Architectural Vision: Cori Medley’s Journey from Inspiration to Creation
Cori Medley’s contribution to the Spring Show is a compelling fusion of historic preservation and forward-thinking design, reflecting her deep commitment to architecture that serves communities without displacing them. Her project tackles a significant challenge in the field: how to redevelop at-risk neighborhoods while avoiding the effects of gentrification. Cori’s innovative solution involves applying the cradle-cradle (C2C) methodology, a sustainable design approach that emphasizes the indefinite reuse of entire building systems and their original programs rather than just preserving physical structures.
“In many adaptive reuse projects, the original functions—such as manufacturing or cultural spaces—are often abandoned,” Cori explains. “This can displace generational residents as property values rise and wealthier populations move in. But by applying the C2C methodology, we can maintain the relevance of these spaces to the local community and reduce the impact of gentrification.”
The Cradle-to-Cradle approach is akin to a recycling process but on a much larger scale. “Imagine a cup made of biodegradable materials that can be composted and returned to the earth rather than ending up in a landfill,” Cori says. “Its lifecycle doesn’t end when it’s no longer useful in its original form; instead, it’s repurposed and given a new life.” Similarly, Cori’s project reimagines the original functions of historic buildings to include modern manufacturing and learning opportunities, ensuring that these spaces continue to serve the community rather than pricing them out.
Cori’s project was not without its challenges. The historic buildings, dating back to the early 1900s, required new structures that respected their architectural integrity while accommodating 85% of the necessary square footage. The site’s division by an existing rail line and the irregular, non-parallel walls of the original buildings added further complexity. Yet, these challenges only deepened Cori’s determination to create a design that honors the past while addressing modern needs.
“Inspiration is everywhere,” Cori reflects on her creative process. “Once you’ve studied architecture, every building becomes a source of ideas and critiques.” This meticulous attention to detail often sparks lively discussions with her General Contractor husband, turning everyday observations into fuel for her designs.
Cori’s journey in architecture is dedicated to preserving the past and the future. Growing up in eastern Ohio, she balanced competitive sports with a growing interest in architecture, a passion that led her to The Ohio State University and eventually to the Academy of Art University (ArtU). Initially enrolling in the Interior Architecture program, Cori soon realized her true calling was in architecture, prompting her to switch to the Master of Architecture program. “I wanted to pursue architectural licensure, and that decision has guided me toward the work I’m doing today,” she says.
Since completing her degree in December 2023, Cori has worked at a local firm in Columbus, where she continues applying her unique blend of historic preservation and sustainable design. “My goal is to create spaces that honor the past while meeting the needs of the present and future,” she shares. Outside of her professional life, Cori enjoys reading, working out, and exploring the outdoors with her husband, Bradley, and their dog, Severus.
Reflecting on her time at ArtU, Cori fondly remembers her first studio project, which set the foundation for the innovative work she continues to produce. Her story is one of dedication, creativity, and a deep respect for architecture’s history and future. “For me, architecture isn’t just a career—it’s a way of seeing and interacting with the world,” she says. “And I’m eager to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in this field.”
