University Design Research Fellow

University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
School of Architecture

Akima Brackeen
Pool/Side

Chicago, Illinois

Site and Partner: Bartholomew County Public Library

Pool/Side introduces a shallow pool and elevated seating platform as both infrastructure and socio-cultural artifact at the Cleo Rogers Memorial Library Plaza. Drawing inspiration from modernist principles, the project acknowledges the deeper social histories embedded in architectural facades and building materials. This installation reimagines key elements of modern architecture—reflection pools, sunken courtyards, conversation pits, and plinths—as tools for exploring themes of resilience, cultural identity, and exclusion.

As a space for gathering, rest, performance, play, and reflection, Pool/Side seeks to reclaim these spatial typologies through a lens of inclusivity, imagination, and historical acknowledgment. It challenges visitors to reconsider the boundaries of public spaces and adequacy of infrastructure.

Meet the UDRFellow

  • UDRF-Akima-Brackeen

    Akima Brackeen is an Assistant Professor of Architecture at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Through research and design, she explores the impact, engagement, and the narratives of urban waterscapes within the built environment. She is focused on examining material culture and radical imaginaries of Black communities, in order to reveal the social, political, and ecological nuances of water access. Ongoing projects span architectural interventions, digital tools, sound, and audio archives. She has an MArch from University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and Community Design from University of San Francisco.

2024 Symposium

University Design Research Fellows

Previous Work by Akima Brackeen

I AM BLOOMING

Commissioned by the Chicago Sukkah Design Festival, I AM BLOOMING creates a unique space for grounding, reflection, and mindfulness. In the festival setting it serves as a space for contemplation and celebration and takes on a permanent role within I AM ABLE's community garden, where it continues to serve as a meditative pavilion open to all members of the North Lawndale community. I AM BLOOMING was completed in collaboration with Office of Things.