Salma Rodriguez
Texas Tech University
Huckabee College of Architecture
“Framing Mobility Through Space.” © Salma Rodriguez.
Jury
Monica Chada
Andrew Santa Lucia
Stephen Slaughter
Robert L. Wesley (Chair)
As the first in my family to attend college, being selected as one of the recipients of the Robert L. Wesley Award is a huge honor for my family and my education. This award and mentorship program will help me take the next steps of my desire of becoming an architect. I will always be thankful for this opportunity.
“Framing Mobility Through Space.” A mobility hub for the community of the border cities of El Paso and Ciudad Juárez, establishing efficient connections for the transportation of people across the city of El Paso. The concept combines a complex design with a space frame structural system. The technique’s durability, strength, and resistance to environmental changes can effectively support large spans and complex shapes. Knowing the difficulties that border crossers face daily, she incorporated an educational hub in the design. This plus program was inspired by her own experiences and those of her friends, who often do not have a study space while waiting to cross. The education hub aims to provide a safe and productive learning environment for everyone. © Salma Rodriguez.
“Framing Mobility Through Space.” The structural assembly followed carefully developed steps to enhance the design’s integrity and functionality. © Salma Rodriguez.
Salma exhibits exceptional talent, precision, dedication, thoughtfulness, and motivation for her studies and a career in architecture. Salma has unlimited academic and professional potential.
Stephen Mueller, Associate Professor, Huckabee College of Architecture, Texas Tech University
"Casa Cultura." This project analyzes radiation levels and sun exposure to design an inhabitable enclosure for affordable housing, addressing the needs of the unhoused population in the border region between Ciudad Juárez and El Paso, Texas. © Salma Rodriguez.
"Habitat Housing." The high-density social housing tower in Medellín, Colombia, integrates innovative design strategies to address critical housing and community needs. The design reimagines structural systems by incorporating inhabitable columns and interlocking dwelling units that promote flexibility and efficient use of space. The tower combines residential, commercial, and communal spaces, including work and live units, intergenerational units, and efficiency units, while integrating medical clinics and communal kitchens to serve the local low-income population. By embracing Medellín’s traditions and urban challenges, this project fosters a sustainable and inclusive environment for the community. © Salma Rodriguez
"Habitat Housing." A zoom-in of the floor plan highlights the public use of the communal kitchens and open bars connecting to the exterior, along with a detailed view of the mechanical system running at the intersection of the units. © Salma Rodriguez.
Salma Rodriguez
Texas Tech University
Huckabee College of Architecture
Salma Rodriguez
is a fourth-year student at Texas Tech Huckabee College of Architecture in El Paso, Texas. Growing up moving from Mexico to the U.S., she had to face the struggles of adjusting to a new language, culture, and living circumstances. These experiences helped her see architecture as a powerful tool to create stability and a sense of belonging. Her passion for architecture has overcome numerous challenges, including working multiple jobs and navigating financial independence. As a Research Assistant at POST (Project for Operative Spatial Technologies) directed by professors Stephen Mueller and Ersela Kripa, she has been inspired to approach architecture as a bridge between cultures and environmental issues. While at Matter Matters, a material research lab directed by Catherine Soderberg, she explores the potential of waste materials to create eco-conscious designs. She hopes to extend these approaches as a Latina architect, reinforcing her commitment to creating spaces that honor communities like her own. Coming from a culture that values family and community, she aims to create spaces that reflect these values and the needs of diverse populations. Her hope is that her work will inspire others, including her siblings and underrepresented communities, to pursue their dreams, knowing their perspectives matter.