Masters Thesis

​CLIENT

University of Washington Masters Thesis
 

TIMESCALE

6 months​

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COLLABORATION

Independent project; Thesis project for Master of Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture

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AWARDS

Citation Award, AIA Northwest + Pacific Region

OBJECTIVE:  This thesis leverages emotional connections to art—using pavilions, exhibits, sculptures, and installations—to enhance climate-resilient site and ecosystem design methods. The goal is to emotionally engage visitors with climate change facts, fostering behavioral shifts for effective climate responsiveness. By integrating extensive research on climate change and aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the project aims to create actionable pathways for addressing climate impacts through informed design and public engagement.

APPROACH: The project features a climate-resilient design strategy grounded in the extensive research of climate data, extreme weather patterns, and their impact on ecosystems. Based on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, the design incorporates ecosystem regeneration, a sculpture park, and an educational space along Copenhagen’s harbor. Through rigorous analysis of climate risks and adaptation measures, the project applies seven key resilience strategies across different ecological zones, using art to enhance public understanding and personal connection to climate change challenges.

RESULTS: While the thesis achieved successful design outcomes, its research-driven approach had the most profound impact on personal and public engagement. Extensive research into climate change and the integration of SDGs into design solutions prompted significant shifts in my daily life, deepening my commitment to climate action. The resulting site not only showcases biodiversity and resilience but also serves as an educational tool, demonstrating how SDG-aligned strategies can mitigate climate impacts while fostering emotional and intellectual responses from visitors.