Emergent Topics is a joint studio for 3rd and 4th year students. In this course, the instructors assign a topic that focuses on an emerging issue related to the broader program theme of the year.

In Spring 2023, the students were asked to design night markets in the South Lake Union area in the context of the theme “Food”. The projects aimed to improve the community engagement in the neighborhood during nighttime, through the production and consumption of food.

In 2024, in the context of the theme “Water”, students were asked to propose improvements in Ballard neighborhood’s waterfront. Some AI tools exploration was also integrated.  

Spring 2023, Student project

Night Market in South Lake Union