CAPLA Faculty Stand Out in Tucson's Casita Model Plan Competition for Innovative Housing Solutions

Nov. 28, 2023
Who
CAPLA Faculty
What
City of Tucson's Casita Model Plan Competition
Image
House design

 

CAPLA faculty members have been recognized in the recently concluded Casita Model Plan Competition—a strategic initiative by the City of Tucson, funded through the AARP 2023 Community Challenge grant, to address housing challenges. The competition, open to architects, engineers, designers, builders, contractors, design-build teams, and students, included an engaging three-week public voting period, attracting over 1,400 votes for 63 unique model designs. The jury, consisting of local architects, designers and builders, thoughtfully followed scoring guidelines to select the top 10 designs.

Notably, Jonathan Bean's Tux2, Valerie Lane's Roost, and the collaborative work of Anneheliza Jordaan and Stefan Mostert on Casita Sama were among the top 10 designs chosen by the local jury. These winning designs earned recognition for their innovation, each receiving a $1,000 prize along with waived building review fees. Beyond individual accomplishments, these faculty-designed models are poised to shape Tucson's housing landscape.

Featured in the Casita Model Plan Library—an online repository of pre-approved model plans—these designs will serve as inspiration for future Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) projects and offer a streamlined pathway for builders. The success of CAPLA faculty members in the Casita Model Plan Competition underscores their commitment to providing innovative solutions to Tucson's housing challenges through community-driven initiatives.

See all of the designs here.

  

Subscribe to The Studio

Sign up for CAPLA's monthly e-newsletter to get the latest news and events, insights from faculty and leadership, profiles of students and alumni and more.

Subscribe Now

Latest CAPLA News, Projects and Profiles

Image
From left, Diane Jacobs, Nancy Pollock-Ellwand and Chuck Albanese

Alumna and Architect Diane Reicher Jacobs Shares Journey and ‘Triple Dare’ with Graduates

Architect and alumna Diane Reicher Jacobs, FAIA '88 shared during her convocation address her unconventional path into architecture and the core values that have guided her work: truth, beauty, and love. She encouraged graduates to embrace the uncertainty ahead with curiosity and care, ending with a heartfelt “triple dare” to go forth and build better places.

Image
People gathered together and posing for a photo.

Drachman Institute celebrates community partners, impact

The Drachman Institute recognized 28 community leaders nominated by CAPLA faculty for their outstanding collaboration and leadership across diverse organizations. These awardees represent a wide range of sectors, including local government, nonprofits, and tribal communities, highlighting the strong partnerships fostered through the Drachman Institute.