In this group studio, my contributions centered on both research and design. I conducted historical research on the Lenape people, focusing on their history and on the process of “unlearning” colonial narratives embedded in planning. This required extensive reading and reflection to approach the work with humility, sensitivity, and the responsibility to represent the Lenape people respectfully.

I also studied global precedents and case studies of Indigenous visibility and cultural centers to understand what has been achieved elsewhere and what might be possible in Manahatta. Alongside my group members, I participated in site visits and surveys, examining both the physical conditions and regulatory frameworks of potential sites. I helped craft and refine interview questions for professionals and community stakeholders, and later synthesized their insights into our analysis.

On the design side, I took a leading role in producing the visual materials for the project. This included mapping, visualizations, renderings, and massing studies, which I developed in collaboration with teammates focusing on real estate and zoning. I also designed the layout of the final report to present our findings and proposals in a clear and accessible way. The final report serves as a resource for the Lenape Center to advance their vision.

While these were my individual responsibilities, this work was only possible through the deep collaboration of my group members, the guidance of our instructors, the generosity of professionals we interviewed, and most importantly, the knowledge and resources shared by the Lenape Center.