During my senior year of college at LSU, we were to submit an undergraduate thesis and capstone project on a design issue of our choosing and propose a design solution using a building of our choice. My capstone project and thesis was written on the intersection between disaster management strategies in the Southeast United States and community center design.

The Bayou Refuge Center for Wellbeing is a comprehensive community center that provides essential services and resources for low-income communities, specifically during periods where natural disasters are more prevalent, like hurricane season. The purpose of this center is to uplift community members and create a better quality of life by allowing community members to connect and thrive. This design project is rooted in research-based design principles, focusing on community strengthening and individual wellbeing, specifically in times of natural disaster crisis.

Below is a slides presentation I put together explaining my research and design solution layout. Please watch and listen along as I explain the year-long process of developing this project!

Board Presentation

Renderings

Research Question

How can the design of a community center improve disaster preparedness and promote wellbeing in underserved populations in southeastern regions?

What needs are imperative in a community, not just for survival, but for residents to thrive?

What role does the design of the building play in how well a community can rebuild itself?

Thesis Statement

Communities in the south are never stronger than when they have weathered a devastating natural disaster together. Hurricane season can be unpredictable, inconsistent, and very sensitive for all southeast residents; it can be particularly harmful for underserved, lower class, minority communities. These populations are not always equipped with proper resources for disaster planning which might cause them and their homes damage– and in some cases, a complete loss of a home. Additionally, these communities frequently face challenges that block their ability to grow and positively engage as a unified whole. Outside of times of crisis, when communities often unite to rebuild after loss, it can be challenging to find instances where these communities actively engage with one another and foster a strong sense of solidarity. This fragmentation is heightened by the lack of trust among community members, who often feel they must compete for the limited resources available.

My capstone project aims to address both community building and disaster planning by designing a community center that provides necessary resources to underserved populations. This design seeks to promote overall communal and personal well-being while integrating functionality, efficiency, and opportunities for interconnected engagement. This project will illustrate how interior design can contribute to communities by raising the standards of care and fostering resilience. It will address the broader issue of inadequate disaster planning in certain southeast regions, highlighting the urgent need for community growth and disaster preparedness.

Materials Board and Design Concept

My materials and concept for Bayou Refuge were carefully chosen to represent the South. All of the patterns were handpicked and drew inspiration from southern staple imagery, such as oysters, pelican feathers, and colors of the bayou. Using color psychology, I chose a bright and inviting color scheme, relying on a combination of yellows, oranges, teals, and blues to accentuate both serenity and positivity. The subtle contrast of these colors provides a visually pleasing competition and allows a flow to evolve throughout the space.