A broader historical narrative of the colonization of the southern United States is being told by historians such as Ric Murphy who in his book “The Arrival of the First Africans in Virginia”, aims to recognize them and to “… ensure that their contributions and legacy no longer remain unknown in American History.” At the geographical seam between the North and South, Virginia is currently reconciling its history through writing and research but also through design. Design projects at Virginia universities such as The Hearth at the College of William & Mary, and the Memorial to Enslaved Laborers at The University of Virginia have presented a vehicle for communities to discuss and reflect upon the uncovering and celebrating of hidden histories of people and place. Design students have been at the core of these initiatives. Through ongoing research, this sensitive but important issue is explored through the eyes of educators and design students who share a robust commitment to move beyond mere building into the realm of history and humanities. Reconciliation and remembrance may be both an emotionally laden theme for design students, but also a catalyst for moments of revelation, or a newly realized self-awareness that brings a sense of peace, or even perhaps – joy.

Authors:
Laura Battaglia, Virginia Commonwealth University, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Laura Battaglia is an Assistant Professor of Interior Design at Virginia Commonwealth University. Her research, “Revealing History through Design” explores memorial projects in preparation for a larger reconciliation initiative in Sewanee TN.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-battaglia-69a02514

Connect on ResearchGate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Laura-Battaglia-5

Additional website of interest
http://www.studiobattaglia.biz/

See this presentation on the full schedule – Thursday Schedule

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