Community Connection: Lesley Peréz ‘26 MSUP & ‘27 MS.Arch
Lesley Peréz (’26 MSUP, ’27 MS.Arch) is a dual-degree graduate student at CAPLA committed to advancing equity through design and policy. Inspired by her upbringing in East Los Ángeles, her work focuses on creating accessible, community-centered spaces where people can thrive. At CAPLA, she has served as a student ambassador, contributed to housing policy research with ARCHES, and engaged in community outreach through the Indigenous Society of Architecture, Planning and Design—shaping a future career in planning, transportation, and design at local and global scales.
CAPLA Planning Faculty, Recent Alumna Study TUSD’s Climate Impact
A report led by Associate Professor Philip Stoker and alumna Alyssa Fink delivers the most comprehensive climate assessment of Tucson Unified School District’s 2024 operations to date. The study establishes a greenhouse gas baseline and outlines strategies to reduce emissions, energy use and costs, supporting the district’s sustainability goals. Sponsored by Jobs With Justice, the project also highlights the impact of student-led, community-based research.
CAPLA, Jones Studio launch Grand Challenges Lecture Series
Sponsored by Jones Studio, the Grand Challenges Lecture Series aims to engage students, faculty, and the broader professional community with thought leaders across disciplines who are actively shaping the future of architecture and society.
Beth Weinstein, author of "Architecture + Dance," featured on the "A is for Architecture" Podcast
Beth Weinstein, acting associate dean of academic affairs and associate professor of architecture, was a guest on the "A is for Architecture" Podcast to discuss her recent book, "Architecture + Choreography: Collaborations in Dance, Space and Time."
CAPLA students partner with Tucson Hope Factory to address homelessness in Tucson
A collaborative initiative between the College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture (CAPLA), the Drachman Institute, community organizations, and the City of Tucson is offering architecture students a unique opportunity to design and develop transitional housing solutions for Tucson’s unhoused population.
Anthony Rascon '26, B.Arch | Exploring Themed Entertainment and Architecture
Bachelor of Architecture undergraduate student Anthony Rascon shares how CAPLA has helped him explore themed entertainment design, leading to an internship with Universal Creative in Orlando. With a unique blend of architecture and immersive arts, he emphasizes the value of interdisciplinary learning and advises future students to embrace diverse experiences within their studies.
Postponed | Renowned architect Lesley Lokko headlines inaugural CAPLA Lecture Series
The CAPLA Inaugural Lecture Series featuring Lesley Lokko, originally scheduled for Friday, November 1, has been postponed due to the speaker's unexpected illness.
New U of A Initiative Leads the Way to Combat Extreme Heat
The new initiative within the Arizona Institute for Resilience will unite and expand existing heat-related programs at the University of Arizona, positioning the university as a global leader in heat resilience through research, education and outreach.
CAPLA Design Ideas Competition winners announced
The winners of CAPLA's Design Ideas Competition, aimed at re-envisioning the Student and Alumni Center, were revealed during the college's Homecoming celebration. Taking first place was the submission "ReFraming Assembly," designed by Montse Bover, Yusef Sakr, and Greg Veitch.
The Architecture of Wellbeing
The Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine blends indoor and outdoor spaces, promoting wellness through natural light, biophilic design, and holistic health principles. It includes Mind, Body, and Spirit buildings fostering collaboration, relaxation, and healing.
Engaging Communities: CAPLA Students Showcase Native Plants on Park(ing) Day
CAPLA’s student chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) transformed a parking space into a vibrant, sustainable green space for Tucson’s Park(ing) Day, highlighting the beauty of native Southwest plants.