the end, what binds Trinidadians together helping them reintegrate into communities. is their culture: a shared history of growth.

how can design help people heal?

04

03

spiritual space

music therapy

yoga room

06 07

therapy gym

children's daycare

level two

central staircase

02

01 05

group therapy

level one

beat the pan, mister man.

understanding the central staircase.

The birth of the steel band was inevitable by the turn of the last century.

Attempts made by colonists to stifle nonEuropean cultural traditions (like African drumming & dancing) proved futile to Trinidad's community of laborers.

Instead of repressing a disembodied people, it

steeled the will of street culture artists to create a musical instrument that represented the different cultures that were brought to work in Trinidad's fields.

Old Oil Drums were repurposed into steel pans, the multi-tonal

instruments whose cheery tunes are synonymous with the Caribbean.

The central staircase is located at the heart of the main gathering space.

The railings and overall form are abstracted from a deconstructed steel pan.

the deconstructed steelpan. a hub to celebrate culture.

green space? old time houses?

a game or two?

kaiso | page 4 of 7

children's daycare Hopscotch, schooch, all fours & marbles are childhood games with a unique trinidadian twist.

These games develop childrens' motor sklls by teaching them how to interact, socialize and resolve conflict. Traditional games are all inherently part of Trinidad's culture, transcending all racial and socioeconomic divides.

02

For a more resilient future.

The South Bronx and Mott Haven carry a profound historical narrative, once serving as epicenters of industrial innovation and cultural dynamism.

However, the trajectory of South Bronx and Mott Haven took a turn amidst the tumultuous waves of urban decay that swept across American cities in the latter half of the 20th century.

Factors such as disinvestment and discriminatory housing policies left these communities reeling, grappling with

widespread poverty, unemployment, and dilapidated infrastructure.

It’s crucial to recognize that the decline of South Bronx and Mott Haven was not an inherent fault of the individuals and families who call these neighborhoods home. Instead, it was a consequence of systemic failures and neglect that disproportionately impacted marginalized communities.

“I don’t divide architecture, landscape, and gardening. To me, they are one.” -Luis Barragan

Terra

community center the bronx, ny scope: 15000 ft2

03

CROSS BRON EXPRESSWA

DISPLACEMENT

from displacement to rebirth.

There has been a historical narrative of displacement starting as early as settlers moving the Lenape people from their native lands to the Cross Bronx Expressway, cutting through the heart of the Bronx, effectively uproot-

ing and displacing entire communities, to the infamous “Bronx is burning.”

However, despite these issues, what is consistently inspiring is the resilience of the Bronx, triumphing against all.

site analysis & key adjacencies.

POLLUTION

These pollutants have a devastating impact on the health of residents, particularly children, with approximately one in four children in the South Bronx suffering from asthma—a rate significantly higher than the national average.

DAILY NOISE POLLUTION > 90 DBA DAILY NOISE POLLUTION > 65-70 DBA ASTHMA PREVALENCE MORE THAN 12% OF POPULATION ASTHMA PREVALENCE MORE THAN 13% OF POPULATION ASTHMA PREVALENCE MORE THAN 14% OF POPULATION (99TH PERCENTILE)

WH

NX AY

URBAN DECAY

HITE FLIGHT

‘REBIRTH’

REDLINING

The layering of legacy: The legacy of redlining is evident in the annual household income disparities. Gentrifying the waterfront without adequate intervention could worsen these inequalities AND PERPETUATE THESE ISSUES. NYC ANNUAL MEDIAN INCOME: $63,000 USA ANNUAL MEDIAN INCOME: $68,700

ADJACENCIES

the tale of two cities: The gentrification of the South Bronx highlights the irony of attempting a blanket approach in a borough requiring tailored interventions. Despite efforts at revitalization, most residents still live below the annual median income, with many reliant on public housing (NYCHA).

ANNUAL INCOME BETWEEN $9500 AND $34,908

NEW APARTMENTS

ANNUAL INCOME AROUND $34,908

CO-OP MODEL housing (NYCHA) MOTT HAVEN & MITCHELL (NYCHA) HOSPITAL SCHOOL/LIBRARY MOTT HAVEN HISTORIC DISTRICT

The Old Lincoln Recovery Center.

COMMUNITY CENTER POOR IAQ

ASBESTOS

FORCIBLY ABANDONED

a testament to resiliency. the old lincoln recovery center represented hope and renewal to those it served.

The Lincoln Recovery Center holds significant symbolic importance to the Bronx, particularly during the 1970s-80s when the borough faced multiple challenges.

The center emerged during a period when the Bronx was struggling with a heroin epidemic and widespread urban decay. Its innovative use of acupuncture for addiction treatment represented community-driven solutions to

local problems, demonstrating how the Bronx community could develop effective alternatives to traditional medical treatments that weren't adequately serving their needs.

Located in Mott Haven, one of the poorest congressional districts in the US, the center represented hope and healing in an area often overlooked by mainstream institutions. It became

a model for community healthcare, showing how local organizations could effectively address public health crises.

The center's proximity to NYCHA housing complexes made it accessible to those most in need of its services.

Today, the abandoned site stands as a complex symbol of both historical community achievement and institutional neglect.

nycha new york public library

nycha mott haven's historic district

Old Lincoln Recovery Center

elementary school

regeneration.

community.

design interventions.

1. uniting the interior and exterior through use of moss to improve interior and exterior air quality.

2. moments of respite and reflection be included as opportunities for healing and meditation.

resilience.

3. community kitchens to share the matrilineal role of cooking and storytelling.

misting system for moss moss coconut husk fiber pots molded recycled aluminum panels

small dissolved organic molecules large dissolved organic compounds activated carbon

air toxins water molecules

macro pore micro pore

how activated carbon adsorbs toxins recycled aluminum panel charcoal and eggshell biofilter moss poles

irrigation system that uses the harvested rainwater

how living moss absorbs toxins

permeable flooring system

rain

nwater harvesting

section detail In the design intervention, three distinct strategies were identified for incorporation into the project: Encapsulating existing asbestos: This strategy involves safely containing the asbestos within the structure to prevent its release and ensure the health and safety of occupants.

Demolishing walls to create new spaces: Selected walls will be carefully demolished to open up the space, creating a more functional and dynamic environment that meeting the project’s requirements.

Utilizing moss in wall paneling to enhance air quality: Moss will be integrated into the wall paneling not only for its natural aesthetic but also for its ability to improve indoor air quality. Acting as a natural air filter, it enhances the overall health and well-being of occupants.

living, breathing walls Moss serves as the “living lungs” of the project, facilitating interventions at different levels: Internally, an eggshell and charcoal bioplastic system adsorbs toxins from the air and underlying asbestos.

Externally, moss filters the air and visually indicates the presence of toxins, providing a comprehensive approach to improving air quality.

activated charcoal bioplastic

coconut husk water filter

eggshell bioceramic tiles

how do the interior walls encapsulate andchildren’s treat asbestos? play area: As an opportunity to create spaces safety and belonging, Activated charcoal can effectively purifyfor & encapsulate asbestos. the children’s daycare is an where young Research demonstrates the successful blending of area activated members of the community can charcoal bioplastics with polylactic acid (PLA), resulting ingather to play, read, relax, and do homework. recyclable and biodegradable nanocomposite materials suitable for hazardous substance treatment.

Adding another layer of security, eggshell bioceramics further filter out toxins and mitigate potential issues associated with asbestos encapsulation.

cowor spaces

recycled aluminum framing eggshell bioceramic tile activated charcoal bioplastic

meditation

fogon

nutrition and clinic area

collective kitchen: Collective kitchens serve as platforms for political pedagogy, empowering communities through decolonial awareness and action. Through celebrating the matriarch and delving into food histories, collective kitchens foster reskilling in soil care, cultivation, and culinary arts, thereby nurturing self-sufficiency and resilience within communities. dining area

level one

coworking spaces

coworking spaces

meditation

children’s play area: As an opportunity to create spaces for safety and belonging, the children’s daycare is an area where young members of the community can gather to play, read, relax, and do homework.

library & archive space

level two

alchemy space greenhouse

outdoor balcony

library & archive: This site’s intrigue lies in its position within the Mott Haven Historic District, surrounded by buildings listed on the New York Historic Register. However, it is the only building excluded from this designation. While the reasons for this discrepancy are speculative and contentious, it underscores the necessity to incorporate opportunities for archiving histories before they face the risk of erasure.

lounge area

greenhouse: To address food insecurity across seasons, there arose an opportunity to transform the site’s daylight therapy room into a greenhouse. This repurposed space would cultivate traditional herbs and spices typically challenging or costly to obtain in the United States. Additionally, an adjacent alchemy space would facilitate the creation of dyes, spice blends, and other botanical concoctions.

level three

change in flooring: To accommodate indigenous cooking methods, a section of the flooring in the collective kitchen is replaced with cork, providing comfort for those who work directly on the floor, such as when using a

collective kitchen. use of iconography: To uphold visual connections with Mexican culture, the counter incorporates iconography in the form of balustrades, paying homage to the familiar

propogation area: As many herbs can be grown through propagation, it was necessary to factor it into the overall process of growing plants. In this version, people can use old bottles and cans to start the growing process.

alchemy room: To honor indegenous methods of cooking and using plants for medicine, the connecting room to the greenhouse is dedicated to teaching others about this process.

greenhouse.

For the love of Theater.

Live performances evoke the raw quality of human emotion.

Entr'acte is an immersive dining experience that captures the emotive quality of theater in the midst of the raw and rugged terrain of the Cardin Quarry.

The word entr'acte, in the world of theater is a break between scenes,

benefitting to both guests and performers. It is a segue from one atmosphere to another.

For the audience, it is an opportunity to collect their emotions so they are more immersed in the following scenes.

Entr'acte: an immersive, theatrical dining experience where the world is the stage and all attendees are actorsa show unlike any other.

“All the world’s a stage, and all men and women are merely players; they have their entry and exits...”

Entr’acte

immersive dining experience lacoste, france scope: 12000 ft2

04

Let's Learn to Hold On. In the ceaseless rhythm of New York City, where millions of stories intersect beneath the streets, "Hold On" emerges as a meditation on urban connection.

our fundamental need for connection in an increasingly isolated urban landscape. The centerpiece—an interactive globe light—responds to touch, growing brighter as more participants engage Exhibited during NYCxDesign with the surrounding grab rails, creating a striking in partnership with the demonstration of how New York City Transit, this installation transforms subway individual actions illuminate infrastructure into a metaphor our collective path forward. for human resilience.

This installation is a reminder that the very infrastructure The installation reimagines that moves us through the city the subway's ubiquitous can also bring us together. stanchion poles as conduits of shared experience. These In holding on—to the rails, steel sentinels, which steady to hope, to each other—we discover that we're never truly countless commuters daily, alone in our urban journey. become tools for exploring

“In the midst of crowded streets and subways, we carry our solitude like a silent companion.” -Joan Didoan nycxdesign installation

title: hold on team: lani adeoye, chiziterem maduka, dhayita cintantya, anna zhou, khadeine ali nycx11 'how do you feel new york' dates: may 20-22, 2024

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existing research The prevalence of urban loneliness in New York City is a critical public health challenge: 57% of residents report experiencing loneliness at least sometimes, according to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. This "silent epidemic" manifests in concerning mental health statistics, with approximately 500,000 adults experiencing moderate to severe depression. More troubling still, 46% of these cases remain undiagnosed. Research shows that loneliness triggers physiological changes in the brain, activating regions associated with stress and anxiety. This biological response, rooted in our evolutionary need for social connection, underscores how deeply our wellbeing is tied to human connection in urban spaces.

Collage by Dhayita, Modeling by Khadeine, Digital Edits by Chiziterem | Software: Rhino, Procreate, Photoshop, Indesign

The installation featured three MTA subway stanchion poles arranged around a central globe light. Each pole was equipped with touch sensors that converted human contact into illumination.

The more people that held on, the brighter the globe and the wall decal displaying the phrase "Hold On" became.

This simple yet powerful interaction of gripping a subway pole served as a metaphor for urban connection. Visitors moved between quiet contemplation and animated discussions, catalyzing an everyday urban object into meaningful conversations about loneliness and community in New York City.

Experience more moments from "Hold On" on Instagram.

Anna Zhou coding the lighting on-site.

Left to Right: Anna Zhou, Dhayita Cintantya, Chiziterem Maduka, Khadeine Ali

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To craft experiences, it means that some must be captured as well. and so, carpe diem. seize those moments. and make that story really good.

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THE END.

THANK YOU.