Exploring the Future of Architecture

A Look at the Urban Studio Class of 2024’s
Student Thesis Presentations

As we celebrate the culmination of another academic year at Auburn’s College of Architecture, Design and Construction, our students presented their thesis projects—a defining moment in their architectural education.

These comprehensive projects serve as the capstone of students’ academic journeys. Theses involve the development of detailed design and research work, focusing on a specific area of interest within a larger research project. The thesis is not merely an exercise in theoretical research or practical design but a fusion of both, where students are expected to apply critical thinking, creative problem-solving and rigorous academic research. The thesis is a student’s opportunity to explore complex issues ranging from sustainable urban planning to innovative construction techniques and to propose forward-thinking solutions.

The Importance of the Thesis in Architectural Education

The process of developing a thesis is crucial in the discipline of architecture for several reasons. The thesis synthesizes all the skills and knowledge that students have accumulated throughout their education. It challenges them to apply their learning in a real-world context, bridging the gap between academic studies and professional practice.

Through the thesis process, students learn to manage long-term projects, hone their design and presentation skills, and prepare for professional critiques. These are all critical skills for their future careers in architecture, where projects often require extensive research, planning and client interaction.

The students present their thesis projects to a jury of local professionals. The Spring 2024 jury consisted of seven members ranging from architects, urban planners, educators and landscape architects. The jury members are given rubrics to rate the presentations as well as space for comments.

Thesis presentations are expected to be a culmination of their architectural education and reflect their academic development. The students need to be prepared to explain their research and designs, take in the accompanying criticism and compliments and reflect on their accomplishments. Presentations will be an important part of their future professional lives, and the ability to succinctly offer their ideas and opinions will be an asset as their careers grow.

Benefits of Preparing and Presenting a Thesis

The benefits of preparing and presenting a thesis are multifaceted. By focusing on a specific topic, students can develop deep expertise in a particular area of architecture, making them more attractive to future employers or setting the stage for further academic research. At Urban Studio, students tackle real-world problems, often addressing complex issues that lack straightforward solutions. This develops advanced problem-solving skills, which are invaluable in any professional setting. Additionally, a well-executed thesis project enhances a student’s portfolio, showcasing their ability to carry out extensive research and deliver polished, professional-quality work.

Each of the 2024 fifth-year students began their thesis work with a more holistic group project, the Birmingham Parking Study, and then chose aspects of this study to focus their research. The students were also asked to reflect on their thesis research and answer two questions:

1. What surprised you most about your thesis research?
2. How do you think the skills you used for your thesis projects will benefit you as you begin your careers?

The Jury

While the jury review process can be daunting for students, it is a valuable experience as they go out in the world as newly minted intern architects.

Because of this, serving on the thesis is a commitment jurors take seriously. This year’s jury included a combination of faculty and working professionals. For some, this is a way alumni can give back to Auburn University and Urban Studio; for others, it’s an opportunity to contribute to the future of the profession.

Urban Studio students’ work isn’t done in a vacuum. They study the real problems facing all levels of urban areas in Alabama and are often especially focused on Birmingham. This is not lost on the jury. Jurors are given criteria to ensure students meet and understand specific academic and industry requirements. The thesis ideas can be picked up by local officials and designers to enhance the urban experience for residents.

It’s also an exciting process for the jurors. They get to see and hear projects, often quite different from the work they do on a daily basis. Jurors give the students real-world feedback and advice that can take them to the next stage of their careers and beyond. The process can also trigger memories for the Urban Studio alumni. As Matt Leavell, Leavell Design Consulting, recalled, “I still remember some of the comments I received during my design reviews. It’s hard to think of a better return on investment when I’m considering ways to contribute to the betterment of design in Alabama.”

Students also get exposed to representatives from local architecture firms, so the thesis presentations can be a first or even second step towards getting hired at their first jobs. “As a professional and potential employer, I want to see how the students present themselves and their projects,” explained Adrienne Retief, Pfeiffer Torode Architecture.

Advice for future students

This year’s jury was also asked to give future students some advice for their thesis projects and presentations:

“Realize that, despite your intimate familiarity with your project, you are often presenting to people not familiar with it but highly interested in it, and crafting your (time-limited) presentation for this audience is of great importance — in a way that is typically very different from prior presentations from earlier years made to faculty members.”
– John Pittari, Auburn University

“Presentations need to be designed with the same level of care and energy placed into buildings and places. Urban Design has a complex audience with a variety of perspectives and backgrounds. A significant part of your job is to earn their trust through clear communication. These projects are opportunities for you to begin building that skill set. Invite people from outside the studio to review your work. Recognize that their ability to understand your project is as important as the quality of your design.”
– Matt Leavell ‘01, Leavell Design Consulting

“The jurors are responding to the work the students pin up and the words they use to describe their process and design solutions. The comments are not to celebrate but to push the design solutions and test them and create a dialogue that allows the students additional opportunities to improve their work and process.”
– Ben Wieseman ‘12, Place Associates

“If it’s a thesis, take it seriously. Do the hard work to ensure you are investigating an important idea. Stick to your guns when it comes to your ideas. Use your studio critiques wisely. They are not there to give you ideas. They are there to be a sounding board. You don’t have to please the critics, but you must utilize them correctly as fellow intellectuals to share thoughts, ideas and dialogue about your insights. In the end, the work is yours, not theirs. Stand by it and deliver a serious investigation and solution rooted in architectural ideas. And if it’s not a thesis, the same applies. College is time-consuming; gain the most intelligence you can while you are there. It’s possibly the last opportunity you will have to investigate freely. Lastly, use your time at school to develop long-lasting design and work habits.”
– Kyle D’Agostino, Poole & Co.

“Take them seriously—it will follow you for a long time.”
– Adrienne Retief ‘84, Pfeffer Torode Architecture