Marisa W
- Research Program Mentor

MArch at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Expertise

Architecture, Fabrication Methods/Making, Drawing, Architecture Theory, Architecture and Policy

Bio

Hi, I'm Marisa. I am an architectural designer working in an architecture office that focuses on residential and interiors. I'm currently studying for my architecture license while developing my own design projects on the side. For me, the word "Care" holds immense power, and it has become a guiding principle in both my professional experiences and my research endeavors. I firmly believe in placing Care at the forefront of architectural practice, emphasizing the importance of care in design, for people, materials, and relationships. In my professional experience, I have had the privilege of engaging in intersectional projects that involve working closely with communities, local developers, policymakers, and fellow artists. This exposure has reshaped my perspective on architecture, transforming it from an isolated event into a meticulous orchestration involving diverse groups. This collaborative approach ensures that each architectural project becomes a living entity, serving the community long after the design and construction phases are completed. Beyond my academic and professional pursuits, my personal passion lies in furniture design and craftsmanship. I am currently working towards establishing my own furniture shop and creating pieces that reflect my architectural fascinations.

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

Geopolitical Narratives: A Triptych of Speculative Architectural Futures

With the use of speculative, narrative based storytelling and architectural drawing techniques, create a triptych that illustrates a geopolitical issue of your choosing through architecture drawing and infographics. The images can also propose architectural interventions that could be implemented. Examples of geopoltical topics could be superfund sites in the US Examples of the kind of illustrations that would be generated include works akin to those by paper architects such as Super Studio and Design Earth

The Boat House

The boat house project will emphasize comprehensive exploration of context, materials, program, and craftsmanship. Students will conduct research on a site of their preference and undertake the design of a boat house, encompassing considerations such as access to the location, logistical planning for material transportation, material selection, and assembly methods. The visual output will comprise plans, sections, and an axonometric view. Additionally, if they wish, students may opt to create 3D models and physical prototypes to showcase their boat house designs. References: House of Birds by Walter Pichler (as seen in preview image), Steilneset Memorial by Peter Zumthor & Louise Bourgeois, and Black Pavillion by Fabian Wagner

The Room Inside the Room

"The Room Inside the Room" is an architectural intervention designed to transform an existing room into an immersive space that explores geometric disciplines, assembly techniques, and form manipulation. This project seeks to create a unique and engaging experience while maintaining functionality for at least two occupants. Conceptual Examples as Approach: Geometry as a Design Language: The project draws inspiration from various geometric disciplines, such as fractal geometry, Euclidean geometry, and parametric design. These concepts will inform the spatial organization and formal expressions within the intervention. Modular Assembly: The intervention will be constructed using a modular assembly system, allowing for flexibility in design and ease of construction. This approach aligns with the geometric theme, as it allows for the repetition and variation of geometric elements. Visual Dynamics: The interplay of light and shadow on the geometric surfaces will create a dynamic visual experience, with patterns and shadows evolving throughout the day. Interactive Elements: Certain elements of the intervention may be designed to respond to occupant interaction, encouraging exploration and engagement. References: The Environment Bubble - Reyner Banham & Francois Dallegret , Michael Webb - Architectural Design 36, Neme Studio, and Studio Ossidiana

Precarious Objects

The objective of this project is to craft a collection of furniture items that not only interested in asthetics but are also deeply rooted in comprehensive student research. These 3-5 pieces will be designed to occupy a room into a room that would provide interactive experiences for one to two people. By pushing the boundaries of conventional furniture categories, this endeavor will foster new ways to engage everyday objects. References: include works by Mira Henry, Isa Genzken, Takashi Kanone, and Gufram Pratone

Teaching experience

My background in teaching and mentorship is interwoven with my prior educational and professional experiences. Most recently, I supervised the intern at our office to develop a research project scheduled for completion by the end of the summer. During this period, I crafted assignments, conducted workshops, and provided constructive feedback through desk critiques. The intern successfully generated comprehensive research findings and visuals that contributed significantly to our overarching office project. During my master's program, I had the opportunity to serve as a Teaching Assistant (TA) for Core II, a fundamental course within the graduate curriculum that delves into the essentials of architecture. Specifically, Core II instructs students on how to translate conceptual concepts into architectural designs, covering aspects such as program development, contextual considerations, and the creation of architectural drawings. As the TA for the fabrication shop, I not only taught furniture making but also supported students in creating architectural models. This role involved overseeing the operation of equipment like the CNC machine, capable of producing complex surfaces. Furthermore, I served as a TA for an undergraduate course that introduced students to geometric principles and intricate architectural drawings. In my undergraduate years, I contributed to the instruction of a summer high school program for two consecutive summers. In this program, students engaged in the completion of four diverse projects, ranging from model construction to architectural drawing exercises.

Credentials

Work experience

MK (2022 - Current)

Architectural Designer

Ottra (2022 - 2022)

Fabrication Design Lead

KPF (2021 - 2022)

Architectural Designer

Education

University of Florida (UF)

BDes Bachelor of Design (2017)

Architecture

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

MArch Master of Architecture (2021)