Global Perspectives in Design: How NC State’s Duda Program Shapes Design Students

Partnering with renowned Mexican architect Gabriela Carrillo, architecture and landscape architecture students explored the urban and environmental complexities of a metropolis rich in Indigenous history and modern challenges as part of this year’s Duda Visiting Designer Program.

Students examined Mexico City’s historical evolution, land use, density and pressing environmental concerns such as water scarcity and subsidence. They also engaged with cultural and social narratives embedded in the urban fabric, deepening their understanding of how history continues to shape modern infrastructure.

For many students, this experience was eye-opening. “This studio broadened my understanding of urban design and allowed me to meet professionals from both Mexico and the U.S. who are leaders in their fields,” said Andrea Padilla Guerrero. “The studio’s focus on the urban scale ignited a passion for urban design, which has already influenced the studios I am choosing to participate in now.”

“The studio’s focus on the urban scale ignited a passion for urban design, which has already influenced the studios I am choosing to participate in now.”

Similarly, Melissa Dominguez noted how the program reshaped her perspective: “Three prestigious architects and landscape architecture professionals from Mexico challenged us to think differently about design and approach societal challenges with fresh perspectives. It made me a more analytical student.”

Dominguez was particularly struck by Mexico City’s resilience in the face of poverty and high crime rates. Despite its challenges, the city’s strong family structures have contributed to an incredibly low homeless population compared to the U.S. This reinforced for her the importance of considering cultural context in urban design.

Cameron Johnson highlighted the program’s value in both education and professional practice, which enhanced his critical thinking and expanded his problem-solving approach. Visiting Mexico City firsthand strengthened his passion for community-centered, responsive design – showing him how architecture interacts with history, urban development and social issues.

María Bellalta, head of the Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning, outlined the students’ group projects, focused on tackling critical urban issues. Projects focused on innovation in designing public spaces that could serve as community hubs and emergency response zones, creating “green fingers” extending from main avenues to create vibrant, safe neighborhoods, and addressing water scarcity by creating a “museum without walls” to educate communities on sustainable water management.

“Students’ ambitions grow as they tackle significant societal and environmental issues. They develop a deeper sense of their agency as designers,” said David Hill, head of the School of Architecture.

Beyond academic enrichment, the program has profoundly shaped students’ career aspirations. “The most valuable aspect for me is that it opened my eyes to the possibility of working in other parts of the world. The skills we are learning at NC State are applicable locally and can make a meaningful impact globally,” said Dominguez.

The skills we are learning at NC State are applicable locally and can make a meaningful impact globally.”

“I now focus with increased passion on the ability of architecture to be both a poetic and practical response to what the environment and society is calling on it to be. It gave me a clear outline of what practice I wish to practice — a practice that is deeply based on context and the human experience, and sustainability,” Johnson added.

This exceptional program, supported by NC State alumnus Turan Duda and his wife, Linda, expands students’ academic and professional horizons while fostering global perspectives in design. “Turan wanted our students to have similar opportunities to gain a global perspective on design and to work alongside top-tier professionals,” said Hill.

Looking ahead, department heads Hill and Bellalta envision an even greater emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and extended project timelines to allow students to delve deeper into their work.

The Duda Visiting Designer Program is more than an academic initiative—it is a transformative experience that equips students with the skills, knowledge, and global awareness needed to address the pressing challenges of the modern world. As Bellalta concluded, “We’re building a community of designers who not only excel academically and professionally but also understand their role in creating a more inclusive and sustainable world.

This article first appeared in the spring 2025 issue of Designlife magazine. Explore other articles from this issue.