Website:

LinkedIn: fabiana-cabral-rodriguez-14ba78233

Degree(s):

BArch, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, anticipated in 2024

Professional interests:

Commercial

When did you first become interested in architecture as a possible career?

When I was in high school, I took a class in architectural technical drawing. While working on the assignments, I was very creative and always willing to design spaces with the idea that they would improve other people’s lives. That’s the reason why, flash forward to my junior year in college, I’m at Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) because it allows me to work on my goals and help me grow as a designer.

If you could give the you of 10 years ago advice, what would it be?

Believe in yourself, be bold, and let your creativity open new doors for you! Do not let anyone tell you that you are not capable of achieving your goals. Trust yourself in every step you take. With hard work and effort, you will be able to be successful in anything you put your mind to.

What is your favorite Boston-area building or structure?

The Boston Public Library and Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum are two of my favorite buildings in Boston. I am amazed by how much history these buildings have. My favorite spaces in both buildings are the gardens.

Which one of your current projects excites you the most?

I am currently working on an elementary school for my studio design project at MassArt. I am very excited to be able to design a safe and healthy learning space, allowing students to have a connection to nature as a learning tool.

What do you hope to contribute from your work?

I hope I can contribute to designing equitable and accessible spaces. I want to be able to have a positive impact and improve the way we live, work, and interact with one another by creating healthy, sustainable, and safe environments.

What does equity mean to you?

For me, equity is creating a welcoming space for everyone, and we do that by designing spaces that meet the needs of all, thereby allowing all different people to enjoy and appreciate the spaces they’re in.

What is the most effective step you’ve taken in your work toward a more sustainable built environment?

Using cross-laminated timber (CLT) is a great way to contribute to sustainable architecture. CLT in commercial buildings can provide as much as a 26% reduction in global warming and has a negative carbon imprint, among other amazing benefits.

What is the greatest potential for architecture to shape a neighborhood community?

As designers, we create spaces to bring a positive impact to the community, and we do that by designing neighborhoods that allow diversity, that provide easy access to services that are within walking distance (reducing car use), and that provide safety. We have in our hands the ability to bring a better quality of life to neighborhoods.

What would you like to see change about Boston’s built environment?

Preserve old buildings and give them a new use. Also, public transportation: I would love to see more shelters that provide a safe space for the community and as well as quality services for community members’ well-being. Also, adding more protected bike lanes would have a big impact on the city of Boston. To me, most of the bike lanes feel unsafe. Having more and safer bike lanes would encourage more people to use them.