Neighborhood Labs-Design Studio
Featured Projects
Design Studio, Design for Milwaukee | Modeled in Rhino| Drawings made in Illustrator
Project Overview
Conceptual Development & Technical Exploration
(A)
A. Firm Organization
This project began with the design of an architecture firm. Rather than approaching the assignment as only a physical workspace, our team expanded the concept by exploring how the firm could function as an organization and how each role contributes to the overall design process. The stationary circular building serves as the firm's central hub, housing offices, collaboration spaces, project displays, and a café that creates a welcoming environment for visitors and community members.
The firm's organization is structured around collaboration between partners, designers, planners, operations, community outreach members, and volunteers. The firm plays a role in connecting the design process from initial community discussions to final project development. The circular layout reflects this approach by creating a connected system where ideas can move between different teams rather than following a linear workflow. This allows the firm to operate as a collaborative environment where design decisions are shaped through multiple perspectives.
(B)
The design concept focuses on expanding the role of an architecture firm beyond the boundaries of a traditional studio. While the stationary building provides a permanent space for the firm to operate, three removable storage units allow the design process to become mobile and accessible to different communities. Each unit was designed as an adaptable system that can transform from a storage container into a functional workshop space through custom hinges, foldable surfaces, and integrated shelving. This allows the firm to create temporary collaborative environments in different locations while maintaining the same design process outside of the main office.
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B. Design Concept
To demonstrate how these mobile workshops would function, our team presented the project through a live workshop rather than a traditional presentation. Students and faculty were invited to participate in a collaborative design exercise focused on developing ideas for a community park. The workshop was organized around three types of engagement: community outreach, educational collaboration, and design development, allowing participants to experience the firm's process firsthand. By turning the presentation into an active workshop, we were able to show how the firm's mission is centered around creating architecture through conversation, participation, and shared ideas.
Concept to concrete: Testing the Design Workshop with a real community
The workshop was met with overwhelmingly positive feedback, collaboration, and stood out as a unique approach compared to the traditional design presentations shared by others. Participants appreciated the level of thought, organization, and interaction built into the experience, recognizing it as a well-planned and engaging way to communicate design. The success of the workshop reinforced the value of creating opportunities for collaboration and connection throughout the design process.
To support the experience, our team designed a custom workshop pamphlet that guided participants through each activity while encouraging collaboration and reflection. Each step was intentionally structured to build upon the previous one, allowing ideas to evolve from individual responses into shared discussions and visual concepts. By carefully designing both the materials and the participant journey, we created an engaging experience that reinforced the firm's collaborative, community-centered approach to design.
Closer look at buildable/portable design studios-
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The shipping container designs
The portable design studios were envisioned as adaptable workspaces housed within repurposed shipping containers, allowing the firm to bring the design process directly into the communities they serve. Our team developed a flexible interior that transformed from a compact storage solution into a fully functional collaborative workspace through a series of fold-out tables, work surfaces, and integrated storage systems. Every element was designed to maximize functionality, mobility, and ease of use, creating an environment that could quickly support workshops, meetings, and hands-on design activities in a variety of settings.
Inside look at stationary design studio-
