Envisioning Dallas Symposium Inspires Innovative Thought on City's Future
The University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture hosted its third annual "Future of Texas City-Regions Symposium," Envisioning Dallas: From Triangle to Trinity on Tuesday, May 2, at the Dallas Arboretum.
The event was co-chaired by School Advisory Council members Emily Summers and Bill Booziotis [B.Arch. '57]. Associate Professor Dean Almy and Assistant Professors Hope Hasbrouck and Ming Zhang moderated panels. Larry Good [B.Arch. '72] did a fantastic job of emceeing the afternoon event that featured presentations by Dr. Catherine Ross of Georgia Tech, Mary Margaret Jones of Hargreaves Associates, Professor Nina-Marie Lister of Ryerson University, Tary Arterburn of MESA Design Group, Professor Richard Plunz of Columbia University, Dean Don Gatzke of the University of Texas at Arlington, and Michael Morris of the North Central Texas Council of Governments.
Dr. Ross asked, "Who are the people moving to the region?" She noted that while many places within Texas are growing, other communities are losing population. As a result, it is important to consider the possible equity consequences.
Professor Lister used the Toronto Greenbelt as a case example for regional planning. Toronto is expected to grow from 5 to 10 million people in the coming decades. She described how 1.8 acres are being preserved for open space in the Toronto region.
At the Town Hall dinner portion of the symposium, Bill Booziotis welcomed the Town Hall guests and presenters. After dinner, University of Texas at Dallas President David Daniel introduced our featured dinner speaker, Ross Perot Jr., chairman of the board of Perot Systems Corporation and chairman of Hillwood Development Corporation. Following Mr. Perot's remarks, Dean Fritz Steiner moderated a Town Hall panel featuring Robert Decherd, Chairman and CEO of the Belo Corporation; Gail Thomas of the Trinity Trust; and Karl Zavitkovsky, the director of economic development for the City of Dallas.
Associate Professor Dean Almy led the conception of the stimulating event. Assistant Dean Kris Vetter led its organization. As a result of their leadership and efforts of the Dallas Urban Lab task force, it was announced we will inaugurate the Dallas Urban Laboratory in January 2007 (www.utexas.edu/architecture/events/envisioningdallas/urbanlab.htm).
The Dallas Urban Laboratory will bring the University's faculty and students to Dallas each spring and summer to conduct design explorations and local research into such large urban design issues as the relationship between our health and the built environment, affordable housing, and expanding mass transit. Students in the spring studio will also have the opportunity to co-op half-time with local partner firms.
We would like to thank co-chairs Emily Summers and Bill Booziotis and task force members Frank Aldridge, Chuck Armstrong, Bob Carrozza, Diane Cheatham, Gary Cunningham, Robert Decherd, Larry Good, Ken Hughes, and Dan Shipley for their efforts in making this event a success.
Events
EXHIBIT
UT SolarD SNAP House.
Through May 20
Get into the SNAP House:
the 2005 UTsolarD 'super nifty action package'
Architecture & Planning Library
Battle Hall 200
"Get into the SNAP House: the 2005 UTsolarD 'super nifty action package'" is now on view in the Architecture & Planning Library through the end of the spring semester. This exhibit, featuring information panels, models, and a documentary video, was prepared by the 2005 School of Architecture Solar Decathlon Team, with Michael Garrison, Elizabeth Alford, and Samantha Randall as faculty advisors. The Architecture & Planning Library hours are listed at: www.lib.utexas.edu/about/hours/apl.html.
EXHIBIT
Anthony Maddaloni, untitled, 2006, Cyanotype.
February 1 - August 4
Into the Light:
A Sampler of Alternative
Photographic Processes
Visual Resources Collection
Sutton 3.128 (Monday-Friday, 8-5)
The exhibit "Into the Light: A Sampler of Alternative Photographic Processes" presents work produced by way of alternative means in the Photo Union Darkroom, a facility available to all currently enrolled architecture students for a nominal fee. Pinhole, Cyanotypes, and Polaroid transfer prints represented in this exhibit serve to illustrate that in this age of digital perfection, there is a growing body of individuals returning to historical methods to hand-craft photographic images. Alternative photographic processes, such as the ones represented in this exhibit, result in unique and compelling images.
Faculty Scholarship and Awards
Professor Michael Garrison's design project, "A Home for an Ecologist," was given an Honorable Mention Award by the AIA Committee on Design and the AIA Committee on the Environment. The international competition was for the design of a 1500-square-foot zero net energy dwelling to be located on the grounds of the National Conservation Training Center (NCTC) in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. The design was chosen by a jury that included Peter Q. Bohlin, Allison Ewing, James Timberlake, Susan Szenasy, Will Bruder, Russell Pery, and Ralph Johnson.
An exhibition of the winning entries (including jury mentions) and a conference session devoted to the competition will be held at the upcoming AIA "The Architecture of Sustainability" conference to be held May 4-7, 2006, in Washington, D.C.
Winning entries will also be displayed at the 2006 AIA National Convention and Expo in Los Angeles, June 8-10.
An article on the winning competition entries and comments from the jury will appear in a forthcoming issue of AIArchitect and will also be posted on the Committee on Design home page of the AIA web site.
Assistant Professor Lois Weinthal's design project, "Berlin: A Renovation of Postcards," is featured in the Editor's Introduction of the Journal of Architectural Education's recent issue on Installations by Architects (volume 59, Issue 4, May 2006). An image of the project, which uses postcards of East and West Berlin, was installed in the Berlin Friedrichstrasse subway station on advertising billboards and is included as the article's frontispiece image.
Assistant Professor Smilja Milovanovic-Bertram presented a paper titled "Travel: Conceptual and Material Itineraries" at the 22nd National Conference on the Beginning Design Student, held at Iowa State University in Ames.
Prior to the conference, Professor Milovanovic spent a week at the College of Design at Iowa State on a Big XII Faculty Fellowship. She collaborated with faculty by exchanging teaching philosophies of the core program and participated in undergraduate and graduate studios.
Associate Professor Juan Miró delivered the keynote lecture at the II International Conference on Conservation of Heritage celebrated at the Universidad Autónoma de Yucatan in Mérida, Mexico. During the three-day conference, sixty architects, archaeologists, and historians from Mexico, Spain, and the U.S. presented current strategies for the research, conservation, and restoration of the archaelogical, historic, artistic, and natural heritage in contemporary cities.
Professor Miró's lecture was titled "Teotihuacán: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow." He presented the historic significance of the ancient city of Teotihuacán where, he argued, the city itself was elevated to object of worship. Then he analyzed the precarious current conditions to protect the achaelogical zone, where legal and jurisdictional conflicts, coupled with rapid urban growth in the surrounding comunities, are jeopardizing the conservation of the site. Lastly, he presented ideas for how to coordinate efforts to protect the ancient city while promoting economic development in the Valley of Teotihuacán.
Alumni Events & Updates
WILLIAM MCMINN WINS TOPAZ AWARD
William G. McMinn, FAIA
Architect and professor William G. McMinn, FAIA [M.Arch. '54], has been named recipient of the 2006 Topaz Medallion for Excellence in Architectural Education by the AIA Board and the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA).
The AIA/ACSA Topaz Medallion honors an individual who has made outstanding contributions to architecture education for at least 10 years, whose teaching has influenced a broad range of students, and who has helped shape the minds of those who will shape our environment. The award was presented at the ACSA annual meeting in March 2006 in Salt Lake City and will be presented again in early June at the 2006 AIA National Convention in Los Angeles.
For a detailed account of Professor McMinn's career and accomplishments, see the AIA 2006 Topaz Award announcement at:
www.aia.org/aiarchitect/thisweek05/tw1209/tw1209topaz.cfm.
LUNCHEON FOR GRADUATING STUDENTS
Graduate Luncheon participants Dean Fritz Steiner, Barrie Cogburn, Amelia Sondgeroth, Wendy Konradi, John Nyfeler, Kristen Heaney, Diane Cheatham, and Susan Benz. Photograph by Charlotte Pickett.
On Thursday, April 21, the Advisory Council hosted a luncheon for graduating students in the Architecture and Planning Library. John Nyfeler [B.Arch. '58] moderated a panel discussion by Susan Benz [B.Arch. '84], Diane Cheatham, Amelia Sondgeroth [M.S.C.R.P. '88], Wendy Konradi [B.S.I.D. '96], Kristen Heaney [M.Arch. '03], and Barrie Cogburn, a Texas A&M landscape architecture alumna. The discussion was aimed at preparing graduates for life outside of the School of Architecture, and panelists described their first job experiences, gave career advice, and answered questions from the graduating class.
APA NETWORKING RECEPTION
Community and Regional Planning students (clockwise from left) Jasmin Smith, Pragati Srivastava, Ryan Sullivan, Sujin Hong, Marisa Ballas, and Emily Anderson at the APA networking reception in San Antonio. Photograph by Sarah Slovak.
On Monday, April 24, the School of Architecture hosted a reception for 150 people at Aldaco's Restaurant in San Antonio. The reception was held during the American Planning Association National Conference and was an opportunity for Community and Regional Planning students, alumni, and professionals to mingle and network. More than 30 CRP students attended the conference and reception through the generous support of Laura Powell [M.S.C.R.P. '95], Leilah Powell [M.S.C.R.P. '96], Susan Benz [B.Arch '84], Jackie Chuter [M.S.C.R.P. '02], Yun-Jeong Cho [M.S.C.R.P. '01)], Kent Collins [B.Arch '81], Gene Lewis, Mike McAnelly, Ray Quay [M.S.C.R.P. '78], Craig Stafford [M.S.C.R.P. '83)], and Karen Walz (Advisory Council).
CLASS OF 1956 REUNION
Alumni from the Class of 1956 during their 50-year reunion: Bob Arburn, Aubrey Hallum, Audrey Brians, Kendall Mower, Duke Squibb, Boone Powell, Richard Linden, Donus Ricks, and Bob Coffee. Photograph by Charlotte Pickett.
On Thursday, April 27, the School of Architecture hosted a 50-year reunion for the Class of 1956. Nearly a third of the graduating class attended, including reunion chairperson Boone Powell [B.Arch. '56] and his wife Dianne; Bob Arburn [B.Arch. '56] and his wife Theresa; Audrey Brians [B.Arch. '56]; Aubrey Hallum [B.Arch. '56] and his wife Yvonne; Richard Linden [B.Arch. '56] and his wife Jane; Kendall Mower [B.Arch. '56] and his wife Kathryn; Donus Ricks [B.Arch. '56]; Duke Squibb [B.Arch. '56]; and Bob Coffee [B.Arch. '62], who received a Bachelor of Journalism in 1956.
Following lunch with Dean Fritz Steiner and alumni coordinator Stephanie Palmer, alumni were treated to a special program at the School of Architecture. Dean Steiner updated the alumni on the progress of the School while Professor David Heymann presented his exhibit with Visiting Associate Professor Barbara Hoidn and O'Neil Ford Professor Wilfried Wang in the Mebane Gallery. The group then toured the Materials Library, viewed photos and drawings from their student days in the Alexander Architectural Archives, and visited with Associate Professor Dean Almy, Professor Richard Swallow, and Assistant Dean for Development Kris Vetter.
View the Class of 1956 Class Reunion photo album:
soa.utexas.edu/alumni/classof56.
We encourage all alumni to share news with us by submitting updates to Stephanie Palmer at stephanie.palmer@mail.utexas.edu. In addition, if you know of other alumni who may not be receiving this or other SOA publications, please forward their information to Stephanie or encourage those alums to contact her.
Interior Design Students Win Award
Entry to Hospitality Design magazine's awards competition by interior design students Sungmi Kim, Katie Marchand, and Jennifer Segsworth.
Congratulations to interior design students Sungmi Kim, Katie Marchand, and Jennifer Segsworth. Their project for a luxury theme hotel in the Middle East (completed last semester in the Wilson Associates Advanced Design studio) won honorable mention for student projects in Hospitality Design magazine's awards competition.
Friends of Architecture
Michoacán, Mexico
August 8-15, 2006
Purepecha girl in Nurio, Michoac´n, Mexico. Photograph by Nathan Schneider.
A place like no other, Michoacán is often referred to as the "soul of Mexico." FOA member Cyndy Severson is organizing a memorable tour of this central Mexican region. Steeped with rich cultural history and beautiful colonial architecture, we'll visit the cities of Uruapan, Pátzcuaro, and Morelia, traversing the unique cobblestone streets and historic plazas, savoring Mexico's amazing cuisine, and admiring the work of local artisans. A tour itinerary and registration details will be available soon. To sign up for membership or pre-register for the tour, contact Friends of Architecture Director Stephanie Palmer at 512-471-0617 or stephanie.palmer@mail.utexas.edu.
For information on Friends of Architecture membership or tours, visit us online at soa.utexas.edu/foa/intro.
Staff News
The School is pleased to announce that Carrie O'Malley will be joining the staff in the position of Career Services Director, replacing Sheila Balog who accepted a position in the College of Engineering.
Mrs. O'Malley has a bachelor of fine arts degree and a master's degree in counseling. She previously worked at St. Mary's University Career Services Center as associate director.
Dean's Journal
As you have undoubtedly noticed, it has been a busy few weeks. On Friday, April 21, I joined members of the School Advisory Council, many of our 2006 graduates, and several note-worthy local professionals for the Graduating Students' Luncheon--our first opportunity to congratulate the class of 2006. On Saturday, April 22, I drove to San Antonio for the annual American Planning Association conference. In addition to attending the Community and Regional Planning networking mixer on Monday, I also presented at APA's annual Planning Books Review, where I discussed Christiane Crasemann Collins' Werner Hegemann and the Search for Universal Urbanism, Bruce Babbitt's Cities in the Wilderness, and Deyan Sudjic's The Edifice Complex.
I returned to Austin to teach my class on Tuesday, April 25. The next morning, I met with Howard Rachofsky, Doug Curtis, and Deb Mitchell of JJR about the Dallas Arts District site plan, which is making good progress.
Later in the day, I attended the Heritage Society of Austin's Waterloo President's Council Reception in the Main Building. After a talk by UT-Austin President Bill Powers, I provided a tour of the President's Office and the Stark Library.
On Thursday, alumni coordinator Stephanie Palmer and I had lunch with our 50th year reunion class of 1956. I enjoyed sharing with the alumni the amazing changes that have occurred at the School over the past 50 years.
Friday morning, I attended the University Development Board meeting, where President Powers discussed the need to enhance graduate and programmatic funding.
Later, I participated in the landscape architecture students' celebration of Frederick Law Olmsted's 186th birthday. Although his actual birth date was two days earlier, we enjoyed a cake decorated with Olmsted and Charles Eliot's Emerald Necklace Plan. I then went to the Institute of Classical Archaeology reception. The event celebrated the publication of Professor Joseph Coleman Carter's new book, Discovering the Greek Countryside at Metaponto. Senior Lecturer Steve Ross and Michael Guarino [M.Arch. '86], both long-term ICA collaborators, also attended the reception.
That evening, I attended the seventh annual University Co-op George H. Mitchell Student Awards for Academic Excellence. The Co-Op made a $20,000 award for undergraduate research. School of Architecture student and Co-Op Board Member Tim Wingfield also participated in the event.
The first day of May also marked the first day of spring juries. In addition, Graduate School Dean Victoria Rodriguez and her staff visited the School.
UT-Arlington School of Architecture Dean Don Gatzke, City of Dallas Mayor Laura Miller, Dean Fritz Steiner, and Associate Professor Dean Almy at the Dallas Arboretum for the "Envisioning Dallas" Symposium, May 2. Photograph by Robert Cabello.
On Tuesday, I was in Dallas for our "Envisioning Dallas: From Triangle to Trinity" symposium, which hosted a broad audience of commmunity and civic leaders, as well as several members of the Dallas City Council and Mayor Laura Miller. See "Envisioning Dallas" section above for highlights from the symposium.
On Wednesday, May 3, my colleague, Professor Juan Luis de las Rivas, arrived from the University of Valladolid. A leading Spanish urbanist, he will be visiting the School for the next two weeks.
On Thursday, May 4, I participated in Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center executive committee and planning committee meetings. I also attended a reception for artists who had donated their work for a silent auction at the Wildflower Center Gala. Arthur Andersson contributed two watercolor drawings to the auction, while I donated two photographs.
The next day, I participated in the Wildflower Center Board of Trustees meeting and then the Gala. School Advisory Council members Susan Benz and Madison Smith [B.Arch. '80] also attended the Gala, as did many civic and university leaders, most notably, Lady Bird Johnson.
On Sunday morning, May 7, our Venice Biennale team met to discuss strategies for our exhibit. We will be exploring three scales: the region, the community, and the building. Our preliminary concept is to explore scenarios including what is possible and what is probable, as well as ideal futures.
Later that day, I flew to the University of Arkansas to visit their Department of Landscape Architecture. On Monday, May 8, I participated in an all-day curriculum review. The Arkansas faculty are planning to establish a Master of Landscape Architecture program and were especially interested in our experience.
On Tuesday, I returned to Austin for our all-School studio review. Yesterday, I participated in Ruth Carter Stevenson Chair Mario Schjetnan's studio jury. I then flew to Phoenix to attend my son Andrew's graduation ceremony from Arizona State University Thursday, May 11.
—Fritz Steiner
Contacts
UT-Austin School of Architecture
soa.utexas.edu
Architecture and Planning Student Council + AIA Students
studentorgs.utexas.edu/apscaias/
Dean's Office
512-471-1922; fax 512-471-0716
Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Programs
Jeanne Crawford; 512-471-0109; jcraw@mail.utexas.edu
Assistant Dean for Development
Kris Muñoz Vetter; 512-471-6114; kmvetter@mail.utexas.edu
Graduate Program Coordinator
Rosemin Gopaul; 512-471-0134; gopaul@mail.utexas.edu
Center for American Architecture and Design
512-471-9890; christinewong@mail.utexas.edu
Center for Sustainable Development
512-475-8013; utcsd@mail.utexas.edu
Publications Editor
Pamela Peters; 512-471-0154; p.peters@mail.utexas.edu
Friends of Architecture Director and Alumni Coordinator
Stephanie Palmer; 512-471-0617; stephanie.palmer@mail.utexas.edu
Director of Photography
Charlotte Pickett; c.pickett@mail.utexas.edu
Architecture and Planning Library
www.lib.utexas.edu/apl/; 512-495-4620
Webmaster
Christopher Rankin; crankin@mail.utexas.edu; 512-495-4620
UTSOA Mailing Address
The School of Architecture
The University of Texas at Austin
1 University Station B7500
Austin, TX 78712-0222
