2026 Senior Interior Design Capstone Booklet

The Blueprint | Jazz Museum

By: Dymond Calhoun

Lost Orgins

Jazz culture emerged from Black communities as a powerful form of self-expression and a voice for social and cultural inequities.

Over time, its deep-rooted connections have been increasingly whitewashed, reducing jazz to just a genre rather than a reflection of history, identity, and resistance. Ongoing efforts to defund spaces that support cultural representation continue to widen this disconnect.

“Take time to hit the right note in life”

- Ray Charles

“It’s just the thought of you. The very thought of you, my love”

- Billie Holiday

“Just give that rhythm everything you got.””

- Ella Fitzgerald

Rhythm in motion

Jazz is more than just music- it’s pride, identity, and movement.

The Blueprint is an interactive museum where guests don’t just observe history — they step into it. Through sound, fashion, and movement, the space uncovers stories beneath the surface and honors the voices that shaped Black culture.

This is not a place of preservation behind glass. It is a place of participation, connection, and rebuilding — where jazz is reclaimed, carried forward, and felt by every generation.

The Birthplace of Jazz

How did it start?

• The term Jazz was influenced by West African rhythms known as “call and response”

• It later inspired other music genres like blues and or ragtime

• Emerged in African- American, Creole, and European cultures

• Originated in New Orleans, LA in the late 19th century

• Started from Congo Square in New Orleans

• A gathering space where enslaved people could freely sing and dance

• The music was a way of self-expression and improvisation

How It Started

• Began in the early 1900s in Harlem, New York

• Fueled by the Great Migration of Black communities moving north

• Harlem became a cultural and creative center for Black artists

• Growth of music, art, literature, and performance spaces

• Jazz emerged as a key form of expression and identity

Why It’s important

• Created a platform for Black voices to be seen and heard

• Challenged racial stereotypes and discrimination

• Celebrated Black culture, creativity, and identity

• Built a strong sense of community and pride

• Influenced future generations of artists and designers

Significance

• Established jazz as a major American art form

• Highlighted the impact of Black culture on society

• Preserved stories and achievements of the Black community

• Shaped modern art, music, fashion, and culture

Should museums integrate technology?

The Question Is.... Is technology dehumanizing the museum experience?

Pros

Enhanced Engagement

• Interactive screens

Accessibility

• Captions, translations, and audio guides make exhibits more inclusive Appeals to Younger Audiences

• Technology helps attract and connect with Gen Z and digital users

Cons

Loss of Authenticity

• Too much tech can distract from historical meaning and less human connection

Overstimulation

• Can overwhelm visitors and take away from reflection

Accessibility Gaps

• Not all visitors are comfortable or familiar with technology

The Royal Theatre

The Legacy of Pennsylvania Avenue

• Opened in 1922

• A popular jazz theatre where famous performers had shows under Jim Crow Laws

• It was a huge hit and shows were sold out everyday

• Demolished in 1971 due to the city infrastructure

• Today the only piece standing is the entrance

The Royal Theatre today...

“ The Legacy deserves to be preserved.”

“In order to change Baltimore, to change the community, you have to change the environment that young people are growing up in.”

- James Hamlin

Building Site Analysis Map

Baltimore, MD | Black Arts & Entertainment District

• Founded: 1729

• Nickname: Charm City

• Region: Mid-Atlantic

• Located along the Patapsco River

• City Population: 2.8 million

• Climate: Humid Subtropical

• Hot Summers

• Cold Winters

• Light Rain

• Population: African-American 60%

• Accessibility: I-95 highway

• Amtrak & MARC Rail Service

Address: 1947 Pennsylvania Ave,

Diagrams

Exhibit Diagram

This showcases the various hubs guest experience

Sun Diagram

This diagrams highlights which spaces would have more sunlight

Material selection story

• Inspired by the musical instruments

• Trumpet

• Trombone

• Saxophone

• Drawn from the cello and violin

• Drawn from musicians travel suitcases

• Reflect history and storytelling

Digital Material Palette

• Inspired by the grand piano keys

Design Standards + Considerations

• ADA Standards

• IBC 2026

• Acoustic and Sound Control

• Light Levels

• Sensory Overload

Goals

the museum experience

Bringing jazz back to life... not only as music, but as a living cultural expression

Into the Rhythm

Designed as a transition into the world of jazz, the space uses bold curved forms to draw visitors inward and set the tone for the experience.

Look and feel

Gallery Wall Showcases iconic artists who have made an impact in the jazz era

The

In the Groove

A intimate space that blends comfort and rhythm, encouraging conversation, relaxation, and shared experiences through the spirit of jazz.

Jazz Lounge

A social lounge that transforms performance into an experience, surrounding guests with the energy and expression of jazz culture.

Dance/ Bar space

A social hub where guests can let loose— dance, grab a drink, and unwind in the

Projection room

Observation Experience

Designed as a 360° experience, the space transports visitors in a dynamic collage of jazz culture, performance, and storytelling.

Music video Interactive Gallery

Custom Hat station

A curated station where custom hats are made for guests, transforming fashion into a meaningful souvenir.

Video Stations

A space for people to recharge and reflect

Music Video exhibit

Designed as a passage through time, the tunnel layers visuals and sound to guide visitors through the evolution of jazz in an immersive, sensory experience.

Works Cited

Display Cases

Showcases archive instruments for guest to admire

• https://www.gensler.com/blog/the-future-museum-experience-diverse-inclusive-digital

• https://www.gensler.com/blog/evolution-of-the-museum

• https://www.gensler.com/expertise/culture-museums

• https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/19/us/politics/trump-smithsonian-slavery.html

• https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20120224-travelwise-the-birthplace-of-jazz

• https://www.history.com/articles/race-records-bessie-smith-big-bill-broonzy-musicbusiness

• https://www.blackartsdistrict.org/about-us

• https://www.royaltchc.com/

Interactive Tunnel

Touchscreens for guest to explore artist