Kai Benjamin Parel-Sewell
California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo
Department of Architecture
“Platform Holly Research & Visitor Center.” Located off the coast of Santa Barbara, “Platform Holly” is an abandoned oil rig despised by the locals, but its structure is a key safe space for endangered species. This project explores a reformation of the oil rig and its public image, reimagining it as an ocean research center inspired by the water lily. Its petals raise as the sun sets and fall as the sun rises, providing a distinct spectacle for those onshore. © Kai Benjamin Parel-Sewell.
Jury
Paola Aguirre
Ojay Obinani
Robert L. Wesley (Chair)
Jia Yi Gu
I am truly honored and thrilled to receive the Robert L. Wesley Award. I want to continue building my leadership skills and be part of the next generation of architects to create innovative, sustainable solutions for environmental and societal reform. This award and mentorship program will be instrumental in my growth as an architect, and for this I’m thankful and excited for the future.
“New Cornelia Mine Memorial.” The New Cornelia Mine is a place of tragedy—for the land, the native people it once belonged to, and for the workers who died there. The “New Cornelia Mine Memorial” serves to honor these lives, the destruction of the land, and the lives it supported, gesturing to both the ground and the sky. Exposing the history of the mine allows visitors to study the context of the losses caused by greed. © Kai Benjamin Parel-Sewell.
Kai is internally motivated and sets very high standards for his work. He is receptive to instruction and identified his own interests, excelling in both communication and design. Through his high standards, he serves as a leader in the class. In addition to his coursework, he is involved in AIAS and contributes significantly to the student community.
Kelle Brooks Lecturer, Department of Architecture, California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo
“LA Social Housing.” With the Arts District in LA transitioning into a place of commerce, this project studies the possibility of converting abandoned industrial infrastructure into livable, community-focused social housing. Creating public-private gradients at various scales encourages interaction between residents, further developing a sense of community. The ground floor is left open as a flexible public space featuring an amphitheater, park, and colonnade for shows, gatherings, farmers’ markets, and more. © Kai Benjamin Parel-Sewell.
Kai's motivation, leadership, and creativity were evident in his application. No doubt he is on his way to becoming a consummate professional.
Ojay Obinani, Juror
“Crane Cove Climate Change Museum.” This project explores how the museum typology can evolve to accommodate the need for climate change activism, fostering learning and inspiration to address this crisis. It redirects the museum into a pedagogic space by overlapping and intersecting research and exhibit programs into a central atrium. This creates spaces for academic discussion and social interaction and serves as a precedent for passive systems. The overall form connects people to the waterfront and ferry terminal and expands the existing adjacent park. The museum is wrapped in an expanded metal screen, with embedded LEDs as a public-facing display of research, art, the ferry schedule, and more. © Kai Benjamin Parel-Sewell.
Impact of the Award
February 19, 2024
Firstly, receiving the Robert L. Wesley Award from the SOM Foundation was an immense honor. Getting to this point in my academic career has taken years of hard work and having that be recognized by such a distinguished organization was greatly rewarding, not just for me but to be able to give something back to my family who has supported me so much over the years. Secondly, the financial award was a major factor in enabling me to spend a quarter studying abroad in South Korea. This experience was incredible: studying the contrast between ancient and contemporary architecture and urban planning, trying new, delicious foods, making new friends, exploring my passion for photography, and seeing a slice of what the world has to offer. Thirdly, the mentorship aspect of the program has been an amazing resource. Listening to the mentors’ various experiences and approaches to architecture and urban planning offered a lot of valuable insight into the industry. Outside of the scheduled meetings, I have received constructive, inspiring feedback about my ongoing thesis project. In all, being a part of the Robert L. Wesley Award program has been a great source of honor, support, learning, and encouragement over the past year.
Kai Benjamin Parel-Sewell
California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo
Department of Architecture
Kai Benjamin Parel-Sewell
is a fourth-year Bachelor of Architecture student at California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo. Raised by an architect and a photographer, Parel-Sewell’s passion for the visual arts began early. He served as the AIAS chapter Academic Events Coordinator and served as a Second Year Studio Teaching Assistant. Parel-Sewell worked as a Graphic Design Intern at the Cal Poly Corporation. At One World Architecture, he worked for a few years as an intern-architect. Currently, Parel-Sewell is enjoying a fantastic experience as an architectural designer at Carrier Johnson + Culture in San Diego. He has learned a lot about the real-world design process and what it takes to create the buildings that define our built environment and elevate our urban experience. This spring, he will be studying abroad with Cal Poly in South Korea and is looking forward to connecting more with his Asian heritage. Much of Parel-Sewell’s heritage is rooted in the sacrifices and risks his family took to emigrate from the Philippines to the United States to build a better life. Beyond architecture, Parel-Sewell loves photography and cycling as ways to appreciate the natural environment and the world around him.