The Brick Spolia

This is a research driven project that celebrates the brick heritage of Hudson, NY, by exploring its historical, cultural, and architectural significance.Rooted in the concept of spoila—the reuse of original architectural elements—the project seeks to preserve and reinterpret the city’s identity through its most iconic material. Through detailed observation and documentation of the city’s brick facades and street conditions, the project reveals the layers of Hudson’s architectural history, uncovering stories of craftsmanship, urban development, and cultural evolution.

At its core, this project transforms the everyday material of brick—one of architecture’s most familiar elements—into a remarkable design that reframes the daily commons as noticeable and meaningful architecture. By translating brick’s historical and practical essence into a popularized design, the project elevates a humble material into a symbol of Hudson’s heritage. The resulting city memorial creates a space where history and modernity converge, inviting reflection on the role of materials in shaping a city’s character and fostering a dialogue between preservation and innovation.