Plastic Monuments Competition + Say it Loud Ohio in collaboration with Utako Tanebe
“According to the United Nations, at least 800 species worldwide are affected by marine debris, and as much as 80 percent of that litter is plastic.” In recent news, we have witnessed the lethal impacts of plastic on marine species who consume plastic waste found in oceans. This project invites its audience to enter the belly of a whale to learn not only of the impacts of single-use plastic pollution. This monument aims to highlight the lethal impacts of plastics and urgency to seek and invent alternatives to our current plastic, and ultimately fossil fuel, dependence.
Paris | ArtCOP21
The Lost Defenders of the Environment is currently a virtual nonmemorial website that houses the 2015 installation: The Lost Defenders of the Environment, an ArtCOP21 event. The Lost Defenders project examines the lack of progressive action in response to the global struggle of a harrowing number of individuals, a great number whose perpetrators go unpunished. The ArtCOP event included a film runs approximately 20 minutes long and is accompanied by narratives. “We invite you to watch, project, share, and ultimately recognize the 991 individuals who were killed or disappeared from 2002 to 2014. While the earth grieves silently, these stories from the frontlines of environmental degradation will be heard in Paris during the COP21.” Visit the website HERE.
Ha’iku, Hawaii | 1000 sf
vision planning | consulting | community design
The vision plan for Meketii Hamlet aims to increase function of T-Dock as a suitable space for mental and spiritual health, active living, and recreation through improving the tidal swimming pool and accessibility to other swim areas, design for a multi-functional park and recreational area, designating walk/running/bicycle (pedestrian) lanes/paths, separate from car lanes, and to reveal the historical-cultural significance of area. mi ya arch provided supplemental concept design in collaboration with the project grant writer to assist in receiving funding for the project on behalf of the Bdelulu ‘LA Arkemais (BLA) youth organization. Improving active transit by increasing the safety for residents, pedestrians and patrons to the area is currently underway.
Palau | 5000 sf | Architecture | Environment
This architectural concept design for a new headquarters building serving an environmental non-profit organization will assist in raising funds for their project. The building features a water catchment system, solar canopy, roof garden and flexible community spaces.
This design highlights an interplay between indoor and outdoor uses that are characteristic of Palau’s cultural practices and climate. With this example of contemporary design, it was important to take advantage of the social and environmental context to create both welcoming and functional spaces that promote sustainable design features.
The project features a water catchment system, solar canopy, roof garden and flexible community spaces.
Kula, Hawai’i | Area 2700 sf
Palau | Architecture | Planning
Site planning, architecture and interior concept design for a boutique resort
concept design | vision planning
The Meketii Pools are historic rock pools located at “T Dock” in the Meketii Hamlet of Koror that fill with saltwater during high tide. Led by the state legislator and Bdelulu ‘LA Arkemais (BLA) youth organization, a concept design for park facilities complete with the renovation of the pools was used to receive funding for the development.
Palau | Construction Consulting | Retail Design
Koror, Palau | 800 sf Addition
Located adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) office addition includes both indoor and outdoor work spaces to accommodate their expanding team.
PICRC is Palau’s leading research and aquarium institution with a mission to guide efforts supporting coral reef stewardship through research and its applications for the people of Palau, Micronesia, and the world. They envision people empowered with science and knowledge for effective marine conservation and management, and their work is both locally and internationally relevant as it contributes to better informed decisions regarding the management and conservation of our marine resources.
vision planning | consulting | community design
COMMON PRACTICE collaborated with Palau Walks, community leadership, and business owners to present a vision of multi-modal pathways and landscaping elements that connect recreational areas and local businesses. The proposed pedestrian enhancements start at the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge, also known as “KB Bridge,” and the “KB Shell” gas station via a commercial corridor. The area joins existing pedestrian infrastructure on the Koror State side of the bridge with existing and new mixed-use development occurring on the Airai State side, the gateway to the Babeldaob island. Funding for this project was supported by Training Programs in Epidemiology and Public Health Interventions Network (TEPHINET).
design standards | urban design | public realm
The Palau Street Design Manual will serve as a concise reference that provides visual guidance for the design of new and modification of existing streets throughout Palau. The manual is intended to assist both government and private land owners and leaseholders in envisioning the ideal development of the public right-of-way and adjacent land in lieu of codified standards. This project was supported by the Palau Visitors Authority, and the design team included landscape designer Christopher Konieczny. A draft can be viewed HERE.
