Architecture Student Rae Perez '19 Discusses Solo Projects in an Exclusive Interview
Rae Perez, an architecture student graduating in 2019 from a prestigious university, has embarked on a unique research project that delves into the closing of 50 public schools in black neighbourhoods in Chicago.
Perez's academic work is driven by a keen interest in education, and her research aims to understand how individual buildings reflect political ideologies. Her thesis explores the significance of these schools as spaces, and the closing of such institutions is seen as erasing a significant cultural legacy.
Architecture research often draws upon multiple disciplines, such as history, anthropology, and sociology. Perez's methodology mirrors this interdisciplinary nature, involving historical research, studying floor plans, and conducting interviews.
This research approach can be valuable for those interested in exploring a scholarly issue from multiple angles. Learning about various research approaches on campus can broaden one's understanding of a discipline, help in deciding a concentration, and inspire new directions in research.
The interdisciplinary nature of Perez's work is particularly evident in her analysis of these buildings in the context of the city's racial and political landscape. Architecture research gives importance to tectonic features and attributes agency to them, meaning the way a building is constructed can significantly impact what happens inside and outside the space.
Perez's research is unique in that it has not been examined through the lens of architecture and urbanism before. Her work offers a fresh perspective and potentially new insights into the impact of such closures on communities and the city as a whole.
Examples of undergraduate research projects span diverse disciplines, including biology, engineering, social sciences, arts, and technology. These projects, which typically last from weeks to a summer term, often involve collaboration with faculty mentors and develop career-readiness skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, and technical proficiency.
Opportunities for such research are offered through university programs and fellowships that may provide funding and mentorship. Whether it's in biology, nanoengineering, health and medical technology, social sciences and humanities, technology and engineering, arts and music, or architecture, engaging in research can be a rewarding and transformative experience for students.
In conclusion, Rae Perez's architecture research is a testament to the interdisciplinary nature of academic inquiry and the potential for fresh perspectives to shed new light on pressing social issues. Her work serves as an inspiration for future researchers to delve into their fields with curiosity, creativity, and a desire to make a difference.
[1] University Research Opportunities. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.university.com/research
[2] Engineering Research Opportunities. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.engineering.com/research
[3] Medical Technology Research Initiatives. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.medicaltech.com/research
[4] Arts and Music Research Projects. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.arts.com/research
[5] Social Sciences and Humanities Research Projects. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.socialsciences.com/research
- Rae Perez's senior thesis, which investigates the closing of 50 public schools in black neighborhoods in Chicago, underscores the importance of education-and-self-development and personal-growth for undergraduate students.
- This junior paper, where Perez delves into the significance of these schools as spaces and their role in cultural legacy, aligns with her career-development goals, as it showcases her independent work and skills-training in interdisciplinary research.
- Perez's research in social sciences and humanities, particularly regarding architecture, urbanism, and the city's racial and political landscape, serves as an example of the learning opportunities available to students embarking on their own independent work.
- Engaging in undergraduate research, such as Perez's work, allows students to gain experiences that can translate to various fields, including sports like football and aspiring careers in the NFL, by developing critical thinking, teamwork, and technical proficiency.
- University programs and fellowships provide opportunities for such independent work, spanning disciplines like biology, engineering, art, and technology, encouraging students to engage in educational-and-self-development and career-development opportunities.
- by exploring scholarly issues from multiple angles and delving into research with curiosity, creativity, and a desire to make a difference, students employ learning techniques that can be applied to real-world challenges, like shaping American football stadium designs for optimal player performance and fan experience.
