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.
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.
Cities as Harmony: Brian Bidolli, Lecturer in Real Estate Development and Urban Planning
Lecturer in Real Estate Development and Urban Planning Brian Bidolli joined CAPLA in 2017. In addition to teaching in the Master of Real Estate Development program, he conducts market research programs for the School of Landscape Architecture and Planning.