Spatial and Climate Justice in Architecture and Design

Mentor Areas

• Racial justice
• Climate inequities
• Housing and design
• Material performance

Description:

This work offers undergraduate students a unique opportunity to engage in impactful research at the crossroads of spatial and climate justice. Our projects seek to explore and address the critical challenges faced by urban communities. 

Current projects include investigating housing justice issues in Philadelphia, where students will examine the complexities of access, affordability, design, and community-driven solutions. We are also collaborating with the Philly Peace Park and the Peacetown Community Land Trust, an open and community-operated initative with campuses in North and West Philadelphia. Our work with the Coalition to Save Chinatown focuses on preserving Chinatown as an affordable, immigrant-serving community amidst ongoing development pressures.

These projects provide a rich, interdisciplinary experience for students in architecture, design, urban studies, visual studies, and other related fields. Students will have opportunities to engage with local community groups and activists, participate in community engagement, conduct archival research, contribute to writing projects, or assist in organizing and facilitating design workshops and events.

Interested students are encouraged to reach out to Professor Ng via email to learn more about the available opportunities and how they can contribute to this vital work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong academic record and demonstrated interest in spatial justice, climate justice, or related social justice issues.
• Organizational skills and good attention to detail.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency in design software (e.g., Rhino, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite) and/or visual communication tools. (Preferred, not required)