At MIT's Master of Architecture program, Payne blends digital fabrication, innovative materials, and interactive interfaces to create novel products like zero-gravity footwear for astronauts and electronic-embedded ceramics. Concurrently, Payne's research delves into rediscovering and preserving Black architectural traditions in the American South, addressing challenges in heritage conservation.
His work spans scales from product design to urban studies, emphasizing the intersection of technology and cultural history. Collaborative engagements, including work at design firms internationally and participation in MIT's Design Intelligence Lab, support a holistic approach that honors past architecture while imagining future design possibilities.
Source & further reading
Using design to interpret the past and envision the future ↗Source published 2026-01-05. This report was prepared with AI assistance from the linked primary-source material. Claims and limitations should be checked against the original announcement or research.