TWO UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS RECEIVE AWARDS FOR CREATIVE AND SCHOLARLY WORK

April 24, 2009, Los Angeles        The University of Southern California (USC) School of Architecture is pleased to announce that two 5th year architecture students, Elke Schinttker and Tina Hovsepian, have been awarded prizes in the 11th Annual Undergraduate Symposium for Scholarly and Creative Work. Sponsored by the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, the Undergraduate Symposium for Scholarly and Creative Work provides undergraduates with the opportunity to exhibit and share examples of their research and creativity with the university community. Students may present work in a variety of ways, such as through poster/panel sessions, art exhibits, and electronic media. All undergraduates are encouraged to participate.

This year the first prize in the category of ‘The Arts’ was awarded to Elke Schinttker for her design for a sustainable recreation center, including a chemical free community swimming pool, in Greensburg, Kansas after the destruction of the small town by a devastating tornado in 2007.  Assistant Professor of Practice Janek Dombrowa was Elke’s faculty advisor on the project.

Tina Hovsepian was awarded second prize in the category of ‘Most Innovative’ for her Cardborigami Emergency Shelter. She constructed a waterproof folded structure from 4-ply corrugated cardboard using the ancient art of origami.  It was designed to be temporary emergency housing that is easily transportable and reproducible.  Adjunct Assistant Professor Doris Sung was Tina’s faculty advisor and the instructor of the studio in which the project was originally designed.  
Hovesepian commented that, “This was the first time I was able to truly practice architecture toward helping humanity. It taught me a lot about myself, social issues and the influence design can have on the world.”

The awards ceremony recognizing these, and other, outstanding student projects was held on Wednesday, April 15.  First prize awards of $1000 and second prize awards of $500 were awarded in six categories.

The USC School of Architecture is located in the heart of Los Angeles, a singular laboratory in which to study and understand urban conditions and their architectural implications. With the appointment of Dean Qingyun Ma the School extends its global reach into new territories, launching new initiatives in cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary discourses, strengthening ties in the community and around the world.  Established in 1919, the USC School of Architecture was the first of its kind in Southern California.  Educational offerings include architecture, landscape architecture, building science and historic preservation.  Among its notable graduates are Conrad Buff III, Donald H. Hensman, Pierre Koenig, and two Pritzker Prize Laureates: Frank O. Gehry (1989) and Thom Mayne (2005).

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April 24, 2009
Jane A. Ilger               213 740 2092        ilger@usc.edu