Union County Review

Kean University architecture student Sean Santos is driven by personal experience to design inclusive spaces that cater to all individuals. As a first-generation student in his fourth year at Kean’s Michael Graves College School of Public Architecture, Santos draws inspiration from his neurodivergent brother, who is autistic and nonverbal.

“I think it is a problem that some people with disabilities can’t experience the architecture of a building as other people do,” Santos stated. “I want to make an inclusive type of architecture where it's made for anyone no matter the disability.”

Santos began exploring ways to accommodate individuals with developmental disabilities during a class project focused on designing a daycare center for children with autism. Reflecting on his experiences with his brother, he noted that the project “hit close to home.” His research included sensory-friendly spaces, acoustic control, adaptive layouts, tactile and interactive design, and calm spaces and breakout rooms.

“One of my favorite things about architecture is there are so many options someone can take to leave an impact on the world,” he said.

Residing in Asbury Park, Santos transferred to Kean after earning an associate degree in architectural science from Brookdale Community College. He became interested in architecture through construction work with his father. Both parents are immigrants; Santos and his sister are the first generation in their family to attend college.

After graduating in May, Santos plans to pursue a master’s degree in architecture at Michael Graves College.

Recently, Santos shared his enthusiasm for inclusive design as part of a panel during the AIA New Jersey – The New Jersey Society of Architects Hispanic Heritage Month program. He was accompanied by Assistant Professor Stephanie Sang Delgado, his studio instructor. The panel featured students and faculty from Kean University and the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

“It was great to see everybody’s perspectives, how that emerges within their designs,” Sang Delgado remarked.

Sang Delgado also noticed Santos' dedication during a site tour in Elizabeth for a class assignment aimed at designing a community food equity hub featuring spaces for growing produce, a food market, and a commercial kitchen.

“Sean pays attention to the way we experience a building sensory-wise,” she observed. “Is the environment loud? What is the climate? I can tell he has a certain kind of awareness.”

Craig Konyk, chair and associate professor of architecture at Michael Graves College, emphasized one goal of the School of Public Architecture: students understanding their impact on communities they serve.

“Sean’s sensitivity to those who are sometimes marginalized due to design impediments and his desire to create a built environment that is inviting for everyone is so very admirable in a young professional,” Konyk commented.