Jordan Adams, a newcomer to Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s architecture degree, is gaining valuable experience at an early age. (Photo by Rusty Bailey)
December 07, 2021
Early start: SIU architecture student already has plans for his future
CARBONDALE, Illinois – Despite being a freshman in the architecture degree program at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Jordan Adams already has plans for his future.
Adams, who is from Chicago, Illinois, was a senior designer on a team earlier this summer who came up with plans to redesign and revitalize the historic Excelsior Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. The club attracted black musicians, professionals, and politicians for decades before it closed.
The final design by Adams’ group was not selected for final renovation, but won a grand prize in the second annual NAACP Chicago Southside ACT-SO pilot sustainable building contest this summer. Teams from Dallas / Fort Worth, Texas; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Charlotte, North Carolina; metropolitan Washington, DC and Chicago participated.
The competition gave designers the opportunity to completely rebuild or renovate the club.
“We decided to redesign because I didn’t want to take any of it. I wanted to bring that feeling back. I didn’t want it to go away, ”he said.
Using floor plans and 3D models, the Adams team came up with the idea of not only renovating the building, but also incorporating a restaurant, outdoor and indoor entertainment areas, and a health food store to encourage community residents to adopt healthier lifestyles. The team also added a community museum honoring black architects Harvey Gantt, a former mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina, and the late Phil Freelon. The project also included a residence / hotel division to provide shelter to people in need of help, Adams said.
Inspired to be an architect
Adams, a graduate of Homewood-Flossmoor High School, said he was drawn to the architecture program’s strong, nationally recognized reputation and the financial support from SIU. He also plans to join the Saluki soccer team from January.
Adams was initially drawn to engineering while he was still in high school, but that changed during his junior year to architecture.
“It’s very practical work,” he said. “I love putting things together, taking things apart and building things,” he said.
Rarity among freshmen
Craig Anz, professor and interim director at the School of Architecture, said the type and level of early experiences and skills that Adams brought to campus back in August are “actually quite rare” for a freshman undergraduate. Anz and Jose Lugo, a lecturer on the program, have Adams each in a core curriculum class and Peter Smith, an associate professor in the architecture degree program, has Adams in a design communication class.
“What sets this apart from general training is the fact that he has also participated in competitions and worked in interdisciplinary teams alongside others on a real project experience,” said Anz. “In doing so, they have produced the best design ideas that will also have transformative effects on society. This transformative ability also fits our mission here at the School of Architecture. “
Adams said he appreciated what he learned as a freshman in his courses, especially learning new computer programs. Adams noted that he had spoken to his mentor, Bryan W. Hudson, owner and principal architect at SOMA Design Consultants in Chicago, before visiting the campus and being excited about the program.
Hudson noted that Adams is “an extremely curious young man with a bright future.”
“He’s a dedicated team player and focuses on getting the job done. As a lead designer, he played an important role on his team. As soon as his technology catches up with his imagination, the sky is the limit. “
Hudson noted that a North Carolina-based architect received a Design Citation from the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) for reinterpreting the Excelsior Club as a jazz club, museum, and hotel. Adams and his teammates also brought a grocery store and affordable housing.
“None of the other teams had the vision for this programming solution,” said Hudson. “It was a pleasure working with him this summer and I wish we had more time.”
[ad_1]
https://news.siu.edu/2021/12/120721-Getting-an-early-start-SIU-architecture-student-already-has-designs-on-his-future.php