Urban Studio Education Prioritizes Collaboration

While learning process and methodology, students are introduced to a variety of local professionals working in architecture and adjacent fields. This not only provides them with feedback from multiple perspectives but also gives students the opportunity for some pre-graduation introductions and networking.

This community engagement benefits the students and the city. Students learn more about how Birmingham operates, and areas of the city are examined through fresh eyes.

In addition to Jonathan Tate ‘97, fall semester featured a roster of architects, planners and professionals who shared their knowledge with the fifth-year students. These experiences help students build a collective and individual thesis projects and broaden their knowledge as they finish their studies and prepare to enter the workforce.

Community Planning: Kyle D’Agostino, Poole & Company

Poole & Company is a full-service architecture and design firm. D’Agostino and his team worked with Urban Studio students this summer on a new plan for the Arlington-West End neighborhood in Birmingham. Through the lenses of both this project and his career, his experiences and discussion on community planning and process provided insight as the students began working on their master plan.

Vision: City of Birmingham

City government is tasked with more than functional operations. Different departments collaborate to care for and improve everything from recreation and safety to sanitation transportation. They are also the stewards of Birmingham’s future. The city’s Planning and Transportation Departments understand both the current conditions in the city and its vision for the future. The team provided students a glimpse into the city’s goals, giving them a foundation on which to build a larger vision.

New Urbanism: Louis Nequette ‘93, Nequette Architecture & Design

Nequette Architecture & Design considers its firm as “composers of community design.” Louis Nequette share the firm’s view of solving problems and creating a sense of place. His discussion helped the students expand their perspective of New Urbanism as they chose the direction of their studio projects.

Affordable Housing: Amanda Loper ‘05, David Baker Architects

David Baker Architects focuses on sustainable, mixed-use communities that support stability and connection. Loper spoke with students about housing design and affordable options after the mid-point in the semester. Students were able to present a summary of their semester project ideas and get feedback on the most recent iterations of their design solutions.

The Urban Studio’s foundation of a public-private collaborative environment and iterative feedback provides students the setting to combine their education and professional interactions as they look to their futures beyond the classroom.