Jesus Robles Showcases Tucson-Inspired Work at the Venice Biennale
Jesus Robles, an Assistant Professor of Practice and co-founder of the architecture studio DUST, was selected to showcase Tucson-inspired work at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale, one of the world’s leading platforms for design innovation. His installation, created for the U.S. Pavilion’s exhibition “Porch: An Architecture of Generosity,” highlights the ecological richness of southern Arizona and reimagines a small wildlife pavilion as a metaphor for broader regional challenges related to conservation, culture, and water resilience. Robles’ contribution not only elevates the work of the Tucson Audubon Society on an international stage but also reflects the design values he brings to CAPLA: a commitment to place-based thinking and the belief that even small-scale architecture can illuminate larger environmental issues.
Lecture Recap | Essence: A Lecture by coLAB Studio
Speakers from coLAB studio discussed the intrinsic nature and indispensable quality that determines an individual's character as a designer.
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.
Demystifying Creativity: Lecture by Luis Ibarra, Ibarra Rosano Design Architects
Luis Ibarra is the Design Principal and Co-founder of Ibarra Rosano Design Architects, founded in 1999. The firm has earned numerous national and international awards for its sensitive approach to designing in the Sonoran Desert, emphasizing responsive and responsible design ethics.
In the News: CAPLA Associate Professor Jonathan Bean
CAPLA Assistance Professor Jonathan Bean emphasized the need for energy-efficient AI systems in a September "InformationWeek" article. He cautioned that unchecked AI growth could jeopardize sustainability efforts, urging a balance between technological progress and environmental responsibility.
CAPLA students collaborate with Iskashitaa Refugee Network on experiential learning garden
Last spring, CAPLA Sustainable Built Environments Lecturer Nataliya Apanovich partnered with Iskashitaa Refugee Network to create a study concerning issues among University of Arizona students and United Nation (UN) Refugees.