PHILANOMA MEMBERSHIP HIGHLIGHT
DANIELLE SAMUEL, NOMA
Name: Danielle Samuel
Alma Mater & Degrees: Masters of Architecture 18’, Temple University; B.S Architecture 16’, Andrews University
Industry Sector: Landscape Architecture
Practicing City: Philadelphia
Alma Mater & Degrees: Masters of Architecture 18’, Temple University; B.S Architecture 16’, Andrews University
Industry Sector: Landscape Architecture
Practicing City: Philadelphia
FEATURED PROJECT
Name of Project: Department Building for College of Public Health
Location: Temple University
Completion Date: December 2017
Project Description: This Project was a collaborative effort during my master’s program. Temple University Campus plan entails transforming Paley Library located in the middle of the campus into a department building for the College of Public Health. Splitting the building with a central atrium space to be a hub for students, faculty members, and community members. Including an open office floor plan to encourage collaboration between the departments of public health. It was our mission to make this place an inclusive collaborative building for not only the faculty members and students, but also for Temple University community.
Name of Project: Department Building for College of Public Health
Location: Temple University
Completion Date: December 2017
Project Description: This Project was a collaborative effort during my master’s program. Temple University Campus plan entails transforming Paley Library located in the middle of the campus into a department building for the College of Public Health. Splitting the building with a central atrium space to be a hub for students, faculty members, and community members. Including an open office floor plan to encourage collaboration between the departments of public health. It was our mission to make this place an inclusive collaborative building for not only the faculty members and students, but also for Temple University community.
Q&A
What inspired you to study Landscape Architecture?
I first went to school for interior design and math. In one of my required courses “Urban Planning”, I learned about urban development and the effect architecture had on a city. This course set me on track to becoming completely and totally obsessed with architecture.
Name few favorite architects.
Rem Koolhas, Christopher Alexander, Zaha Hadid, and Renzo Piano
Name your favorite Building.
Notre Dame Cathedral.
What was your favorite class/lecture that you have taken?
My favorite class was Urban Planning.
Describe the most memorable or proudest moment in the studio as a student.
My senior year project in Undergrad. It was the hardest studio that I have encountered yet. We had to work on an irregular site in Chicago, mixed-use building including: housing, gymnasium, workout center, parking, and Aldi supermarket. The project also required us to work out the structural integrity, cost analysis, mechanical systems, and make sure the project was up to code. I struggled very much throughout this studio, and in my last couple of weeks of studio I finally found a design that worked and brought my grade up from a D to a B+.
What were your biggest obstacles that you encounter while completing your degree?
I constantly found myself fighting to be heard, and often felt as though I wasn’t to be taken seriously by my peers and teachers because I am a black woman.
Can you describe someone who has made a significant positive impact on you as student?
My advisor Paula Dronen, she heard me when no one else would and always encouraged me be my true self.
What advice would you have for perspective undergraduate student in your field?
There are many faces to architecture; Do not let anyone tell you that there is only one specific way to be great in this field. The profession can lead to many opportunities, so use architecture to fuel your passion
What are your immediate and long-term career goals?
Immediate goal is to work on becoming a Registered architect. My long term goal is to have my own firm that consults with the city on affordable housing in urban communities.
How has architecture shaped your view of this city and worldview?
Architecture is an art, and I never knew how important it was in our society until I started studying it. Architecture is free living art that wraps and intertwines itself into the lives of people. It expresses our cultures, politics, values, and priorities.
How and When did you get involved with PhilaNOMA & NOMAS chapter?
I got involved with the PhilaNoma chapter in 2017. My professor told me I should join because I felt as though I was alone due to the fact that I was the only black woman in my class.
What do you value most about your NOMA Membership?
The exposure and representation of people that look like me. It gave me the extra push I needed to keep working towards my goals.
I first went to school for interior design and math. In one of my required courses “Urban Planning”, I learned about urban development and the effect architecture had on a city. This course set me on track to becoming completely and totally obsessed with architecture.
Name few favorite architects.
Rem Koolhas, Christopher Alexander, Zaha Hadid, and Renzo Piano
Name your favorite Building.
Notre Dame Cathedral.
What was your favorite class/lecture that you have taken?
My favorite class was Urban Planning.
Describe the most memorable or proudest moment in the studio as a student.
My senior year project in Undergrad. It was the hardest studio that I have encountered yet. We had to work on an irregular site in Chicago, mixed-use building including: housing, gymnasium, workout center, parking, and Aldi supermarket. The project also required us to work out the structural integrity, cost analysis, mechanical systems, and make sure the project was up to code. I struggled very much throughout this studio, and in my last couple of weeks of studio I finally found a design that worked and brought my grade up from a D to a B+.
What were your biggest obstacles that you encounter while completing your degree?
I constantly found myself fighting to be heard, and often felt as though I wasn’t to be taken seriously by my peers and teachers because I am a black woman.
Can you describe someone who has made a significant positive impact on you as student?
My advisor Paula Dronen, she heard me when no one else would and always encouraged me be my true self.
What advice would you have for perspective undergraduate student in your field?
There are many faces to architecture; Do not let anyone tell you that there is only one specific way to be great in this field. The profession can lead to many opportunities, so use architecture to fuel your passion
What are your immediate and long-term career goals?
Immediate goal is to work on becoming a Registered architect. My long term goal is to have my own firm that consults with the city on affordable housing in urban communities.
How has architecture shaped your view of this city and worldview?
Architecture is an art, and I never knew how important it was in our society until I started studying it. Architecture is free living art that wraps and intertwines itself into the lives of people. It expresses our cultures, politics, values, and priorities.
How and When did you get involved with PhilaNOMA & NOMAS chapter?
I got involved with the PhilaNoma chapter in 2017. My professor told me I should join because I felt as though I was alone due to the fact that I was the only black woman in my class.
What do you value most about your NOMA Membership?
The exposure and representation of people that look like me. It gave me the extra push I needed to keep working towards my goals.
