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BSSD Senior Capstone Project
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As part of my B.S. in Sustainable Design, I completed a yearlong research and design project aimed at addressing a climate‑related challenge. My capstone focused on a localized effort to increase Dream Center Peoria’s emergency shelter occupancy without compromising the wellbeing of its existing guests. This work was grounded in research indicating that, in the coming years and decades, displacement and extreme weather events will become more frequent, severe, and dangerous.
My project centered on identifying strategies to expand capacity within the shelter through dignified, comfortable, and empathetic design interventions. Through this process, I gained meaningful insight into creating transitional systems that support increased occupancy while maintaining a high quality of stay for guests. This work was also deeply personal, drawing on my own former experiences as a resident of Dream Center Peoria.
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RENDERS
Day renders are shown on the left side below, with emergency shelter night configuration shown on the right.
