School News

In this issue of e-SPAN, we introduce the theme of Artificial (and Othered) Intelligences, which informs this year's Public Programs series. We will explore this theme and the topic of AI in e-SPAN throughout this academic year. We begin with an introduction to the College of Fine Arts AI Working Group led by Associate Teaching Professor Daragh Byrne. We also introduce this fall's public programs series and share footage from this year's EX-CHANGE publication, exhibition and celebratory event.

Carnegie Mellon Architecture is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the Fall 2024 Awards. Applications are due on Friday, November 1, 2024 at 11:59pm ET. Over $80,000 in funding is available to support travel, projects, internships and research for undergraduate students, graduate students and faculty. Awards also recognize student work in sustainable design.

Carnegie Mellon Architecture is thrilled to welcome new faculty hires this fall, and to announce promotions, appointments and renewals of current faculty.

Carnegie Mellon Architecture is pleased to announce the launch of its annual showcase of student work, EX-CHANGE. The book and exhibition titled 2024–1905 was designed and edited by Phillip Denny. Join us for the launch event on Friday, September 13, 2024. The welcome back celebration will feature remarks by the design team and a chance to pick up a copy of the book.

In this issue of e-SPAN, we honor the work of Valentina Vavasis, Sarah Rafson and Steve Lee, three beloved faculty members. We speak with Valentina, whose expertise in real estate, community development and professional ethics is braided together with her deep care for—and curiosity about—humans and human community. Sarah reflects on her years as Carnegie Mellon Architecture’s Curator of Public Programs, and the inquiry they’ve opened and the conversations they’ve inspired. And we highlight Steve, alumnus, professor and former Head of School, who is retiring after 43 years with the school.

Alumnus, professor and former Head of School, Steve Lee has had a profound influence on the Carnegie Mellon University School of Architecture.

Carnegie Mellon Architecture is proud to announce the student recipients of our spring 2024 awards program. These awards provide over $45,000 of funding support to undergraduate and graduate students. Awards recognize student work in public interest design, design and representation, and sustainability, as well as professional promise. We extend our thanks to EPIC Metals for sponsoring the reception following the ceremony.

In this issue of e-SPAN, we talk to faculty and students about their recent work engaging artificial intelligence (AI). Thesis work from Vina Wei (PhD-CD ‘28) focuses on architectural fabrication and AI, and Manuel Rodríguez Ladrón de Guevara’s (PhD-CD '23) thesis addresses AI and creativity in AI-generated paintings. In the studios, Jared Abraham shares student work from his “Mobile Home” course where students incorporated Midjourney into their rendering process. And new faculty Vernelle A. A. Noel shares work on machine learning and raises questions about semiotics, semantics, syntax and society in text-to-image generator tools.