The construction of a home

Abstract

Do you have to travel to be at home? College students are essentially displaced, moving from a childhood home but remaining transitory. A space to reflect on the qualities of home appeared on campus, asking observers to simply slow down, sit, and "Tell me about your home." An individual design-build project challenged my knowledge of construction, ability as a maker, and intuition as a designer after four years of architectural education. I erect a small structure whose design is informed by my discomfort regarding my sense of home on campus and users discuss with me their ideas on what makes a home. Most students live away from what they would call "home" while at school, but this project asks "Do you have to travel to be at home?" The simple presence of the structure on campus draws in fellow students, providing an opportunity to remove themselves from frequently emotionally numb surroundings and reflect.