Week 6/7: Studio Update

Conceptual Bridge Proposal Models

After the Community Stakeholder Meeting, our studio is using the feedback we received to further our designs. For the meeting, each student presented their conceptual models, exploring ideas about connection, movement, and their visions for the surrounding area. Discussing with the stakeholders gave us a better understanding of their perspectives and priorities, which we are using to shape the next steps in our designs.

El Dorado Firm Tour and Welding Tutorial

This week, our studio had the opportunity to visit El Dorado Architects in Kansas City. We toured their design workspace and their in-house fabrication shop. El Dorado is known for blending architecture with hands-on making, and this visit gave us a look at how they integrate design and fabrication under one roof.

A highlight from our visit was a welding lesson, where we had the chance to try out two types of welding: TIG and MIG. For many of us, this was a first-time experience. Seeing how El Dorado blends between concept and fabrication was inspiring, showing us how architectural ideas can be tested, refined, and built in-house.

KU Steamfest

A few members of our studio attended KU GEAR UP STEAMfest. GEAR UP helps the graduating classes of 2030 and 2031 develop the academic skills needed to enroll and succeed in postsecondary education. We had a great time teaching the kids about architecture, planning and design. After breaking into groups, students were encouraged to design their own “Ideal City” with attractions, housing, and stores. Once they had finished, the students named their city and showed it to their class. We had a great time at Steamfest this year and hope to return next year.