Two students from Clemson’s Master of Architecture program have been named among the Society of American Registered Architects New York (SARA NY) chapter’s 2024 Design Awards.

“Kit-Ura,” a project by Allysa High and Jennifer Layer, received a Design Award of Merit during the SARA NY 2024 Design Awards.

Developed and completed during a Fall 2023 design studio, also known as the COTE 10 Studio, Layer and High had to adhere to the AIA COTE 10 Principles of design, integration, equitable communities, ecosystems, water, economy, energy, well-being, resources, change and discovery. The studio was taught by former Associate Professor David Franco, Co-Director of Architecture Graduate Programs Andreea Mihalache and Lecturer Brandon Pass.

Between earth and sky

According to Layer, Kit-Ura, is a name derived from the native Pawnee language, meaning “between earth and sky,” which reflects the profound connection to these elements in traditional Pawnee culture.

“Our project was designed to reinforce community bonds, transmit traditional knowledge and improve the Pawnee Native Tribe’s accessibility and outreach,” Layer said. “It targets Pawnee Elders, young adults, their families and non-native occupants contributing modern environmental solutions.”

According to Layer and High, the reservation in Pawnee, Oklahoma, is facing an increased threat of marginalization, harm and cultural erasure due to earthquake-damaged infrastructure caused by oil fracking and predicted mass migration from coastal areas by 2080. Kit-Ura proposed the creation of a permanent community hub that would form an alliance of cultures under the wing of the environment.

“The most challenging part of this project was finding the balance between honoring traditional Pawnee culture and addressing contemporary environmental concerns, especially in the face of climate migration and the threat of cultural erasure,” explained High. “It was crucial for us to blend traditional knowledge with modern sustainability techniques while ensuring the design not only served the immediate needs of the Pawnee community but also fostered resilience in the face of external pressures like oil fracking and migration.”

Resilience amidst challenges

Situated across two main buildings and spanning 120,000 square feet, Kit-Ura would serve as a bastion of resilience amidst challenges such as oil fracking-induced earthquakes and cultural erasure while mitigating additional hardships faced by Indigenous communities and paving the way for a future where cultural heritage and environmental stewardship are one.

“Inspired by Native Pawnee underground dwellings, our project prioritizes integration, harmonizing with the landscape while fostering equitable communities through cultural connections and educational programming,” said Layer. “The project site selection and development reflect a commitment to preserving the natural ecosystem, minimizing site disturbance and maintaining the existing vegetation to support local wildlife.”

According to Layer and High, the project blended traditional knowledge and modern environmental techniques to create harmonious integration with the landscape, promote equitable communities and enhance environmental consciousness through sustainable technology.

“Bringing all these elements together into one design that respected both the land and the people was tough but also very rewarding,” High shared.

Both High and Layer explained that it was an honor to have their work recognized by SARA NY.

“It is very exciting to be recognized for our hard work. This award doesn’t just celebrate our design; it also highlights the need for more projects that protect and preserve cultural heritage while promoting sustainability,” said High. “It’s exciting to think that Kit-Ura can serve as a good example of how modern design can help solve complex social and environmental problems.”

“It is a complete honor to be recognized and awarded by SARA NY for our work,” shared Layer. “The recognition is a reflection of not only the hard work and passion that we put into this project but also the support and encouragement from our professors and peers at Clemson.”