The following in-process project began in my research methods class and has been carried on in my current Directed Research under two mentor professors.
I have been employing ethnographic design research methods to better understand the international experience in Auburn, Alabama and the role of the built environment to fill gaps of inequality in the experience.
As with any system or people group there are complexities and variations that I don't want to over generalize. But in an attempt to simplify my findings: much of my conversations and research pointed to a core issue of the international experience, the issue of belonging.
Some of the following visuals communicate my journey in identifying this issue. At first, the core issue seemed to be that many international student lack car access. After some more exploration it seemed to be an issue of walkability. However, wasn't until an international student said to me, "Natalie, you can improve the sidewalks as much as you want to, but where am I going to go? And what am I going to do?" that I began to understand the core issue: belonging
The following documents the process of further digging into international experience, as well as how a built environment design solution could step into gaps, provide systemic opportunities, and most importantly, belonging.
Research
The following documents the pedestrian experience to campus' amenities in respect to the Auburn Global apartments
Tiger Transit
Uber/Lyft
Personal Car
Ride with a Friend
Use of Existing Transportation Systems
This diagram explores the series of 'arteries' that are connected to the core issue of belonging for many international students in Auburn, Alabama.
This timeline documents my process in defining a core issue
These diagrams explore best practice of the cultivation of multicultural community both locally and regionally
Best Practice
Local - Coffee Cat
Clarkston, Georgia Refuge Coffee
iteration+Site
The selected site currently a site on South College St. used as a parking lot
These ethnographic research findings and precedents have informed a design proposal that addresses the multisystemic intersection of food insecurity, cultural belonging, local business stimulation, and job provision.