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RESEARCH/GENERATIVE AI

SURA RESEARCH

Duration

Summer 24

3 months

INNOVATIVE PARK DESIGN & PROTOTYPE

Tools

Adobe Illustrator, Midjourney, Adobe Photoshop, PowerPoint, Sketch

generated with Midjourney and edited on Photoshop

sketch1
sketch2
sketch3

initial sketches reimaging the park's design

prototype3
prototype1
prototype2

examples of final park prototypes

Project Overview

The CMU Summit Park proposal envisions transforming the Morewood Gardens Parking Lot into an elevated linear park that seamlessly integrates nature, technology, and community well-being. Inspired by brutalist aesthetics and sustainable urban development, the park would feature photovoltaic panels, piezoelectric tiles, and interactive digital art installations by artists such as Bianca Shonee Arroyo and Refik Anadol. The park’s design not only provides a tranquil green space for CMU students to relax and reflect but also serves as a sustainable, energy-producing hub. It offers a space where the intersection of nature, technology, and art fosters introspection and encourages a critical dialogue on the future of urban landscapes. This proposal seeks to create a space that enhances the campus experience while minimizing environmental impact and enhancing CMU’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Cursory Proposal

This project reimagines the space above CMU’s Morewood Gardens parking lot as an open-air park where students and faculty can relax, hang out, and enjoy city views. The park features piezoelectric flooring that turns footsteps into renewable energy, helping to power its lighting and other features. With a focus on sustainability and well-being, the design aims to create a stress-free space that brings the campus community together.

Final Proposal

This project builds on the original idea of turning the Morewood Gardens Parking Lot into a space that highlights its scenic view of Pittsburgh. The initial concept of a simple balcony evolved into a more ambitious design: an elevated linear park that combines sustainability, recreation, and art. Inspired by urban landscapes and personal experiences, the park is designed to serve as a green oasis for the CMU community, promoting both mental well-being and environmental consciousness. Piezoelectric tiles and solar panels will generate renewable energy, aligning with CMU’s sustainability goals. Additionally, interactive digital art installations by artists like Refik Anadol and Bianca Shonee Arroyo will create a unique sensory experience, encouraging visitors to reflect on the relationship between nature and technology. Overall, the park aims to transform a mundane parking lot into a vibrant, energy-efficient space that fosters both relaxation and creativity.

Presentation

For my final presentation, I explored the concept of elevated linear parks, focusing on their role in promoting sustainable urban development. The presentation covered key benefits, including environmental sustainability, technology implementation, budgeting, financial constraints, and more. 

I created an explainer video to accompany the project, breaking down the piezoelectric technology behind the tiles. The video visually illustrates how energy is harvested from foot traffic and converted into electrical power. It served as an accessible tool to help audiences understand the innovation driving the design.
 
 
 

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