Designing Our Shared Future
At the beginning of 2023, a collective of student designers at Roger Williams University set out to visualize unity in response to global division. The question at the heart of this initiative was simple yet powerful: What does unity look like?
In collaboration with campus affinity groups, including the Asian American Alliance, Barbershop, Hillel RWU, Hispanic and Latinx Student Association, Multicultural Student Union, Rhythm & Roots, and Women of Color Club, the design team created a mural that embodied diverse cultures, thoughts, and perspectives. Each group contributed colors, patterns, and symbols that represented their understanding of unity, which were then woven together into a single, cohesive design.
As both a photographer and designer for this project, I had the privilege of capturing the creative process and contributing directly to the visual storytelling. In collaboration with the
Asian American Alliance, I helped design a pattern that was incorporated into the mural, reflecting the cultural heritage and artistic expression of the group. My photography focused on documenting the energy of the event, the hands mixing paint, the deep conversations between participants, and the joy of seeing the mural take shape.
During the 2024 Student Academic Showcase, students, faculty, and community members were invited to paint what unity meant to them, making the mural a living, evolving piece of art. This project was not just about reating a final product, it was about fostering dialogue, collaboration, and inclusivity. The design leaves space for future contributions, symbolizing that unity is an ongoing effort, never a finished piece.
Being part of Designing Our Shared Future was an inspiring experience that reinforced my passion for both photography and design as tools for storytelling and social impact. Through my work, I aimed to preserve the moments of connection and creativity
that made this project so meaningful.
