November 9, 2018 Architecture Students Collaborate, Design Ideas for Chattanooga

The College of Architecture and Design supports a culture of collaboration, exploration and innovation. This is why we encourage and are proud of our partnerships in our city, state and region.

During fall 2018, students in the School of Architecture are collaborating with the Chattanooga Design Studio to reimagine areas of Chattanooga to solve some of the city’s structural and design issues and help area residents better connect with their city.

Students surveyed Chattanooga, focusing on the Riverwalk, Main Street and College Hill areas. To narrow their focus, they completed two weeks of analysis on the areas and walked and biked downtown.

To preserve existing sites, students researched existing structures and are designing how to make them better to serve the communities.

“The students are finding innovative, creative ways to solve some of the Chattanooga’s structural and design issues like finding a way to link disadvantaged populations with the downtown area,” said Kevin Stevens, lecturer.

Stevens is teaching the Chattanooga studio this fall and hopes that this analysis project culminates in successful student work that could be used by the city in the future.

“During the 1980s, a similar partnership with UT and an architecture studio sparked a conversation that developed into what is now the Chattanooga Aquarium, so possibilities are limitless,” said student, Amanda Adedire.

Throughout the semester, students have met with the Chattanooga Design Studio and city officials, including Mayor Andy Berke and community leaders from River City Company and Enterprise Center.

In the short term, the students hope to continue a conversation with the Chattanooga Design Studio about what they feel are important issues that can be relieved with architectural intervention and innovation.