Activities & Accomplishments

Urban Architecture Activities & Accomplishments

Professor Kathy Dixon Received the 2022 AIA Whitney M. Young Jr. Award at the AIA Conference on Architecture in Chicago, Illinois.

RIDING THE VORTEX (VORTEX), a collaboration of African-American women representing the entire spectrum of practice has endeavored to increase the number of people of color licensed to practice architecture in the U.S. Following its 2007 launch at the AIA Conference on Architecture in San Antonio, VORTEX has directly responded to Whitney M. Young Jr.’s observations on the disheartening history of American architecture. VORTEX’s key collaborators are architects and design leaders

Picture: Vortex Collaborators, Melissa Daniel, Kathy Dixon, Kathryn Prigmore, and Katherine Williams with 2022 Conference Keynote Speaker, Former President Barack Obama.

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Graduate and Undergraduate Architecture Students at 2022 National Organization of Minority Architects Conference

Undergraduate Students and Visiting Architects From Local Firms

Graduate Students Working on Site Model

Members of UDC NOMAS Student Organization Making Presentations

Architecture Features in the Media

Student Work

Trever Bellew

A captivating pavilion meticulously designed for the esteemed World Expo 2025 in Japan, showcases the essence of Mexico and its resolute commitment to confronting the challenges of climate change. Drawing inspiration from the breathtaking architectural wonders of Mexico’s revered Yucatan Peninsula, the Mexican Pavilion emerges as a beacon of resilience, uniting past and present to propose an innovative solution for coastal communities on the brink of climate-induced transformation. This groundbreaking project boasts an interconnected network of five thoughtfully designed pods, seamlessly connected by a picturesque terrace, all delicately elevated five feet above the pristine waters. Each pod serves a unique purpose, featuring three public venues, a cozy coffee house, and a dynamic office space. The pavilion boldly addresses the urgent need to cultivate interconnected communities in areas imperiled by rising sea levels, extending a lifeline to those determined to preserve their ancestral homelands. By curbing climate migration, this visionary design empowers individuals to steadfastly maintain their cherished sense of place.

Cesar Santos

Under the guidance and supervision of Dr. Golnar Ahmadi, the project was successfully completed during the spring semester of 2023 as part of my Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture. This endeavor took place during my third year of study, specifically within the framework of one of my studio classes, ARCP 302, which focused on design principles and concepts.

This video serves as a comprehensive compilation showcasing the development of my final project for the course ARCP 302.

For the spring semester of 2023, students were required to design a pavilion for the 2025 World Expo that will take place in Osaka, Japan. The World Expo is a global event that showcases the best in technology, sustainability, and architectural design. With the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” the Expo aims to present innovative solutions and ideas that positively impact human lives. It focuses on sub-themes such as saving lives, connecting lives, and empowering lives, highlighting the Expo’s commitment to addressing global challenges and creating a better future.

Being originally from Brazil, I challenged myself with creating the Brazilian pavilion. Drawing inspiration from Burle Marx, a plastic artist, and architect who designed the most iconic boardwalk located in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I crafted an organic shell that encompasses the entire pavilion program. The project’s aim was to create an immersive experience that transports visitors to a jungle-like setting while educating them on various topics related to mental and physical health through the exhibit rooms.