Concrete Masonry Student Competition
“The Concrete Masonry Student Competition recognizes seven outstanding projects that utilize concrete masonry products as the primary material to reimagine a Welcome Center of tomorrow, with an emphasis on rethinking the future of travel.
Students were challenged to envision a next-generation Welcome Center that is universally accessible, resilient in the face of change, and forward-thinking in its design. The winning projects transform welcome centers into dynamic landmarks and multifunctional hubs, with each design emphasizing concrete masonry as a versatile, enduring, and expressive building material.”
2026 Third Place Winners
“Puerta de Pilsen is a civic landmark shaped by the principles of weave, flare, and coda—interweaving the neighborhood’s rich cultural identity, opening outward to welcome residents and visitors, and creating spaces that encourage reflection, celebration, and cultural continuity. Rather than serving as a traditional welcome center, the project reimagines the gateway to Pilsen as a dynamic, community-centered destination that supports gathering, learning, and meaningful social interaction.
“The design celebrates the neighborhood’s history while embracing its future, fostering a strong sense of belonging through flexible public spaces that accommodate cultural events, local organizations, and everyday community life. By strengthening connections between people, place, and culture, Puerta de Pilsen becomes more than an architectural landmark; it is a living civic space that promotes exchange, inclusivity, and an evolving neighborhood identity rooted in the values and voices of the Pilsen community.”
The jury praised the project’s innovative use of concrete masonry, particularly its custom structural blocks and woven pattern.
Students: Ben Kanwischer, Jake Pulciani & Beatriz Mata
Faculty Sponsors: Patricia Saldaña Natke & Soumya Dasgupta
ACSA UIUC School of Architecture Student Winners over the years
