The University of Kansas (KU) School of Architecture and Design is making waves in the world of architecture with its latest student projects. These innovative designs, featured in the Dezeen School Show, highlight the creativity and forward-thinking approach of the university’s architecture students. From a sculptural object symbolizing Kansas’s prairies to a cutting-edge airport perched on the Hudson River, these projects showcase the diverse talents and skills of the next generation of architects.
Emphasizing Design Education and Collaboration
The Department of Architecture at the University of Kansas takes pride in its commitment to design education and collaboration. Through diverse experiences that include learning through making, collaborative research, and community engagement, the department aims to provide students with a well-rounded architectural education. The school emphasizes hands-on design-build experiences and study abroad opportunities, ensuring that students gain practical skills and a global perspective.
Haven Studio: A Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Home
One standout project from the University of Kansas is Haven Studio, a small, solar-powered, net-zero energy demonstration home. Designed and built by students, this innovative structure showcases sustainable design principles, including a well-insulated and air-tight envelope, quad-pane windows, and innovative continuous timber board insulation. The studio’s focus on natural lighting and energy efficiency makes it a model for environmentally conscious architecture.
River Rock Elementary School for Visually Impaired: Designing for Inclusivity
Another noteworthy project is the River Rock Elementary School for Visually Impaired. This school aims to address the unique challenges faced by visually impaired individuals by creating a space that relies on the other senses. Inspired by Colorado’s diverse landscapes, the school incorporates elements of color, texture, light, and materiality to create an environment that facilitates wayfinding and navigation for visually impaired students.
Link KC: Connecting Communities Through Aerial Lift
Link KC is a project that explores the socioeconomic impacts of connecting Kansas City, Kansas, and Kansas City, Missouri, through an aerial lift. With only one remaining streetcar line, these two cities are separated by a flood-prone industrial neighborhood. The aerial lift provides a cost-effective solution for reestablishing public transit connections while also offering recreational amenities to the surrounding community.
Vitality: Rethinking Stroke Rehabilitation Facilities
Vitality is a project that aims to redefine how stroke rehabilitation facilities are designed. By integrating evidence-based design principles, this project seeks to create spaces that support the health and well-being of stroke survivors. The focus is on creating an environment that promotes adaptation and recovery, addressing the challenges faced by stroke survivors in various aspects of their lives.
Hospitality for Holistic Wellness: A Healing Journey in Seoul
Hospitality for Holistic Wellness is a luxury hotel project that offers a culture-based healing journey in Seoul, South Korea. The design of the hotel incorporates traditional Korean and modern minimalist elements, creating a harmonious and balanced experience for guests. With a focus on physical and mental well-being, this project exemplifies the importance of holistic wellness in the hospitality industry.
Studio 804: Sustainable Development in Lawrence
Studio 804, a final-year option for the Master of Architecture program at KU, focuses on sustainable development. In 2023, Studio 804 designed and built a house in the Pinkney neighborhood of Lawrence, Kansas. This project aligns with the city’s long-term mission of creating a sustainable community by incorporating sustainable design features and aiming for LEED Platinum certification. By engaging students in all aspects of the design and construction process, Studio 804 provides a comprehensive learning experience.
The Paris Programme: Dancing Tower and Architectural Internships
The Paris Programme offers students the opportunity to complete studio coursework in Paris, France, under the tutelage of renowned architects. One standout project from this program is the Dancing Tower, a tiered building that serves as private student apartments, a library, and a rooftop restaurant and bar. This project showcases the students’ ability to integrate steel structures, creating a visually striking and functional design.
Skyport New York: A Visionary Transportation Hub
Skyport New York is a visionary transportation hub nestled within Hudson Yards in New York City. This project aims to reshape transit between major cities on the East Coast, providing efficient connections and addressing transportation gaps. With a vertiport that connects Manhattan to nearby airports and fosters interconnectivity between boroughs, Skyport New York enhances mobility and brings communities closer together.
Prairie in the Wind: Architectural Simulations of Kansas Prairies
Prairie in the Wind is a project that simulates the mechanism of Kansas prairies in architectural application. By fabricating a three-dimensional surface defined by the tips of individual wood members, this project captures the essence of prairies and their fluidity in the wind. The mutual relationship between materials creates a visually stunning and dynamic architectural form.
Solport-SkyHive: South Korea’s First Mass Timber Skyscraper
Solport-SkyHive in Seoul, South Korea, is the country’s first mass timber skyscraper. Inspired by the Korean red pine, this sustainable structure features a modular design that mimics the growth of a flourishing tree. With its integration into the city’s transportation system, Solport-SkyHive represents a groundbreaking approach to sustainable construction and urban development.
Conclusion:
The University of Kansas School of Architecture and Design is at the forefront of architectural innovation, as showcased by the impressive student projects featured in the Dezeen School Show. From sustainable homes to inclusive schools and visionary transportation hubs, these projects demonstrate the creativity, technical skill, and forward-thinking mindset of the university’s architecture students. As these young architects continue to push boundaries and challenge conventions, the future of architecture looks promising and exciting.
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