Archinect
Shantal Chahin

Shantal Chahin

New York, NY, US

 

About 

As a Parsons undergraduate, I have become aware of the detachment between the client and the designer. A focus on realizing strategic, impressive solutions to conceived problems led to a variety of disengaged alternatives not suited for truly beneficial outcomes. The time and energy put forth in studio could better assist non-privileged communities. I have realized how the field is resistant to selflessness. The sense of compassion for the well being of people is covertly ignored. While living in Barcelona for a semester I came across persistent, self-made characters and villages who accomplished great tasks with little or no means. The women in Chefchaouen, Morocco for instance empowered their city by painting the villages' walls blue. Small deeds do lead to powerful resolutions.
    Throughout history, I can firmly state that architects have always assisted the elite or those who can afford to commission them. However, if architects, such as myself, collectively gather local communities and create proposals as a team, the individual needs of society as a whole will be met. It is with the rigorous implementation of collective solutions that our conditions and traditions can truly acknowledge present issues.

Employment 

ODA-Architecture, New York, NY, US, Intern

Assisted in the development of preliminary design drawings for a residential building in lower Manhattan. These drawings ranged from 2-D sectional drawings to 3-D Rhino modeling which offered a visual framework of the buildings structural and interior detail components. Assigned the task of creating clear visual diagrammatic images that showcased the buildings design concept with the supervision of a superintendent. (featured in Archdaily)

Oct 2012 - Dec 2012
 

CONANI - The New National Council for Childhood and Adolescence, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Volunteer

Contributed in projects aimed towards the rapid growth of underprivileged children in the Dominican Republic. Planed initiatives to boost education. Conducted educational seminars both in technology and literature and organized donation campaigns. Worked as an apprentice besides a group of architects and engineers incharge of a development of strong yet affordable houses for the less fortunate.

Aug 2008 - Jun 2010
 

Education 

The New School, New York, NY, US, Bachelors, Architectural Design

Aug 2010 - May 2014
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills