The Block was my first studio project at SCAD, completed during the summer session. Our challenge was to design a much-needed visitor welcome center for the city of Savannah — one that honors the city's deep-rooted history, reflects its diverse and growing population, and navigates the complex zoning regulations of the Downtown River District.

This project explores how thoughtful, place-based design can both preserve and evolve a city's identity. Inspired by Savannah’s historic Oglethorpe Plan — a grid system of "trust" and "tithing" blocks that shaped the social and spatial layout of the city — The Block reflects the enduring connection between physical structure and community life. The design pays homage to the geometric and communal qualities of Savannah’s urban fabric, while introducing a new center that invites both locals and visitors to experience the city’s past and present.

The name, The Block, references both the historic plan and the familiar phrase “on my block,” emphasizing the cultural importance of neighborhoods and the communities they foster. This project celebrates the vibrancy of Savannah’s residents and aims to promote connection between long-established communities and new visitors.

Architecturally, the center draws inspiration from Savannah’s position as one of the busiest port cities in the U.S. The modular, stacked form echoes the movement of shipping containers and symbolizes the ongoing exchange between people and place. The design asks: What do people bring with them when they visit a city — and what do they take away?
The Block seeks to create a space of mutual exchange, reflection, and engagement — where history, culture, and contemporary life intersect.