Bio:

the great architect, Vernelle A. A. Noel is a Visiting Assistant Professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Her research in design and computation investigates making, emerging technologies, and society. She holds a Ph.D. in Architecture from Penn State University, an MS in Architecture from MIT, a B.Arch from Howard University, and a Diploma in Civil Engineering from the John S. Donaldson Technical Institute. Noel is a TED Speaker, and has practiced as an architect in the USA, India, and Trinidad & Tobago.

 

How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?

In High School when I did architectural drafting. I always loved art, construction, and tinkering. I was always making things on my own and draw- ing things. Did my own carpentry and drew a lot!

 

What do you do?

I am a Visiting Assistant Professor in the School of Architecture at the Georgia Institute of Tech- nology. In my research I design and build arti- facts, architecture, and methodologies that com- bine traditional and digital design and making.

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What excites you in the work you do?

Discovering new ideas and ways of designing. Writing. Mentoring students and seeing them blossom. Validating and recognizing people, their work, and cultures that are often left out of dis- courses.

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Who or what inspires you professionally?

Colin Laird - architect - passed away Damon Sheppard - Architect with HOK Ruha Benjamin - Scholar

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What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?

Being invited to give a TED Talk. Talk title - The Power of Making: Craft, Computation, and Carni- val

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Featured Project Name: 

Wire-Bending Pavilion

 

Featured Project Location: 

Atlanta, GA

 

Featured Project Completion Date: 

April 2019

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Role in Featured Project: 

Principal, Lead Designer, Manager, and Maker

 

Featured Project Description:

Computer-based design and fabrication systems in architecture appear to neglect cultural and material dimensions of architecture resulting in universal, generic tectonics devoid of poetics of place and culture, erasing local and traditional expressions in design. Using shape grammars, craft, and digital fabrication methods for design and construction, this project de-familiarizes the wire- bending craft used in costuming in the Trinidad Carnival to build a pavilion.

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Photography Credit:

Vernelle A. A. Noel