Gather Light: ARC 201
Students in CAPLA’s ARC 201 studio, guided by faculty including Christopher Domin and others, completed the "Gather Light" project focused on understanding and designing in harmony with the Sonoran Desert environment. Through observation, drawing, and modeling, students explored how light, nature, and architecture interact. Key activities involved studying desert plants, translating their forms into design systems, and developing canopies that filter light and enhance outdoor spaces. The project emphasized hands-on learning, teamwork, and iterative design using 2D and 3D representations to create thoughtful architectural interventions that respect and respond to the desert landscape.
Lecturer Christopher Tucker wins AIA Design Pedagogy Award for innovative Abiotic Studio
Christopher Tucker, a lecturer in architecture at CAPLA, received the American Institute of Architects’ Design Pedagogy Award for his Abiotic Studio, a fourth-year course that challenges students to engage with ecological realities and reimagine post-industrial landscapes through more-than-human perspectives.
House of Transparency: Damon Leverett, Senior Lecturer in Architecture
The House of Transparency by Damon Leverett is the competition entry for the 1997 design competition conducted by Transparency International. The building serves as an exhibition, meeting and contemplation space.
Introducing the CAPLA Student Technology Initiative: An Urgent Need for Students
CAPLA students are facing a critical moment—returning for the Fall 2020 semester without access to the technology they need to succeed. To help them bridge the gap, CAPLA launched the CAPLA Student Tech and Materials crowdfunding initiative at crowdfund.arizona.edu/caplatech
A Broad Spectrum of Energy: Sara Ghaemi '20 MS Arch
Sara Ghaemi, who holds a bachelor's degree in architectural engineering from Iran, came to CAPLA to study the Master of Science in Architecture because it provides an opportunity to focus on sustainability and energy efficiency in the built environment.
A Focus on Emerging Building Technologies: Maryam Moradnejad '20 MS Arch
Maryam Moradnejad, who holds a Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Construction Management from Iran, came to CAPLA to study the Master of Science in Architecture because of the opportunity to research emerging building technologies.
Improving Design Outcomes: Altaf Engineer, Assistant Professor of Architecture
Assistant Professor of Architecture Altaf Engineer, who joined CAPLA in 2017, has always felt a deep responsibility to apply his knowledge and skills to address critical health, social and environmental issues affecting humans worldwide.
Staying Present in Design and Construction: Liz Madsen '20 M.Arch
Liz Madsen, who is from Tucson, entered the Master of Architecture program after receiving undergraduate degrees in architectural studies and urban planning. She chose CAPLA in part because of the world-class Materials Lab.
Urban Green Infrastructure Project Led by Landscape Architecture Professor Bo Yang Wins ASLA Honor Award for Research
Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning Professor Bo Yang has been awarded the prestigious Honor Award, Research from the American Society of Landscape Architects for the research project, "Particulate matter mitigation through urban green infrastructure: Research on optimization of block-scale green space."
Tucson Verde Para Todos: CAPLA Faculty and Landscape Architecture Students Engage South Tucson Community through Green Infrastructure
Tucson Verde para Todos aims to address injustices around green infrastructure by promoting a strategy to address inequities in green infrastructure funding, siting and implementation through collaborative, participatory community engagement, as at Star Academic High School.
Real Estate Development Lecturer James Brian Marian Facilitates Real Estate Research Council Meeting on COVID-19 Impact
Real Estate Development Lecturer James Brian Marian recently facilitated the Pima County Real Estate Research Council's first meeting on the impacts of COVID-19. The meeting's summary was published in the June 2020 issue of TREND Report.