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Students were tasked with constructing culturally relevant designs that embrace the character and uniqueness of the University of Maryland, College Park, in response to the rising threat of gentrification. They were given the choice to design one of three of the five main elements of urban design: a building, public space, or landscape that responds to the cultural needs and desires of the College Park community.
BUILDING
Damaya Wilson, The Drafting Room
The Drafting Room is an educational building on The University of Maryland College Park’s campus. The building indulges in the Industrial urban design aesthetic having a raw and unfinished look. With inspiration from the architecture building on campus, the design creates a space in which individuals are able to learn and gain knowledge, envisioning the presence of both public and private spaces while also contributing to the history and values of the campus.
Avi Shekhar, The Traditional
The Traditional is an academic building inspired primarily by the existing academic buildings on campus. My main design goals were to keep the aesthetic of the current UMD's infrastructure. My building is essentially an extension of the existing campus architecture, except that its main material is marble instead of brick, like the Edward St. John Learning and Teaching center, which was one of the main stylistic inspirations for my building. My building shares a lot with the buildings that already exist on the UMD's campus, such as columns, the shape of the roof, and stairs leading up to the entrance to the building.
Eli Powers, The Terp Top
The Terp Top is building open to University of Maryland students. The building’s main component is the rooftop where students can use this space for a unique sense of relaxation. The rooftop has a wide array of options ranging from relaxation chairs, a ping pong table, open grass, study tables and a snack shack. The modern design elements fit nicely with UMD’s campus and vibe.
PUBLIC SPACE
Thomas Bolster, The Garden Escape
The Garden Escape is a public space with study areas and relaxation pods built around garden sections. The goal of this space is to be a quiet place where students can go to relax or do work in a peaceful setting. The garden and fountain will draw more wildlife to the area, and these sounds will increase the peaceful feeling that this space strives to achieve. This space builds off the campus’s values of belonging, community, and sustainability, as this space will bring people together and allow student organizations to grow local plants.
Maxwell Shawer, Terrapin Park
Terrapin Park is a public space filled with natural plant life, marble walkways, and beautiful fountains. The park is a space where students can relax after a long day of classes and midterm exams. A place of calm where students can come to work or study while taking in the peaceful environment around them. The design reflects some of the more Neo-classical vibes that the college has tried to recreate with their architecture here on campus. This includes the Roman influence (with the pillars) and evoking a sense of entry into a place of academia.
Jiahan Sun, Terrapin Plaza
Terrapin Plaza is a public space is designed to promote reflection, relaxation, gathering and school pride. In homage to Testudo, the beloved University of Maryland mascot, the central sculpture symbolizes resilience and unity. Green pathways invite people to walk and interact, while seating areas promote rest and conversation. The fusion design of a classical campus plaza and a modern urban park reflects the cultural identity of the University of Maryland through a bold and organized layout that promotes tradition, accessibility, and diversity. Students and visitors alike can study, relax, or socialize here. The overall atmosphere is calm and energizing.
Elann Hyde, Terps Sports Circle
Terp Sports Circle is a public location where students can stay active and interact with one another. It consists of a basketball, soccer, tennis, and volleyball court, all surrounded by a central seating area. A passion for outdoor activities, sports, and social interaction served as the primary inspiration for the design. This place represents the lively and social atmosphere of the University of Maryland, College Park, where students are constantly having fun. It's a place designed for both competition and community.
Megan Sheeler, Gazebo Park
Gazebo Park is a public space with gazebos, swings, a fountain, and greenery. The space is envisioned to be a peaceful place where people can study, read, spend time with their friends, whether enjoying a picnic or working together. The inclusion of backyard swings offers students a playful break from their studies, encouraging them to let out their inner child. The overall design reflects the natural beauty and strong sense of community at the University of Maryland.
LANDSCAPE
Leah Daniels, Bloom
Bloom is a creative landscape design expressed through both a sketch and a physical model. This architectural addition to the University of Maryland, College Park, is intended to complement and preserve the character of the campus. The design was inspired by visuals from Pinterest, class discussions, and various shared elements. The concept incorporates floral elements most notably, the inclusion of two trees, one of which has a swing for extra flare. The final design adds character to the campus without drawing negative attention, which was the overall goal.
Gabriella Desimone, Bridge in the Ravine
Bridge in the Ravine is a ravine, with hilly tiered mounds on both sides of a river. The tiered mounds are connected by a brick bridge. The Georgian and Classical architecture aesthetics, used in many structures on the UMD campus, inspired the design. It uses brick and protects (or enhances) the natural environment of college park. The main design goals were for the space to be used by UMD residents to interact with nature and the river. The design hopes to elicit the emotion of relaxation and tranquility in an area that lacks green spaces and reflect the cultural identity of UMD.
Here is a glimpse into how some students’ sketched designs were translated into 3D form, showcasing their ability to turn abstract ideas about cultural identity and urban change into physical architectural expressions.
Maxwell Shawer, Terrapin Park
Jiahan Sun, Terrapin Plaza
Gabriella Desimone, Bridge in the Ravine
Gabriella Desimone, Bridge in the Ravine
Damaya Wilson, The Drafting Room
Thomas Bolster, The Garden Escape
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