Hello! My name is Suzuki and I am from Queens, New York. I am a designer who’s passionate about sustainability, social justice, and community building. I aspire to make thoughtful, positive social change through exploring alternate ways of living.
sl2298@cornell.edu / linsuzuki7@gmail.com (646) 667-9663 www.suzukilin.com
Modular Dwelling Complex Tiny Home Adpative Reuse: Community Center
modular residential may 2023
1600 sq.ft Ithaca, NY
As the housing crisis intensifies in all corners of the world, especially in college towns, more students are experiencing housing insecurity. Universities have resorted to squeezing multiple students in small dorms, possibly affecting their well-being and academic performance. Designed based on the principles of biophilia and privacy, Stack Prefab Homes not only provides more housing, it also adds more ways academics can connect to nature, each other, and their neighborhood, increasing their quality of life and academic performance.
Space for Tree Planting provides transition between public and private spaces
Central Courtyard Design supports community building among residents Unit Entrance
Large Windows encourage connection to nature and neighborhood
Courtyard Access
Entry to private entrance area
Lounge close to Main Entrance and Stairs
One Dwelling Unit, Three Modules
Each module is 15’ x 15’ and three modules (kitchen, bedroom, hybird outdoor space) make up one dwelling unit. The common lounge module is 15’ x 30’, double the size of one base module.
4x4 layout, 5 units
4 X 4 Layout, 5 Living Units
Modular, pre-fabricated units can be reconfigured, expanded upon, reduced or relocated with ease to fit various changing needs.
Each unit has access to a private hybrid outdoor space/entrance area in which users can display their plants, sit and relax, store their shoes and outerware
White Concrete
Clean white color brings a sense of brightness, and lightweight enough to be pre-made.
Black Steel
Mainly used as a mullion to create framing effect for rhythmic flow.
East Facade
Wood Cladding
Sustainable element, thermal insulation. It provides design flexibility.
is a shared space that creates opprotunity for users to build community and connect with nature in the privacy of the residence. Users may start a garden and use the food grown to sustain themselves, thereby increasing their personal agency. Users can also relax here and regenerate focus for their studies.
Oak Wood saturated natural color brings warmth to the space, and moderness.
Section A
Tree Plantings in transition spaces from outside to inside reduces stress and helps bring a sense of calm.
Wood Slats
allow natural light into the space and exposes users to natural elements in their daily lives. Also provides privacy in hybrid outdoor area.
Prefabricated homes are a more sustainable choice than traditional homes because there is less material waste as everything is fabricated to precise dimensions. Additionally, prefab homes can be built faster on a lower budget, making it a great choice for universities to house students.
Common Lounge
White Stucco
Durable and weather resistant. Clean white color brings brightness to the space, and it is lightweight enough to be pre-fabricated.
Black Steel
Mainly used as an accent mullion to create a framing effect emphasizing rhymic flow.
These large units (675 sqft) comfortably houses users whether they be students, faculty, staff or emerging adults. Access to a private kitchen also increases their independance and agency.
Though there is some space in each unit to lounge and complete tasks, users are encouraged to use the more spacious common lounge located in each complex. Glass partitions facing the Courtyard creates an inviting atmosphere.
Wood Cladding
Locally sourced, tempered natural material brings balance and harmony to the space and adds to the rhythm of the spaces.
White Oak
Saturated and tempered natural material and color brings warmth, creating an inviting and relaxing ambiance.
Hybrid Outdoor Area can be used for gardening, lounging, entrance mudroom, etc
Section B
Outdoor Seating can be placed outside individual units to create a space to gather and relax in the courtyard
The hallway is located above the common lounge as it is high traffic and unfit to be located above private spaces like
tiny home
april 2023
400 sq.ft mobile
Habitat is a 16x25ft. affordable tiny home for emerging adults who not only want to live independently, but also avoid high housing costs. In a world where unsustainable practices are the norm, this space-saving home is a step in the positive direction. It features eco-friendly amenities and multifunctional furniture, and its carefully curated building materials support users in various geographical locations, so occupants can live sustainably no matter where they locate themselves.
Sustainability is not simply putting solar panels on the roof, buying the “green” products, or using reusable bags. Sustainability is also the human ability to sustain themselves for a lifetime without impeding on future generations’ ability to do so. This “sustaining” means agency in where our food comes from, long-lasting and recongifurable environments, and creating connection and community. Habitat embodies this sustainabilty.
Rain Water System collects, filters, and purifies rainwater for household uses.
Skylights deepen connection with nature, and makes space feel more open.
Vertical Gardens increase user agency and connection to nature. Users can grow their own food, learning to sustain themselves without the need to go to distant supermarkets.
Large Operable Windows let in abundant natural lighting, create opportunity for natural ventilation in place of reliance on HVAC systems.
SECTION - A
SECTION - A
Solar Panels supply energy for the entire home using the sun. Located on both sides of the roof, passively gaining energy all day.
Not only is wood a sustainable material, but using reclaimed wood keeps used materials from landfills, extending its life cycle and making it an affordable material.
FLOOR PLAN
Natural roofing material has the lowest carbon footprint of all roofing materials. Can be reused or recycled many times.
“Sunk-in” Living Room provides additional vertical height and emphasizes space, making it feel more intimate and inviting.
Made from just paper and gypsum plaster, GYP board is an affordable option that can be recycled, keeping the material in use for as long as possible.
Made from natural and renewable resources like linseed oil, pine resin, jute, and cork dust. This recyclable and biodegradable material is also usually cradle-tocradle certifed.
Interior View
Adjustable Blinds allows users to control the amount of sunlight coming into the home.
Wooden Ladder slides to provides access to the Loft and adjacent storage.
provides additional storage space and multifuntional bench seating.
Clerestory Window allows more natural light into the space and enhances natural ventilation.
Breakfast Bar makes efficent use of space creating multiple uses for the kitchen counter.
Loft Bedroom Reclaimed Wood Flooring sustainable, natural material, kept from landfills to extend its life. Could be thermally treated to increase durability.
Compact Storage space-saving and keeps items organized. Limited storage probes users to prioritize necessities and limit unsustainable consumerism.
This is a space-saving coffee table that can transform into a work station or a four-top dining table. Multifunctional furniture not only transforms the space into whatever the user needs, but also eliminates having redundant furniture. Having well-crafted, reconfigurable pieces that will last throughout life is an important step to living a sustainable life in an unsustainable world.
adaptive reuse: recreational dec 2024
7,200 sq.ft 1001 West Seneca St, Ithaca, NY
Caught up with the stress of modern everyday life, we often forget ourselves, each other, and the carefree joy we can share with our community. The West-End Community Center invites its users to slow down, take a breather, and embrace the meaningful connections formed through shared learning experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and harmony through rhythm and movement.
Ithaca Signworks Building
Built in 1879 at the former industrial center of Ithaca, the Ithaca Signworks Building was home to variety of uses like piano manufacturing and sign making. Now this waterfront location is home to a medical facility and a landscape architects’ office. There are many historic features of the building worth preserving (floors, columns, beams, windows).
Extensions were later added onto the East wing and Southeast facade of the building, leaving exposed brick walls on the interior of the building, showcasing the building’s rich industrial history.
Hardwood floors in good condition throughout the building, some sections of which are partially stained black from printing press ink (bottom left).
Wooden columns run through the center line of the building, along with the beams and window bays creating rythmic flow through the space. The columns are in good condition and remain effective structurallly and in fire resistance.
Mission Statement:
To create a welcoming space where the Ithaca community can experience a variety of playful and collaborative spaces. Fostering: Belonging through resource and educational access, Play through meaningful connection and discovering fun while promoting health and wellness, and Empowerment through shared learning experiences.
New Beginnings Cafe
New Beginnings Program teaches participants essential job-readiness skills and provides on-site training at the
Community Murals allow community members to get involved with decoration/placemaking, providing a bonding experience and a sense of belonging and personal space.
Providing Access to learning facilities like a computer lab, classroom, library, and maker space increases the quality of life of Ithaca’s residents, particularly those in underserved communities.
Dance Suite with a lounge, two changing rooms, and two dance studios equipped with sprung floors and acoustic panels to reduce noise levels.
South Facade
Slant roof addition to account for vertical height needed for trampoline park. Windows let in abundant natural light.
Arrow Logo pointing up and down, emphasizing high activity on this side of the building (trampolines, basketball, fitness classes).
Arrow logo pointing up and down, emphaizing high activity on this side of the building (trampolines, fitness classes)
Arrow logo pointing West, highlighting geographic location of building
Arrow Logo pointing West, highlighting geographic location of building in the West End of Ithaca.
Contrasting colors draw the eye and reflect activity
Main Entrance Existing Brick Facade
Contrasting Colors draw the eye and reflect vibrancy and playfulness.
Main Entrance, Reception, Firtness Center a bright and exciting entrance scene
Acoustic Baffles establishes continuity of branding with its bright color and arrow shape while maintaining sound proofing.
Branding Continuation
directs users to Multipurpose room where events may frequently be held.
Fitness Center is visible as soon as users walk in through the main entrance, encouraging fitness and health through its accessibility.
Ceiling makes the space feel spacious and welcoming and allows for more natural lighting especially while located in the South side of the building.
Reception’s Desk made of wood matching that of the hsitoric columns of the building to establish continuity.
located next to the stairs and elevator, the game room is a welcoming space for users to engage in compeitive games and activities.
Curtain Wall creates inviting and easily maintained space for community activities.
Lighting variations in differnt sections of the room provide “zoning” for activities.
Columns in combination with the curtain wall draw users to historical element of the building.
