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Jennifer Pham

Jennifer Pham

New York, NY, US

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Soft City | Masters of Architecture Thesis, Rhode Island School of Design

My research explores the relationship between children’s play and urban public spaces. What kinds of play are prioritized, and consequently, what ways of learning are celebrated above others? How are public spaces serving or not serving to nurture children’s development and joy?

The thesis design project is a strategic plan for spatial activism. Using a “guerilla architecture” approach, I am developing a series of workshops with the local community that culminate in collectively designed urban installations. This participatory design process enables people to perceive public spaces in new ways, and it invites community members and children to become active parts of their own everyday living environment.

Nominated for the RISD Graduate Architecture Thesis Award 2023. 

PDF version of my thesis book is available for viewing or download at RISD's Digital Commons: https://digitalcommons.risd.ed...

 
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Status: School Project
Location: Boston, MA, US
My Role: Author
Additional Credits: Tatjana Crossely (Primary Advisor); Ana Gabriela Loayza (Secondary Advisor)

 
A short video of the first weaving workshop, held at the First Unitarian Church of Providence. CHild Particpants learned to make small textile weavings to be incorporated into a public installation.