Nathan Abel

Mercersburg, Pennsylvania

I have always been in love with the urban form and wanted to be an architect throughout most of my childhood. Only in the past few years did I realize that my interests lay in macro-level design and the analysis of cities in their entirety, rather than individual buildings.

Why did you choose Cornell and AAP?

The planning program impressed me during my first visit. I also found the campus to be incredibly beautiful and inviting.

What inspired you to join the field of city and regional planning?

I have always been in love with the urban form and wanted to be an architect throughout most of my childhood. Only in the past few years did I realize that my interests lay in macro-level design and the analysis of cities in their entirety, rather than individual buildings.

What are your extracurricular interests and how have you incorporated them into your college life?

I am a member and publicity chair of Yamatai, Cornell's one and only Japanese Taiko drumming group. I am also a member of Cornell's chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS). I also love baseball and am an avid Red Sox fan. Lastly, I record and produce music semiprofessionally under the name Nathaniel Oku.

What do you hope to accomplish during your time at AAP and after graduation?

I hope to combine my interests in cities with the music industry, as there are many interesting relationships between the two.

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