Scholar Profiles
Jessica Smith
2004 - 2005 University Scholar
Mentor: Donna Cohen
College of Design, Construction and Planning
"I am interested in all aspects of big box design—social, political, cultural and environmental—and hope to discover many opportunities and ideas as a USP scholar on this recently percolating topic."
Jessica is a senior majoring in architecture with a minor in art history. Her research interests include architectural theory, contemporary architecture and big box design. Her design for a Sukkah hut project organized by the Jewish Student Union was selected and built on campus during the 2003-2004 academic year. In addition to design, her interests include flying and world travel, and she currently is taking flying lessons at Gainesville Regional Airport to get her private pilot’s license.
Research Description:
Ingested Space: A Hybrid Aspect for "Big Box" Designing
I will question and explore notions of "big box" consumer space, and find alternatives to this kind of space and identify architects and projects for exhibition in our gallery. I will also document program, function, and form of commercial spaces on north 13th Street in Gainesville, Florida. I will construct a gallery exhibition of a large scale "book", which will be interactive, called "Alternatives to the Big Box." This exhibit will be architecturally and textually designed to navigate participants through a channel of specific ideas related to designing consumer spaces. The exhibit will be open to the public and will also contain a collection of ideas from several contemporary architects. This research and exhibit will enable further feedback into research and design on the "big box," extending ideas for future endeavors.
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