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Illinois School of Architecture Instagram
Undergraduate Final Reviews Spring 2025
Wednesday, 30th April
Swipe to find all the information you need to know>>>
#wedesign
Undergraduate Final Reviews Spring 2025
Wednesday, 30th April
Swipe to find all the information you need to know>>>
#wedesign
1st place RATIO Design Prize
Category 1: Craft & Detail
Congratulations to Omar Abunnaja (M.Arch ‘25) and Jasbir Bhamra (M.Arch ‘25) from Prof. Paul Armstrong’s Studio
The RIV is a mixed-use high-rise located in the Chicago Loop, fronting the iconic Riverwalk. Integrating a retail and commercial podium, a luxury hotel, high end condominiums, and housing units, the project creates a vibrant urban hub. Drawing inspiration from the geometry and vitality of the Chicago River and Riverwalk, The RIV serves as a natural extension of its surroundings. Its chamfered lines are inspired by the abstract patterns of the river and the bridges, echoing their dynamic forms. A spacious public atrium at the base seamlessly connects to the Riverwalk, fostering pedestrian flow and lively activity. The tower’s bold chamfered design enhances both its aesthetics and functionality, while a curved observatory at the top offers panoramic views of the river and skyline. Surrounding stepped landscape elements tie the design to its urban context, creating an accessible and
cohesive environment. The RIV redefines
its site as a harmonious convergence of river, city, and sky.
#archatillinois #wedesign
1st place RATIO Design Prize
Category 1: Craft & Detail
Congratulations to Omar Abunnaja (M.Arch ‘25) and Jasbir Bhamra (M.Arch ‘25) from Prof. Paul Armstrong’s Studio
The RIV is a mixed-use high-rise located in the Chicago Loop, fronting the iconic Riverwalk. Integrating a retail and commercial podium, a luxury hotel, high end condominiums, and housing units, the project creates a vibrant urban hub. Drawing inspiration from the geometry and vitality of the Chicago River and Riverwalk, The RIV serves as a natural extension of its surroundings. Its chamfered lines are inspired by the abstract patterns of the river and the bridges, echoing their dynamic forms. A spacious public atrium at the base seamlessly connects to the Riverwalk, fostering pedestrian flow and lively activity. The tower’s bold chamfered design enhances both its aesthetics and functionality, while a curved observatory at the top offers panoramic views of the river and skyline. Surrounding stepped landscape elements tie the design to its urban context, creating an accessible and
cohesive environment. The RIV redefines
its site as a harmonious convergence of river, city, and sky.
#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
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
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.