ARIK MIGUEL
UNC Charlotte / Bachelor of Architecture
SAY IT LOUD - North Carolina Exhibitor
North Carolina Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
Thinking about future generations inspires me. I want to do the best I can to create a world that works for all people, and that is able to be shaped by other who also want to positively impact their communities.
ARIK MIGUEL
Bio:
The great designer, Arik Miguel is a student at UNC Charlotte and is originally from Arvada, Colorado. He will graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Architecture and a minor in Religious Studies. He has been involved with Freedom By Design and AIAS at UNC Charlotte. Arik was also the recipient of the Levine Scholarship, is a writer for the Niner Times and has volunteered extensively with organizations that combat homelessness in Charlotte.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
I have always been involved with helping houseless people in any way that I can, and became interested in how architecture/urban design has failed so many people. I decided to study architecture to create a more equitable and beautiful environment.
What do you do?
I am an architecture student at UNC Charlotte. I am in my 4th year of the Bachelor of Architecture program. I also volunteer in the Charlotte community, specifically with houseless people.
What excites you in the work you do?
As a minority architecture student, I always try to incorporate the culture and needs or marginalized groups into my designs. I am excited by creating work that feels accessible and useful to all who need it.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
Thinking about future generations inspires me. I want to do the best I can to create a world that works for all people, and that is able to be shaped by other who also want to positively impact their communities.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
Being asked to submit to this competition is a huge accomplishment for me. Graduating this spring and going into a Masters of Architecture program at UNC Charlotte is also something I am very proud of.
Featured Project Name:
El Alto Urban Farming
Featured Project Location:
El Alto, Bolivia
Featured Project Completion Date:
Unbuilt (Academic Project)
Role in Featured Project:
Project Team (Partner: Samuel Woods)
Featured Project Description:
This Urban Farming Co-OP serves as an extension of the narrative driven in Bolivia; the narrative of indigenous sovereignty, led by Evo Morales and his political party. This Co-OP features programs to reactivate Andean indigenous culture including an open-air market, classrooms and an amphitheater for gathering, a weaving room for women to practice traditional weaving and have a safe haven, and guinea pig and traditional crop farming. Professor Betsy West's 4th year Fall studio. UNCC SOA.
