51ĀŅĀ×

Porfirio de Guzman is a senior at 51ĀŅĀ×, completing a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Architecture with an expected graduation in 2025. His academic and professional interests lie at the intersection of law, design, and social impact. His senior thesis explores how architectural design can respond meaningfully to poverty and homelessness. The project centers on the adaptive reuse of the former Spofford Juvenile Detention Center in the Bronx, reimagined as a multi-building transitional housing facility. It integrates shelter, support services, and economic development opportunities, with a focus on restoring dignity, promoting resilience, and fostering community integration for residents.

The project was inspired by the teachings of Pope Francisā€”particularly his emphasis on human dignity, the peripheries of society, and a ā€œculture of encounter.ā€ Porfirio seeks to affirm the value of every individual through restorative, inclusive design that addresses both material and spiritual needs.

Outside of studio work, he is committed to building a strong academic foundation for law school. Without a traditional pre-law background, he has taken a proactive and interdisciplinary approach to his preparationā€”focusing on independent study, critical thinking, and

policy-oriented coursework. He plans to pursue a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree to advance his work at the intersection of spatial justice and legal advocacy.

Porfirio is particularly interested in public policy, human rights, and the role of ethical design in shaping a more inclusive and just society. He believes that meaningful change happens where physical environments and policy meetā€”and that architecture and law, together, offer powerful tools for supporting those most often left at the margins.

My Senior Thesis