BAC Students Listed As The 2023 Metropolis Future100

Metropolis announced their 2023 Metropolis Future100 including BAC students Alana Morris, MArch’23, and Laura Ruonan Huang, MSIA’23.

Every year, Metropolis honors undergraduate and graduate students across the United States and Canada in the Architecture and Interior Design fields.

“Nominated by their instructors and mentors, these 50 interior design and 50 architecture students were chosen by the Metropolis team,” Metropolis states. “A diverse group—with many women, as well as those who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, or neurodivergent—they are leaders on their campuses, advocating for equity and inclusion through their work and extracurriculars.”

Karen Nelson, Dean, School of Architecture, nominated Alana Morris, MArch’23, for the Future100 Architecture Graduate Students.

“Alana is a dedicated and ambitious BIPOC woman who is gathering research data about how haptic perception can enrich environments for all—but especially for those whose sight is impaired,” Karen wrote in her submission. “She is drawing from disparate fields to help create spaces for children that makes them more self-reliant and socially engaged.”

Alana’s project “Education Center for the Blind” looks at shifting the traditional architectural focus on visual perception to an inclusive approach for people with visual impairments.

"To produce a more inclusive space, we must recognize that architecture cannot be one-dimensional," Alana writes in her thesis. "Meaning architecture should provide a total body experience, not just a visual aesthetic."

Sarah Redmore, Director of Undergraduate Interior Architecture, nominated Laura Ruonan Huang, MSIA’23, for the Future100 Interior Design Graduate Students.

“Laura is an outstanding student who works diligently to bring evidence-based research and creativity to her projects,” Sarah wrote in her submission. “She has worked as a Student Assistant in the School of Interior Architecture, and was professional, reliable, and had strong collaborative skills.”

Laura’s projects “Inclusivity in Design: Develop a Family Lounge in Commercial Spaces” and “Third Place for Seniors in Chinatown” focuses on designing spaces for all ages from newborns to seniors.

“A family lounge respects and recognizes positive contributions of all types of caregivers in young childhood,” Laura states in her thesis for “Inclusivity in Design.” “This project seeks the best solution for human beings with children in a commercial space to promote social equity, human health, and wellness.”