College of Architecture and Urban Studies undergraduates win national design awards

Two third-year architecture students from Virginia Tech’s School of Architecture + Design in the College of Architecture and Urban Studies—Jonathan Hanahan, from Gibsonia, Pa., and Chelsea Greemore, from Alexandria, Va.—have won international awards from the Chicago Chapter of Architecture for Humanity (AFH Chicago).

Hanahan and Greemore vied with undergraduate students, graduate students, and professionals to win two of the four prizes awarded in this competition. Hanahan was selected by the jury to receive one of two Provocative Awards. Greemore's entry received one of two Humanitarian Awards.

AFH Chicago is a charitable organization working toward collective responsibility and awareness through action, education, and design advocacy that directly promotes community growth and sustainability.

Recent studies suggest that print media sales are declining by two percent per year. Chicago newsstand owners say they have seen sales decline by as much as two-thirds. Newsstand operators are not sure how to adapt business to the changing marketplace, as the news industry redefines itself through new forms of media, such as internet news.

AFH Chicago called upon competition entrants to propose design solutions for newsstands, addressing the decline of print media, the positive effects of community businesses, and the small scale architectural impact on streetscapes. Submissions were required to meet minimum functions for staff and services; be cost effective, durable, and realistic to maintain; incorporate environmental and socially sustainable principles; suggest site selections; work within applicable codes and laws; and include project implementation plans.

Architecture for Humanity was founded in 1999 to promote architectural and design solutions to global, social and humanitarian crises. Through competitions, workshops, educational forums, partnerships with aid organizations and other activities, Architecture for Humanity creates opportunities for architects and designers from around the world to help communities in need.

The College of Architecture and Urban Studies is one of the largest of its type in the nation. The college is composed of two schools and the departments of landscape architecture, building construction, and art and art history. The School of Architecture + Design includes programs in architecture, industrial design and interior design. The School of Public and International Affairs includes programs in urban affairs and planning, public administration and policy, and government and international affairs. The college enrolls more than 2,000 students offering 22 degrees programs taught by 160 faculty members.