Spatial Echoes

This abstract critiques the limitations within the U.S. education system, arguing that its selective preservation of history often obscures crucial narratives, particularly regarding systemic racism. Focusing on the suppressed history of Oscarville and the expulsion of Black residents from Forsyth County, Georgia, in 1912, the proposal advocates for architectural intervention to combat this historical amnesia. The central research question explores how architecture can preserve and convey unbiased racial history to enhance education. The thesis posits that intentionally designed architecture can serve as a powerful and enduring educational tool, making it harder to ignore marginalized histories. To address this, the abstract proposes the design of a memorial and research center near Lake Lanier, the site of former Black-owned land. The research center aims to function as a library and archive dedicated to the history of Black-owned towns, while the memorial will acknowledge the tragedy of Oscarville. Furthermore, the center will include a multipurpose exhibit space for researchers and public discourse. By creating architecture that tells a compelling and enduring story, this project seeks to challenge the limitations of traditional education and foster a deeper understanding of America's complex racial past.