MIAD students design for the future of transportation systems
When team members of a global network wanted fresh, visionary and sustainable design proposals for a next-generation transportation system and its built environment, they turned to MIAD Interior Architecture and Design students.
HyperloopTT has created tube-based inter- and intra-city transportation systems that move people and goods at airplane speeds safely, efficiently and sustainably. A possible future location in Milwaukee is at the southern end of downtown.
“This project was nothing like any other project we have worked on,” said Emma Johnson ’23 (Interior Architecture and Design). “It is something for the future, which allowed me to think a little more outside the box and to see the boundaries I can push for myself for the real world.”
Work by Emma Johnson ’23
The junior students designed interior station spaces for Hyperloop MKE. These included a Social Pavilion (café, gallery and open seating); exterior Social Yard; and station seating, gates, and interface between the gates and the capsules with a sensitivity to wayfinding. Students’ work received direction and feedback throughout the semester from HyperloopTT experts in California, Minnesota and Illinois, and has made MIAD part of the Great Lakes HyperloopTT Consortium an ongoing project.
“The most valuable aspect of this project was getting to work with the HyperloopTT team,” said Marycruz Romero ’23. “Designing the Hyperloop gave us all an insight on what commercial design is like … and I now feel more confident about large-scale projects. This project was definitely something that will help me prepare for the future as an interior designer.”
Work by Marycruz Romero ’23
“Even though this project was challenging, all my classmates did amazing,” said Johnson. “Everyone’s project was completely different and unique, which really started to show each of our styles!”
Work by Lynn Xing ’23
Work by Abigail Roman ’23
News
La Mère Brazier: Phoebe Nelson Senior Exhibition 2025
Phoebe Nelson ’25 (Illustration) came to the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) to study children’s book illustration. Now at the end of her senior year, she is writing and illustrating a children’s book about Eugénie Brazier, the first person to get six Michelin stars, for her Senior Exhibition project.
MIAD Independent Inquiry Program launches with three student grants
Galilea Cerda ’26, Tina Voith ’26 and Madi Weglarz ’25 are the first three Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design students selected to receive Independent Inquiry Program stipends to investigate new technologies and their applicability to art and design education. As first-time applicants, each receives a stipend of $1,200 for a six-week Mini Inquiry this summer.
Grilled Cheese grants propel MIAD seniors
Funds from the annual Grilled Cheese Grant helped Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) awardees Siren Harris, Yo Yo collective and Madi Weglarz complete their 2025 Senior Exhibition projects and future work. All the MIAD awardees are Fine Art + New Studio Practice seniors.
Sebastian Penn: Senior Exhibition 2025
Sebastian Penn ’25 (Animation Track in Illustration), “From Home to Legacy: Black and Queer Bars in Milwaukee.” Sebastian is a President’s (Honor) List student from Holman, Wis.
McKenna Martin: Senior Exhibition 2025
McKenna Martin ’25 (Product Design), “Hyacinth.” McKenna received first place for her design for the 2023 Delta design project/competition at MIAD, is on the Dean’s List and is from Fond du Lac, Wis.