CULTURE
Meet current students, find out about studio life, and check out more resources below.
Illinois School of Architecture
1st Place RATIO Design Prize
Category 2: Space & Wellness
Congratulations to Xingyu Liu (M.Arch ‘25), Siqi Gao (M.Arch ‘25) and Zlatan Wang (M.Arch ‘25) from Prof. Pat Saldaña-Natke’s Studio
“The Light Sanctuary project renovates a historic church and its two adjacent buildings at 1814 South Paulina Street in Chicago, Illinois. The renovation sought to preserve the church’s essence while creating a dynamic, modern workspace. The project opened up the once-divided interior spaces, integrating the three structures into coherent spaces. The original church roof was opened to reveal a vaulted transparent canopy, flooding the interior with natural light and symbolically blending the boundaries between the sacred and the modern.
In this project, history, light, and open space come together to create a sense of connection - between the past and the future, between the workspace and the surrounding community.”
#archatillinois #wedesign
1st Place RATIO Design Prize
Category 2: Space & Wellness
Congratulations to Xingyu Liu (M.Arch ‘25), Siqi Gao (M.Arch ‘25) and Zlatan Wang (M.Arch ‘25) from Prof. Pat Saldaña-Natke’s Studio
“The Light Sanctuary project renovates a historic church and its two adjacent buildings at 1814 South Paulina Street in Chicago, Illinois. The renovation sought to preserve the church’s essence while creating a dynamic, modern workspace. The project opened up the once-divided interior spaces, integrating the three structures into coherent spaces. The original church roof was opened to reveal a vaulted transparent canopy, flooding the interior with natural light and symbolically blending the boundaries between the sacred and the modern.
In this project, history, light, and open space come together to create a sense of connection - between the past and the future, between the workspace and the surrounding community.”
#archatillinois #wedesign
Students — Don’t forget to order your Graduation Regalia!
See the Flier above for what you need for the School of Architecture Convocation!
Students — Don’t forget to order your Graduation Regalia!
See the Flier above for what you need for the School of Architecture Convocation!
1st Place RATIO Design Prize
Category 3: Context
Congratulations to Zoya Chaudary (M.Arch ‘25) from Prof. Didem Ekici’s Studio
“The Museum of Water is a contemporary space dedicated to exploring the historical and cultural significance of water in Turkish life, particularly in the context of Istanbul. Positioned near the iconic Valens Aqueduct, the museum serves as both a tribute to the city’s ancient water systems and a gathering place for modern reflection and leisure. Through immersive exhibitions, a corner courtyard that connects visually with the aqueduct, and spaces for community engagement such as a Turkish bath and café, the museum offers a multisensory journey. It invites visitors to contemplate the timeless role of water as a source of life, ritual, and cultural identity, while also embracing its role in shaping the future of urban living.
The aqueduct, integrated as a gateway, symbolizes the flow of time and the importance of water, leading visitors to a surrounding park and greenspace. Emulating the social role of Turkish baths, the museum becomes a communal hub—a space for gathering, contemplation, and connection. The site design incorporates permeable pavers and a micro stormwater retention pond, reflecting a commitment to sustainable urban infrastructure and the responsible management of water resources.”
#archatillinois #wedesign
1st Place RATIO Design Prize
Category 3: Context
Congratulations to Zoya Chaudary (M.Arch ‘25) from Prof. Didem Ekici’s Studio
“The Museum of Water is a contemporary space dedicated to exploring the historical and cultural significance of water in Turkish life, particularly in the context of Istanbul. Positioned near the iconic Valens Aqueduct, the museum serves as both a tribute to the city’s ancient water systems and a gathering place for modern reflection and leisure. Through immersive exhibitions, a corner courtyard that connects visually with the aqueduct, and spaces for community engagement such as a Turkish bath and café, the museum offers a multisensory journey. It invites visitors to contemplate the timeless role of water as a source of life, ritual, and cultural identity, while also embracing its role in shaping the future of urban living.
The aqueduct, integrated as a gateway, symbolizes the flow of time and the importance of water, leading visitors to a surrounding park and greenspace. Emulating the social role of Turkish baths, the museum becomes a communal hub—a space for gathering, contemplation, and connection. The site design incorporates permeable pavers and a micro stormwater retention pond, reflecting a commitment to sustainable urban infrastructure and the responsible management of water resources.”
#archatillinois #wedesign
Join us this Monday at 5:30pm in ARCH 120 for our FINAL installment of the Spring 2025 Lecture Series, “Ecologies of Design”
Focusing on planetary politics in early-twentieth century Germany, this lecture traces ecological notions of building to imperialist expansion and the spectre of fascism. These legacies ask us to reconsider how design accounts for human responsibility in a context of radical ecological interdependency.
Kenny Cupers is Professor of Architectural History and Urban Studies at the University of Basel, where he co-founded and leads the Urban Studies division. Trained as an architect, urbanist, and historian, his research and teaching focus on the relationship between built environments and changing societies in African and European contexts.
Join us this Monday at 5:30pm in ARCH 120 for our FINAL installment of the Spring 2025 Lecture Series, “Ecologies of Design”
Focusing on planetary politics in early-twentieth century Germany, this lecture traces ecological notions of building to imperialist expansion and the spectre of fascism. These legacies ask us to reconsider how design accounts for human responsibility in a context of radical ecological interdependency.
Kenny Cupers is Professor of Architectural History and Urban Studies at the University of Basel, where he co-founded and leads the Urban Studies division. Trained as an architect, urbanist, and historian, his research and teaching focus on the relationship between built environments and changing societies in African and European contexts.
Congratulations to Nisha Patil (M.Arch ‘25), who was recently awarded the HDR Health Planning Scholar/Design Coordinator
HDR’s Health Planning Scholar Program is a one-year immersive program for recent graduates who are passionate about bettering the health and wellness of the people they design for.
“Starting my journey with HDR as a Health Planning Scholar/Design Coordinator is a pivotal opportunity in my path toward becoming a healthcare planner. This role offers a rare chance to contribute to high-impact healthcare projects worldwide while gaining exposure to advanced design strategies, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and learning directly from leading experts across HDR’s national network. This opportunity not only fast-tracks my career growth and visibility but also allows me to build a lasting and meaningful future in healthcare design—within a firm that shares my passion for transforming care through architecture.
Looking back, what helped me reach this milestone was the ability to shape my own direction in design and research through the Health and Well-being concentration at the Illinois School of Architecture. That freedom, combined with consistent faculty guidance, allowed me to dive deeper into human-centered design—all of which helped me craft an application that truly reflected both my values and vision.”
#archatillinois #hdr #wedesign
Congratulations to Nisha Patil (M.Arch ‘25), who was recently awarded the HDR Health Planning Scholar/Design Coordinator
HDR’s Health Planning Scholar Program is a one-year immersive program for recent graduates who are passionate about bettering the health and wellness of the people they design for.
“Starting my journey with HDR as a Health Planning Scholar/Design Coordinator is a pivotal opportunity in my path toward becoming a healthcare planner. This role offers a rare chance to contribute to high-impact healthcare projects worldwide while gaining exposure to advanced design strategies, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and learning directly from leading experts across HDR’s national network. This opportunity not only fast-tracks my career growth and visibility but also allows me to build a lasting and meaningful future in healthcare design—within a firm that shares my passion for transforming care through architecture.
Looking back, what helped me reach this milestone was the ability to shape my own direction in design and research through the Health and Well-being concentration at the Illinois School of Architecture. That freedom, combined with consistent faculty guidance, allowed me to dive deeper into human-centered design—all of which helped me craft an application that truly reflected both my values and vision.”
#archatillinois #hdr #wedesign
Graduating Students, it’s time to reminisce!
Submit your photo and video memories of your time with the Illinois School of Architecture. See the flyer above for parameters — the deadline is a week away!
#classof2025 #archatillinois #wedesign
Graduating Students, it’s time to reminisce!
Submit your photo and video memories of your time with the Illinois School of Architecture. See the flyer above for parameters — the deadline is a week away!
#classof2025 #archatillinois #wedesign
Graduating Students — It’s time to upload your work for Convocation!
Follow the Instructions above ⬆️
Deadline is Wednesday, April 23rd
#archatillinois #wedesign #classof2025
Graduating Students — It’s time to upload your work for Convocation!
Follow the Instructions above ⬆️
Deadline is Wednesday, April 23rd
#archatillinois #wedesign #classof2025
Join us this Wednesday, April 16th at 5:30 in Plym Auditorium for the next segment of our Spring 2025 Lecture Series, “Ecologies of Design”
We welcome Mariona Benedito in presenting “From Plate design to Plaza: Architecture Across Scales”. The Lecture will explore how multiple scales are interwoven with the passage of time and the shifting nature of permanence in architecture. Highlighting the process of scaling up — from individual, detailed elements to the expansive, dynamic fabric of the city, this session will explore how we navigate the tension between the temporary and the lasting.
Join us this Wednesday, April 16th at 5:30 in Plym Auditorium for the next segment of our Spring 2025 Lecture Series, “Ecologies of Design”
We welcome Mariona Benedito in presenting “From Plate design to Plaza: Architecture Across Scales”. The Lecture will explore how multiple scales are interwoven with the passage of time and the shifting nature of permanence in architecture. Highlighting the process of scaling up — from individual, detailed elements to the expansive, dynamic fabric of the city, this session will explore how we navigate the tension between the temporary and the lasting.
Industry Awards
The Illinois School of Architecture proudly honors its faculty and staff for their exceptional contributions, recognizing their achievements through prestigious awards from professional organizations. Here, we highlight their dedication, innovation, and impact on the field of architecture.
Learn more about the ~260,000 dollars students are awarded in scholarships and awards, and how to apply.
Information about our annual Career XPO and services offered throughout the academic year.
Meet current students.
Get to know our wide range of student groups, clubs, and other organizations.
Architectural education has unique learning methods, grounded in the design studio.
Forms and information for current students regarding facilities and equipment.
Links, forms, and other resources for faculty and staff.
Mirabelle Jones, Fall 2020 issue
Mirabelle Jones, Fall 2020 issue
Haiti Studio, Fall 2020 issue
Haiti Studio, Fall 2020 issue
Deployable structures, Fall 2020 issue
Deployable structures, Fall 2020 issue
Professor James Warfield, December 2018 issue
Professor James Warfield, December 2018 issue
Max Boehringer, December 2018 issue
Max Boehringer, December 2018 issue
Maury Lipowich, November 2018 issue
Maury Lipowich, November 2018 issue
Mirabelle Jones, Fall 2020 issue
Mirabelle Jones, Fall 2020 issue
Haiti Studio, Fall 2020 issue
Haiti Studio, Fall 2020 issue
Deployable structures, Fall 2020 issue
Deployable structures, Fall 2020 issue
Professor James Warfield, December 2018 issue
Professor James Warfield, December 2018 issue
Max Boehringer, December 2018 issue
Max Boehringer, December 2018 issue
Maury Lipowich, November 2018 issue
Maury Lipowich, November 2018 issue
Ricker Report
The School of Architecture's student-run publication
Spring 2024 Earl Prize Senior 1st Place Keyshawn Lewis
Spring 2024 Earl Prize Senior 1st Place Keyshawn Lewis
Spring 2024 Earl Prize 2nd Place Krisha Prathap
Spring 2024 Earl Prize 2nd Place Krisha Prathap
Shweta Krishnan and Bryan Samuel, Spring 2020 Design Excellence Awards
Shweta Krishnan and Bryan Samuel, Spring 2020 Design Excellence Awards
Aditi Mukherjee and Shuqin Xu, Spring 2019 Design Excellence Awards
Aditi Mukherjee and Shuqin Xu, Spring 2019 Design Excellence Awards
Ali Gholamabbas and Nico Hsu, Fall 2018 Design Excellence Awards
Ali Gholamabbas and Nico Hsu, Fall 2018 Design Excellence Awards
Spring 2024 Earl Prize Senior 1st Place Keyshawn Lewis
Spring 2024 Earl Prize Senior 1st Place Keyshawn Lewis
Spring 2024 Earl Prize 2nd Place Krisha Prathap
Spring 2024 Earl Prize 2nd Place Krisha Prathap
Shweta Krishnan and Bryan Samuel, Spring 2020 Design Excellence Awards
Shweta Krishnan and Bryan Samuel, Spring 2020 Design Excellence Awards
Aditi Mukherjee and Shuqin Xu, Spring 2019 Design Excellence Awards
Aditi Mukherjee and Shuqin Xu, Spring 2019 Design Excellence Awards
Ali Gholamabbas and Nico Hsu, Fall 2018 Design Excellence Awards
Ali Gholamabbas and Nico Hsu, Fall 2018 Design Excellence Awards
Student Design Awards
Awarded annually, these recognitions highlight undergraduate and graduate design work.
Barcelona Study Abroad Program
Happy Easter weekend to all who celebrate! 🐣🌷
Students are enjoying holiday and the Easter festivities with a picnic and egg painting in the residence.
Student Spotlight⭐️🎤 on Khrystyna Dutchak!
Khrystyna is a junior in architecture who, like Professor Raimon, is left-handed!
During the 2024-25 academic year in Barcelona, Khrystyna’s favorite field trip was to Seville, Andalucía, Spain. Her favorite drawing was at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Italy, and her favorite city to visit was London. In her time abroad, Khrystyna has loved trying new dishes in every place she visits, including paella in Spain, chicken pie in London, schnitzel in Germany, and Sweden’s famous meatballs. She especially loves seafood and olives, which are popular favorites in Barcelona!
Keep it up, Khrystyna!
Student Spotlight⭐️🎤 on Kaitlyn Reedy!
Kaitlyn is a junior in architecture with a minor in landscape architecture. During the 2024-25 academic year in Barcelona, Kaitlyn’s favorite field trip was to Granada, Andalucía, Spain. Her favorite drawing assignment was at Casa Gomis in Barcelona, and her favorite city to visit was Athens!
Kaitlyn’s favorite part of study abroad has been the field trips and traveling. “I have been able to see such a wide range of architecture, from historic to modern, and from such a range of places. I’ve been able to see places on my bucket list, though it keeps growing. I have also been able to explore many cities with my friends, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
My favorite little thing to do has been to try as many different coffee shops as I can. The coffee shops always have great vibes, delicious pastries, and are a great way to spend time with friends or to do homework. The local coffee shops have my favorite baristas, and they have become one of the best parts of my day.”
Nice work, Kaitlyn!
Student Spotlight⭐️🎤 on Rachel Scott!
Rachel is a junior in architecture, originally from Ohio, and has taken the polar plunge in Antarctica!
During the 2024-25 academic year in Barcelona, Rachel’s favorite field trip was to Seville, Andalucía, Spain. Her favorite drawing assignment was at the perspective at El Born in Barcelona, and her favorite city to visit was Athens! While abroad, Rachel has enjoyed immersing herself in new places and cultures. Each city visited offered a unique perspective, and she feels it was surreal to experience firsthand the architecture that she has studied in class in previous years.
Great work, Rachel!
A few weeks ago, students took a break from their regular schedule for a 12-day independent study travel period. They explored cities of their choice, immersing themselves in architecture through sketching, photography, and on-site analyses.
As part of the Architect’s Journal assignment, they recorded their experiences through freehand drawings, notes, diagrams, and in-depth studies of at least two architectural sites. More than just sightseeing, the focus of this travel period was to see, analyze, experience, and understand the spaces around them.
Here’s a recap of some of the places they saw!
📍Paris, Scottish Highlands, Munich, Vienna, Copenhagen, Athens, Stockholm, London, & Heidelberg
A night at the theater!
We enjoyed a performance by the National Symphony Orchestra of Catalonia and Barcelona at Moneo’s Auditorium, a wonderful venue designed by Rafael Moneo.
Students enjoyed exploring and photographing the Heidelberg Castle during independent study travel.
