Five Projects Recognized by the AIA Fort Worth Student Design AwardsJury

FortWorth, Texas - The Fort Worth Chapter of the American Institute of Architects announcethe results of their annual statewide Excellence in Architecture Student DesignAwards Jury.

The AIA Fort Worth Excellence in Design Awards Program recognizes outstanding work by students of the 8 accredited architecture schools of Texas.  Annually, a jury of prominent regional architects is assembled to select projects for recognition.   This year, the jury was led by Chase Parker, AIA of Beck Architecture, Katy Dunaway, Assoc. AIA of Ibanez-Shaw Architects, and Samantha Garbarino, RIBA of Bennett Benner Partners.

The jury reviewed projects from 7 of the 8 accredited schools of Texas and singled out 5 projects for recognition.  Two projects were awarded the highest-level award, an Honor Award, which also includes a $500 scholarship.  Three projects received Merit Awards.  All projects will be honored during the AIA Fort Worth Awards Ceremony to be held virtually via zoom on February 25, 2021. To register for this event, click here.

Honor Awards

Haven – Britny Nicole Hernandez – UT Austin

“The layout of the design sits integrated into the site topo, and connects aesthetically with surrounding residential community brings dynamic forms and interconnecting pathways and outdoor activity areas.” Samantha Garbarino, RIBA

Heard Island – Leesa Cheong-Cano, Aldryn John Matias – UT Austin

"The Heard Island Research Station demonstrates an elegant stitch between the natural landscape of an important ecological location and the projects thoughtful, modular design to shelter those working in this remote location. The compelling renderings and clear diagrammatic programming showcase the exciting and beautiful design." Katy Dunaway, Assoc. AIA

Merit Awards

Complete Community – Shiyu Jin, Beixi Zhu – Rice University

"This Complete Community presents a sophisticated design through exciting and well-executed graphics and renderings. The sense of place and emphasis on community is never lost as the exploration of each “pixel” creates a dynamic modular design for use in any urban environment." Katy Dunaway, Assoc. AIA

Lewis Center – Caleb Matheson and Darci McGee University of Houston

“The Lewis Center represents an idea that speaks to its climate, both environmental and political. We were impressed with the students approach to creating a place of expression and social gathering for the community, while promoting improvement of the surrounding neighborhood. The ‘form within a form’ is a novel way to integrate the progressive architectural design into the local vernacular, while also reinforcing views to the surrounding parks and memorials, as part of the exhibit. We also appreciated the clear and concise graphical presentation, which allowed the architectural design to speak for itself.” Chase Parker, AIA

Light, Stone, Garden – Bobby Nolen - UT Austin

"Inspired thought at multi-story design, with inner and outer "courtyards" of shared gardens and outdoor activity areas. Really liked how allowing the building form to follow in both planes giving opportunities for balconies, covered porches and privacy." Samantha Garbarino, RIBA