As one of eight students selected nationwide, I was honored to participate in the 2024 SWA Student Summer Program, which focused on addressing the urban heat challenges in Downtown Houston and envisioning a cooler, more sustainable future. Collaborating with SWA professionals, Downtown Plus as the client, and seven interns from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds, I gained invaluable experience working on this pressing issue. This opportunity not only allowed me to engage deeply with urban heat dynamics but also inspired me to pursue this topic further as the foundation of my thesis project.

​

The program was a student-led research and design initiative divided into two phases. In the first phase, we conducted a four-week investigation into the relationship between "good heat," associated with urban vibrancy, and "bad heat," linked to extreme summer temperatures. In the second phase, we developed a vision for a cooler city by proposing innovative cooling interventions and strategies. As part of the final deliverable, we curated an exhibition and invited stakeholders to engage with our findings through diverse visual media, including videos, board games, interactive thermal imaging, postcard, drawings, and more.

​

In addition to the teamwork, I worked independently for the video products including videos for the heat routes and historical timeline review of Houston’s growth with urban heat and population growth which you can watch it from this link.

​

This experience not only enhanced my ability to explore and utilize various methods of design communication but also provided me with a fresh perspective on urban vibrancy through the lens of climate resilience.