Notre Dame School of Architecture

Powerful Means Alumnus Advances Global Dialogue on Sustainable Design! Matthew Espeland (‘24) received a Powerful Means Initiative Student Impact Grant to travel abroad this fall to present at the 61st International Making Cities Livable Conference in Cortona, Italy. Matthew had the opportunity to present his senior thesis (see below) through the Notre Dame School of Architecture on “A Proposed School for Traditional Building Arts & Crafts in Kalongo, Uganda” (currently published in The Journal for Traditional Building, Architecture, and Urbanism (Issue No. 5)). Here, Matthew shared his work (inspired by Saint Bakhita's Vocational Training Center) in integrating traditional Ugandan architecture with modern urban ideas, developed through his multiple trips to Kalongo to assist in the design and development of the Saint Bakhita restaurant and Early Childhood Development Center. Matthew’s presentation emphasized alignment with global perspectives on sustainable urbanism and city development. Reflecting on his growth into the world of sustainable architecture and urban design, Matthew noted, “I am excited to carry forward the passion sparked by this experience into my professional career, with the hope of contributing to the creation of cities and buildings that honor both cultural heritage and sustainable development goals.”

The Second Annual Duda Forum on Historic Preservation and Sustainable Development was in San Antonio, Texas, last weekend, focusing on historic preservation and integrating new construction in historic settings. With one of Texas' most historic cities as the backdrop, participants examined a wide range of topics about designing new buildings in historic districts--sustainability, climate change, housing affordability, and new traditional architecture. Discussions spanned federal to local levels with keynote Sara C. Bronin, chair of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, followed by speakers from local officials and advocates, including professors Steven Semes and Paul Kapp. This event was sponsored by the Michael Christopher Duda Center, the Texas Historical Foundation, the The Conservation Society of San Antonio, and the City of San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation, through continued collaborate to support our shared missions.

The University of Notre Dame School of Architecture is seeking a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor in Architectural Design to teach upper-level design studios and contribute to the development of new coursework in architectural theory, history, and urbanism. This position offers an opportunity to join a vibrant academic community dedicated to fostering excellence in teaching, research, and the promotion of inclusivity.

Earlier today Provost John McGreevy announced Arun Agrawal, a renowned scholar of environmental politics and sustainable development, will join the University on Jan. 1, 2025, as the inaugural director of the Just Transformations to Sustainability Initiative, a key priority in our strategic framework. You can find more details in the linked news release. Drawing inspiration from Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical Laudato si', the Just Transformations to Sustainability Initiative will coordinate and amplify sustainability research, education, and engagement efforts across the University and train a new generation of sustainability champions dedicated to caring for our common home and supporting human flourishing. For the School of Architecture, this opens doors for our work in sustainable designs, buildings, and cities. “Climate is the biggest risk humanity is facing today,” Associate Professor of Architecture Krupali Krusche said in an interview with the Association of American Universities (AAU). “We need all hands on deck to make the impossible possible. All fields need to come together to support highly advanced interdisciplinary research. We need to challenge the world to get out of their comfort zone and make relevant changes for reductions in carbon emissions and for climate resilience to work.” Arun, who comes to us from the University of Michigan, is an exceptional scholar-teacher and an elected member of the National Academy of Sciences. He is a visionary leader who will significantly enhance University of Notre Dame’s role and influence in advancing sustainability efforts on a global scale. He will also join the Keough School of Global Affairs on January 1 as the Pulte Family Professor of Development Policy.

Announcing the second annual Duda Forum on Historic Preservation and Sustainable Development! The theme this year is "New Building in Old Cities," and will take place in San Antonio from Nov. 15-16, 2024. More info and registration here: https://lnkd.in/gRM46ptr Hosted by: Texas Historical Foundation; the Michael C. Duda Center for Historic Preservation and Sustainable Development at the Notre Dame School of Architecture; and The Conservation Society of San Antonio.

Join the School of Architecture for a lecture by Ashley R. Wilson, FAIA, as she explores the role of preservation in addressing modern architectural challenges, including sustainable development and the conservation of recent heritage. Drawing on her extensive experience, she will discuss how preservation practices can foster community development and urban regeneration while maintaining the integrity of historic sites. Register via zoom for continuing education and/or AIA credit.

#Retrofitting, renovating or reusing existing buildings can be?more effective in reducing operational and #embodiedcarbon?than constructing new ones, Ming Hu, associate dean for research, scholarship and creative work at the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture, suggests in a research note?- via Smart Cities Dive.

Point 1: Architecture and Nature Over the centuries, architecture has served as the means of sheltering people, their enterprises, and institutions. It has provided stability, beauty, and meaning to human communities while allowing them access to the bounty of nature. Our program is grounded in the premise that architecture is the foundation of an evolving human habitat that must always develop in harmony with nature. Pictured: Stephanie Kubus ’20, thesis project, “Architectural Dignity in Death: A Proposal for a Funerary Complex in Latrobe, Pennsylvania,” which won the Henry Adams for Undergraduates Award, Honorable Mention Award for Design Excellence in Architecture, Jury's Choice (Undergraduate), and the Rambusch Prize. Her thesis focused on the combination of architecture and the natural landscape to create a commemorative space that emphasizes the dignity of life and death, wherein lies the symbolic power. The student work featured above is representative of the 12 points highlighted in An Architectural Pedagogy for the Twenty-First Century. Request a printed book via the second link in our linktree, or view/download the online book via the link in our story. https://lnkd.in/g4B7brXP

Point 9: Building the Skills of Observation and Judgment We believe that learning by seeing and experiencing an architecture, urbanism, and landscape of time, place, and beauty exposes the underlying values and resilience of societies beyond merely the visible or tangible. It eventually impresses on students the need to become responsible for their design choices and actions. Pictured above: In a counterproposal for the national WWI memorial that was under construction from 2016 to 2021, Julian David Murphy ’20 aimed to “provide a setting in the nation’s capital in which to understand the sacrifice of the conflict through commemorative ritual.” The design presents two approaches to commemoration, one through the museum’s preservation of artifacts and the other through the plaza to serve as a venue for public interaction. This project was awarded the Ferguson and Shamamian Graduate Prize and the Leon Battista Alberti Award. The student work highlighted is representative of the 12 points featured in An Architectural Pedagogy for the Twenty-First Century. Request a printed book via the second link in our linktree, or view/download the online book via the link below. https://lnkd.in/g4B7brXP

What an exciting translational research initiative out of the School of Architecture the University of Notre Dame. Notre Dame Research continuing to have impact locally, regionally, and across the globe! https://lnkd.in/dzeDX6-j