Professor Fowler Named DPACSA Secretary

At the annual meeting of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecutre (ACSA) in Boston March 1-3, Professor Thomas Fowler was elected Secretary to the College of Distinguished Professors, a year-long term that preceeds one-year terms for vice chancellor, chancellor, and past chancellor.

Fowler was named ACSA Distinguished Professor at the 99th annual meeting in March 2011. It is one of the highest honors an educator receives from the ACSA. Founded in 2010, the College of Distinguished Professors serves the following purposes:

• To further informt he process of selecting DPACSA honorees
• To provide guidance to junior faculty
• To identify and dissemibate best practices in teaching, research, scholarship and service
• To stimulate a sharing of interest among DPACSA colleagues
• To promote the purpose of the ACSA
• To advance architectural education
• To be of ever-increasing services to society

Recently, Fowler was named a Top 25 Most Admired Educator of 2012 by DesignIntelligence. Scroll down for details on that story.

To learn more about ACSA, go to their website at www.acsa-arch.org/.

Renovating Historic Hallidie

Annie Lo (ARCH, '05) represents McGinnis Chen Associates, the architect of record for the renovation of San Francisco's historic Hallidie building. She is working with Bruce Albert (ARCH, '77), principal at The Albert Group, a project, construction and development management company representing the building owners. Both Lo and Albert find the Hallidie building particularly interesting not only because it was a progressive structure built in 1918 by Willis Polk, an architect known for designing classical buildings in the Bay Area, but also for the fact that it was the first glass wall building in the nation and named after Andrew Hallidie, inventor of the modern day cable car system in San Francisco.

Cal Poly alumna, Annie Lo.

"Rarely," says Lo, "is a building significant for its design, architect, and name."

Lo is responsible for inspecting, assessing, labeling, photographing and documenting each piece of the building's curtain wall, balconies, and fire escapes, which were deemed unsafe in 2010 because of extreme corrosion due to 90 years of water infiltration. The hands on work she is doing today, Annie says, was inspired by Cal Poly's learn by doing philosophy. She wanted to learn about design and construction outside the office or studio.

"When I found out she was a Cal Poly grad, I knew she would have the training I needed for this project," Albert says of Lo.

The project manager for the Hallidie building renovation, Albert attributes the cultivation of his interest in how and why things work to his educational experience. At Cal Poly, he learned how to take things apart, analyze them, and put them back together both mentally and physically and he knew, as a fellow alum, Annie would have a similar skill set for this piece by piece project.

Hallidie Building, sheet metal cornice.

"What is particularly interesting," Albert says"…is that its construction is quite literally the 'kit of parts' that we all discussed in design studio at Cal Poly. In 1918, there was no precedence for how to construct a curtain of exterior glass on a high-rise building. Polk selected various off-the-shelf steel angles, tees and flat plates and bolted them together to create a mullion system with removable window frames with operable sashes. The first ever."

A third Cal Poly alum is also involved in the project representing the general contractor, Cannon Constructors. Nicholas Sammartino is responsible for developing costs, schedule and overseeing Cannon's and specialty contractors' work.

Hallidie Building facade, west end.

Members of this team include structural engineers, a preservation architect, sculptor, materials scientist and specialty contractors. They commenced work in October 2011 and are faced with the challenge of restoring one of the City's favorite buildings.

Currently, they are taking down the balconies, decorative sheet metal and windows that are part of the curtain wall façade, which requires a safety uniform: Tyvek jumpsuit, respirator and goggles. Structural components of the balconies will be repaired once those pieces are removed.

"In a way," Lo says, "the design concept of the façade parallels the character of San Francisco, which is a city of tradition enriched with layers of innovation and modernism."

All images courtesy of Annie Lo.

See the "Para.Sites" on Building 05!

Walking around the Architecture and Environmental Design Building, one might notice new additions to the external structure. These "para.sites" are projects designed by 57 teams of three freshmen majoring in architecture or architectural engineering.

The assignment requires acknowledgment of continued use of building space without permanent modifications and with the potential to recycle the materials when disassembled.

Instructor Michael Lucas explained, "the ideas of modes of representation and what is represented meet in the execution of the projects...Students wrestle with perception, spatiality, materiality, weight, mass, light, wind, and concurrent building use. The final project installations call attention to a variety of responses to place, including subtle and overt aspects of building 05, the paths of the sun and students, and the mundane raised to the poetic through the building modifications." Through this project, students learn what they are capable of accomplishing together as opposed to individually, Lucas said, "and how to manage talent and time within a complex assignment."

The course is taught by a collaborative faculty team with assistance from the Support Shop. Student work has been published in the Proceedings of the National Conference on the Beginning Design Student and has been presented at the CSU Symposium on University Teaching as well as at other national and international conferences.

Don't miss the spectacular display! Para.sites will be removed on Monday, March 12.

CM Students Win Top Honors

Of 169 teams competing in the 2012 Associated Schools of Construction Competition (ASC), Cal Poly's Construction Management teams came out on top, placing first, second and third in Concrete Solutions & Design Build, Mixed Use & Determining Project Risk, and Marine Construction, Mechanical & Electrical divisions.

To read the full press release, go to Cal Poly News.

New Alumni Events

Alumni events in San Francisco, Fresno and Pasadena are planned for March 8, April 26, and May 3 respectively. All three events are hosted by regional companies and the Architecture Department with City and Regional Planning hosting two.

For details on these upcoming events, go to the Architecture Department Alumni & Friends web page.

ARCH Alumnus Dominic Leong Featured in Design Vanguard

Leong-Leong Architecture (LLA) was selected for the 2011 issue of Design Vanguard by Architectural Record, an annual publication featuring architects considered to be future leaders in the industry based on current, ground-breaking work.

LLA was selected by a panel composed of U.S. deans of architecture and architecture critics after reviewing professional portfolios.

Dominic Leong (B. Arch '01), pictured above, shares ownership of the New York-based firm with his brother, Chris Leong. Together, they have created innovative, aesthetically pleasing and sustainable environments.

For more on Design Vanguard, go to the Architectural Record website.

Professor Fowler Named DesignIntelligence Top 25 Most Admired Educator

DesignIntelligence (DI) annually honors twenty-five individuals who exemplify excellence in education and education administration. This honor is open to individuals in architecture, industrial design, interior design, and landscape architecture. This year, the College of Architecture and Environmental Design congratulates professor Thomas Fowler for achieving a place on the DI Top 25 Most Admired Educators of 2012.

When Professor Fowler learned he was selected, he was a little bewildered and very humbled. “This is not something you can apply for,” he said, “so it is quite the mystery as to how educators are selected for this.”

The success of his career, however, is no mystery. Beginning with his time as an undergrad, Fowler served as the National Student President of the AIAS (American Institute of Architecture Students), traveling nationally to learn about the country’s architecture programs and gaining insight into a variety of innovative school programs. Then, as a graduate student, he became Director of Minority Educational Affairs at Cornell’s College of Architecture, Art and Planning. From there, Fowler built his professional career in practice and teaching. In all, he has over 20 years of experience in the private and public sectors of the architecture industry, including many years of service to the NAAB (National Architectural Accrediting Board).

Fowler is a full-time professor, teaching a 3rd year building-design laboratory at Cal Poly, a part-time administrator - focusing on preparation of reaccreditation visits and reporting, and director of CIDS (Community-Collaborative Integrative Digital-Design Studio), founded in 1997 by Professor Fowler.

CIDS interweaves academia with professional development through team research and community service design projects at the local and national levels. It acts as a bridge between diverse disciplines and systems of learning. Fowler considers it to be his most significant project because it facilitates a non-traditional way for him to practice architecture in collaboration with his students while teaching and offers unique opportunities in a classroom environment.

Although he has received many awards of merit, when asked about his greatest honor, Fowler replies, “when former students keep me posted on their personal and professional growth…and [when they] seek professional advice. It’s always insightful to hear former students reflect on the connections of classroom to professional life.”

Fowler strives to find new ways of keeping his students engaged in their studies. With “all the distractions inherent in the new gadgets and social media students have access to,” Fowler says, “this is a challenge.” And the reward lies in the outcome of his connection with students. “It is always stimulating to hear and see what the students are working on, and I’m constantly learning from these exchanges.”

His students seem to feel the same. When asked what she thinks makes Professor Fowler one of the most admired educators of 2012, a 3rd year architecture student replied:

He is passionate about what he does. Every day, he arrives to the classroom energized and tries to keep students happy. It’s fun. He is engaging. He actively incorporates other disciplines and design approaches into his teachings. Other professors are often one-sided. There is more to take away from the learning experience in his class.

Honored as a Distinguished Professor, having founded a studio linking practice to academia, and with students who describe his course as “fun” and “engaging,” it is no wonder Professor Fowler landed on DesignIntelligence’s Top 25 Most Admired Educators of 2012 list.

http://www.di.net/articles/archive/3740/
* The 2012 class of education role models was selected by DesignIntelligence staff with input from design professionals, academic department heads, and students. Educators and administrators from the disciplines of architecture, industrial design, interior design, and landscape architecture are considered for inclusion.

CRP Alumnus Named Architect of the Year by Golf Magazine

City and Regional Planning alumnus, Brian Curley (‘82), and his partner at Schmidt-Curley Design, Lee Schmidt, have been named 2011 ‘Architects of the Year’ by Golf Magazine.

Brian Curley developed his interest in designing golf courses while working as a caddie at courses around his hometown of Pebble Beach, CA. Upon graduating from Cal Poly, he accepted a position as land planner with Landmark Golf Company where, over time, golf course design and construction became his primary focus.

The partners founded Schmidt-Curley Design in 1997 in Scottsdale, Ariz., eventually branching out with offices today in Haikou and Kunming, China. Their golf courses have hosted world class PGA, European and LPGA tours. The innovative and influential firm has received many awards in addition to their latest acclaim, including Asian Golf Monthly’s 2011 ‘Best Golf Course Architects.’

In addition to the firm’s Principal, Brian Curley, Schmidt-Curley Design employs two Cal Poly landscape architecture alums as lead designers: Grant Haserot (LARC, ‘87) and Andy Raugust (LARC, ‘85).

To read more about Schmidt-Curley Design's award go toGolf Business News.

Grad Students to Update General Plan for City of Newark

Fifteen graduate students gain hands on experience as they, along with Professor Cornelius Nuworsoo of Cal Poly's City and Regional Planning Department, have been contracted by the city of Newark, Calif., to update its 20-year-old General Plan.

Residents of Newark will attend a series of meetings to provide input on potential improvements to city structure as part of the Newark General Plan Enhancement Project. Students will collaborate with residents, city workers, conduct surveys and research to create a plan that reflects the city's vision.

The General Plan will be used as a policy guide for city and county leaders involved in future development of Newark. For more information about the project, go to Newark Patch.

Announcing New Director of Development

The College of Architecture and Environmental Design introduces its new Director of Development, Allie Jones.

Prior to joining CAED, Allie served as Regional Development Director for Cal Poly's University Advancement team. She brings a wealth of experience working in fundraising, planned and major giving, corporate and foundation relations, non-profit organizations, and alumni relations.

Please join us in welcoming Allie to her new position as Director of Development for the College.

Architecture and Landscape Arch Programs Earn Top Honors Again from DesignIntelligence

Cal Poly continues to lead the nation's architecture and design programs in an annual survey by the monthly journal DesignIntelligence.

DesignIntelligence ranks Cal Poly's landscape architecture program first in the Western region and third in national undergraduate programs in preparing students for success. Cal Poly tied with Purdue University and Texas A&M. Louisiana State and Penn State ranked first and second, respectively.

Cal Poly's architecture program ranks fourth, following Cornell University, the University of Texas at Austin, and Virginia Tech, and it earned top honors for the fifth consecutive year in the methods and materials category. The landscape architecture program also earned top honors in the category of cross-disciplinary teamwork.

Read the full news release.

Dean Jones Returns to Teaching

Dean R. Thomas Jones has announced that he will be stepping down to teach in the Architecture Department.

His tenure as dean of the College of Architecture and Environmental Design began in 2003. He will continue to serve in that role until mid year 2012, when it is anticipated that a new dean for the college will take the reigns. Jones is excited about teaching and will continue his efforts to expand the CAED Metro Programs.

"My tenure as dean has been incredibly fulfilling and satisfying, but now it's time for a new person with a fresh perspective to guide the college to an even higher level," says Jones.

To view the full media release, go to the Cal Poly news page.

8th Annual Vellum/CAED Furniture Competition

The 2011 Vellum/CAED Furniture Competition and Exhibition is underway! Furniture designed and constructed by CAED students will be featured in a gallery exhibition with judging and reception held Friday, Nov. 4, from 5:30-10:00 pm at 848 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo. The display will continue on Nov. 5, from 10 am to 6 pm at the same location.

Kennedy Library will exhibit in collaboration with the Architecture Department: “Assembly Required: An Exhibition of Polytechnic Furniture Artists and Vellum Design Winners.” The exhibit is open Nov. 7 through Jan. 6.  

For more information about the 2011 Vellum/CAED Furniture Competition and Exhibition, go to the Architecture web page.

Wiley Faculty Book Fair and Publication Seminar

Wiley Publishers will provide two information sessions for faculty of the College of Architecture and Environmental Design on Nov. 2 and 3, 2012. An excellent resource for information on publishing, changes in the publication industry, and how the process works. The book fair will provide faculty access to the latest resources in construction management, planning, architecture, landscape architecture and related disciplines. Wiley representatives may also arrange meetings with faculty members to discuss needs and explore publishing opportunities.

The Nov. 2 session takes place 11-2pm (please note the amended time) in the Berg Gallery (05-105). The Nov. 3 seminar includes lunch and takes place from 12-1pm (same location).

Download the Wiley book fair flyer or email Sara Fries at sfries@wiley.com for more details.

Jason McLennan Lecture

Architect and CEO of Cascadia Green Building Council, Jason McLennan, will lecture on new trends in architecture, city planning and design on Friday, October 14 at 4:00pm in the Business Rotunda building 03-213.

For more information about this lecture or the Hearst Lecture Series, go to www.arch.calpoly.edu/news-events/hearst-lectures.html.

Career Services Presents: Career Extravaganza!

On October 6, 2011, Cal Poly Career Services is hosting a Career Extravaganza where students will be able to attend sessions to help them with resume, interview and career seeking skills. Following the Career Extravaganza, other workshops are available such as "Making the Most of the Career Fair" and "What Your Parents Never Told You: The 5 Es," explaining etiquette for email, electronics, equipment and dining.

The 2011 Career Fair on October 12 and 13 offers networking with businesses, some seeking to recruit students for co-op, internship, and career opportunities. Students from all majors and all levels (first year through alumni) are invited to attend in Chumash Auditorium from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with interviews from 1:30 - 4:30 pm.

For more information go to the Career Services website and download the Career Extravaganza flyer (pdf) or Career Services workshops and events flyer.

Mark Lakeman and Marisha Auerbach Lecture

The Landscape Architecture Department at Cal Poly is sponsoring a lecture on Friday, September 23rd, at 5:30 pm in the Berg Gallery by Mark Lakeman and Marisha Auerbach. Mark is the founder of the City Repair Project, among other world changing initiatives. Marisha is a practitioner and lecturer on permaculture and has collaborated with the City Repair Project.

City Repair is an organization composed mostly of volunteers whose mission is to educate and inspire people to "build community by creatively transforming public space into neighborhood gathering places."

The organization is best known for its community interventions, or "intersection repair" happenings, which are events that work to reclaim, for one day, residential street intersections as public plazas and gathering spaces. These efforts were born out of a desire to create stronger community ties in neighborhoods and highlight the lack of public spaces that are available within our physical environment. These events, which started with one intersection in Portland, are now a nationwide and even internationalphenomenon.

See flyer (pdf) for more information.

CRP Leaves Mark at Future Olympic Games

City and Regional Planning faculty member, Vicente del Rio, and his team were awarded second prize for the 2016 Olympic Park Master Plan in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Winners of this international competition were selected among 59 entries by teams from around the world. In addition to serving the Olympic games, the plan considered a long-term legacy mode that included a sustainable neighborhood. Professor del Rio’s team included the SWA Group and Gensler (both through their Los Angeles offices), CDC and MPG (Rio de Janeiro), Herrera Environmental (Seattle), and other consultants.

To review competition results, please go to: http://www.iabrj.org.br/vencedores-concurso-parque-olimpico.

Cal Poly's Commitment to Community

The Cal Poly community values a broad and inclusive campus learning experience where its members embrace core values of mutual respect, academic excellence, open inquiry, free expression and respect for diversity. Download Commitment Statement (.pdf).

Associate Dean Zweifel Elected American Society of Landscape Architects Vice President for Education

CAED Associate Dean Richard Zweifel, FASLA has recently been elected American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), Vice President for Education. He will be installed and serve a two-year term beginning at the annual meeting to be held Fall 2011 in San Diego. Among his duties as VP, Zweifel will be Executive Committee liaison to the Landscape Architectural Accrediting Board, the recognized accrediting body for all landscape architecture first professional degree programs in the USA.

ASLA is the national professional association for landscape architects, representing 17,000 members in 48 professional chapters and 68 student chapters. Zweifel was previously elected ASLA Fellow in 2000, joining a limited number of ASLA members to receive this honor since ASLA's founding in 1899. He has served on and chaired several state and national ASLA committees.

In addition to his ASLA involvement, Zweifel has been active in the Council of Landscape Architecture Registration Board's development of the national registration examination used in all 50 states for regulation of the profession. In addition, he was Governor's appointee and served as Landscape Architect's Technical Committee Chair of the California Architect's Board.

The mission of the American Society of Landscape Architects is to lead, to educate, and to participate in the careful stewardship, wise planning, and artful design of our cultural and natural environments.