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Preserving a Cultural Icon for a New Era of Engagement and Inclusion.

The Griot Museum of Black History: A Cultural Icon in Saint Louis

Located in the heart of Saint Louis, Missouri, the Griot Museum of Black History is a cultural institution that celebrates the rich heritage and contributions of African Americans. As a hub for education, community engagement, and cultural preservation, the museum has been a cornerstone of the city’s cultural landscape for over 30 years. In 2020, AVV Architects, in collaboration with the Creative Exchange Lab, was tasked with developing renovation concepts for the museum that would not only restore its historic building but also promote inclusivity and accessibility within its spaces.

The Challenge: Balancing Preservation and Innovation

The Griot Museum’s historic building, designed by renowned architect Eero Saarinen, presented a unique challenge for the design team. The original structure, completed in 1976, was a masterpiece of modernist design, but it also required significant restoration to ensure its integrity and longevity. The team had to navigate the delicate balance between preserving the museum’s original character and incorporating modern amenities and technologies that would enhance the visitor experience. Key considerations included: + Maintaining the museum’s original architectural integrity + Incorporating modern accessibility features + Enhancing the overall visitor experience through innovative design solutions

Restoration Strategies: Fostering Inclusivity and Accessibility

The AVV Architects and Creative Exchange Lab team employed a range of restoration strategies that prioritized inclusivity and accessibility. These strategies included:

  • Inclusive exhibit design: The team designed exhibits that would engage visitors of all ages and abilities, incorporating interactive elements, tactile displays, and accessible pathways.

    Assisted in the development of curriculum, lesson plans, and teaching materials for these courses.

    The Experience of a Teaching Assistant

    As a Teaching Assistant, I had the opportunity to work closely with students, faculty, and staff at Washington University in St. Louis. This experience not only honed my teaching skills but also deepened my understanding of the academic environment and the importance of effective communication.

    Key Responsibilities

  • Assisted in the development of curriculum, lesson plans, and teaching materials for Graduate Design Development and Architectural History 1 & 2 courses. Led discussions and provided feedback to students on their assignments and projects. Collaborated with faculty members to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Participated in the evaluation and assessment of student performance. ### Challenges and Opportunities

    • Challenges and Opportunities

  • Balancing the needs of students with varying skill levels and learning styles. Adapting to the fast-paced and dynamic nature of academic programs. Developing effective communication strategies to engage students and promote active learning. Seeking feedback and continuous improvement to refine teaching methods. ### Impact and Reflection

    • Impact and Reflection

    This experience has had a lasting impact on my teaching philosophy and approach. I have gained a deeper understanding of the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment. I have also developed a range of skills, including curriculum development, lesson planning, and effective communication.

    Lessons Learned

  • The importance of flexibility and adaptability in teaching.

    Coordinated with engineers and designers to ensure seamless integration of fabrication technologies into product development.

    Fabrication Laboratory Technician: Bringing Products to Life

    As a Fabrication Laboratory Technician, you play a vital role in the development of innovative products. Your primary responsibility is to manage and maintain the digital fabrication equipment, ensuring that it is in top working condition. This involves regular maintenance, troubleshooting, and upgrading of the equipment to keep pace with the latest technological advancements.

    Key Responsibilities

  • Managing and maintaining digital fabrication equipment, including 3D printers, CNC machines, and laser cutters
  • Coordinating with engineers and designers to ensure seamless integration of fabrication technologies into product development
  • Troubleshooting and resolving technical issues with equipment and software
  • Developing and implementing new fabrication techniques and processes
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams to bring products to market

    • The Importance of Digital Fabrication

    Digital fabrication is a rapidly evolving field that has revolutionized the way products are designed, developed, and manufactured.

    Digital tools enhance traditional construction methods in historic preservation projects.

    Collaborated with architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure seamless integration of digital tools and traditional construction methods.

    Architecture Intern Experience

    As an architecture intern at CICADA, New Orleans, I had the opportunity to work on various restoration projects in the city. One of the most notable projects was the scanning and modeling of the historic St. Louis Cathedral using Matterport, Revit, and Rhino. This project involved capturing the intricate details of the cathedral’s architecture and creating a digital model that could be used for restoration and preservation efforts. Key aspects of the project included:

  • Scanning the cathedral’s exterior and interior using Matterport’s 3D scanning technology
  • Creating a detailed digital model of the cathedral using Revit and Rhino
  • Integrating the digital model with traditional construction methods to ensure seamless integration

    • The project was a huge success, and the digital model provided valuable insights for restoration efforts. The model allowed architects, engineers, and contractors to visualize the cathedral’s structure and identify areas that required attention.

    • Conducted research and integrated Louisiana’s historical and cultural influences into design projects.

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