DESIGN TANK: Architecture+Design

We are planning a  Cross Country Tour that  will focus on educating the youth about the role design plays in their everyday lives.  Along our journey, we will be stopping and holding workshops hoping to inspire the next generation of designers. We believe that education in design is the driving force to create a better environment where we may all benefit from. We believe that design has the ability to improve the world around us.
Studying Architecture+Design on a hilltop in Harlem came with a pretty diverse crowd. The City College of New York brought every ethnic group together which created an environment of different customs and unique styles. It was always a wonderful melting pot during studio to learn from the different cultures through design. We all learned from one another.

That type of diversity is distinct to only a few places around the country. America is a land of immigrants but the minority only makes up 28% of the total number of architects. In a field that can benefit greatly from the input of different cultures and history it is an untapped potential that can greatly improve the way our society functions.


We are three architecture graduates that have been using our degrees in different mediums. Our different views in architecture+design has allowed us to create our own paths within the field. 

Jeffrey Bermudez:
Hi I'm Jeffrey.  As a designer, I have always pushed the boundaries of excellent design. I am able to create an ensemble of complementing spatial programs with materials which reflect the users' needs. My interest in architecture stemmed from my love for street art. I have always believed that art should be a reflection of who we are. I found that through the power of street art. I found my outlet of expression through architecture in communicating the needs of others while creating something that is not just innovative but something that relates to the fabric of the community. I am currently working at one of the most creative and innovative architecture firms in the country strengthening my skill set.


Muhammad Saleh:
I'm Muhammad and I love communities. As a designer, I always found my self relating back to the responsibility that I have to my own community. As a college student, I constantly challenged the way we create architecture to design a more socially-just neighborhood that empowers communities. I believe that through civic engagement and economic empowerment, we have the ability to design and sustain stronger communities. I sought answers to design problems not only through architecture, but through my fellowships in politics, social justice,  and economic development.  The importance that design tank has to me is ability to empower the next generation to think about design as a social responsibility that we all share


Demir Pursic:
Hey, I'm Demir. My interest in architecture goes back during my time in Montenegro. During my time there, I was exposed to my family members that were constantly perfecting their techniques and craft in the trade that they were working in. As a designer, I was most interested in the methods of how the human connects with every aspect of our designed world. I felt that the importance of craft was not only important for the user, but also the maker to relate to ever detail of connectivity. Currently, I am pursuing my Masters in Architecture at Harvard.

"We were fortunate enough to be exposed to the field early on which led to our trajectory to pursue architecture. Design has taught us all critical skills such as problem solving and creativity. It is time to open that door for the next generation of designers."
Throughout our trip, we will be stopping and holding architecture+design workshops. Our focus will be to educate, engage and empower!

Educate:
We will start off by educating the participants on what architecture and design is and where it can be found. We do not define design in a specific way, but rather we let them define design and what it means to their daily life.

Engage:
Once, we've reached a common ground surrounding what architecture and design is, it will be time to get our hands dirty. At our workshops, we encourage the participants to use what they know about architecture and design to create a representative piece. This ends up becoming an piece not about what the field has predetermined to be, but rather a piece of self-expression.

Empower:
There is no better feeling than to see a group of participants who want to learn and become more involved in architecture+design. For that reason, we plan to connect with local architects and designers to become advisors or mentors . By opening this line of communication, we hope our participants will be able to continue learning and evolving within the design and architecture fields. 

Our success depends on you. Design Tank is created to engage the youth but also the professional community. We want you to be part of Design Tank and we have three ways that you can help. 

Become a Host:
We are currently filling up our spots to hold workshops across the country. If you know an organization, after-school program, summer camp, or any youth development program, we want you to reach out to us so we can stop by! 

Contact us at [email redacted] 

Become a Mentor:
Our trip will only successful if we are able to provide the youth with opportunities and resources once our workshops are complete. We are relying on you to be part of the next step! After each workshop, we will pair up the youth with local professionals and organizations so they can start building their skills to become future designers. We are a community!

Contact us at [email redacted]   

Become a Sponsor:
Your support will allow our vision to become reality. Your donations will go towards reaching out to as many children across the country as possible and funding the materials, supplies and tools to run our workshops.
 
           Thank you for your support! Please share!