Next Generation Architects:
7th Annual Thesis Showcase

Thesis—an idea, opinion, or theory put forward for consideration, especially one to be discussed and proved

The AIA|DC Emerging Architects Committee is pleased to present Next Generation Architects: 7th Annual Thesis Showcase, an exhibition of juried thesis projects by graduating students from schools of architecture around the globe. This program aims to spotlight the next generation of engaged architects emerging from today’s architecture schools.

Through independent research with guidance from an advisor, students develop a topic over the course of a year, relating its relevance to the field of architecture through written and visual exploration. The process involves questions and analysis, research and documentation, and experiments and testing with explanation of findings that support a proposition. At the end of the year, students present their thesis projects to an audience of practitioners, faculty, and students.

Of the submissions, three finalists and one runner-up were selected for exhibition by a panel of jurors. Projects in this exhibition examine topics in sustainability, health, and community.

Finalists

Matthew Aydin Yashar
Thesis Project Title: Mutualism: A School for Nature
School: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Degree: Bachelor of Architecture

Mahsa Hedayati
Thesis Project Title: New Carbon Architecture: New approach Toward Sustainability in Existing Buildings
School: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Degree: Master of Architecture

Juan Pablo Urey-Fernandez
Thesis Project Title: Home is Here: Community and Health Center
School: Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Degree: Master of Architecture

Related Program
Annual AIA|DC Thesis Showcase
Tuesday, September 1, 2020, 6–7:30pm | Webinar
The finalists present their architecture thesis projects to practitioners around the Washington, DC area.
Moderated by Susan Piedmont-Palladino, Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Runner-up

Sumayia Binte Samad
Thesis Project Title: Cohabiting Third Place: Integrating Natural Hydrology with Healing Architecture
School: Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Degree: Master of Architecture

Jurors

Tanya Ally, AIA | AIA|DC Design Excellence Committee
Jennifer Matthews, Assoc. AIA | Founder, Creative’s XP
Alison Pavilonis, AIA LEED BD+C | AIA|DC Board
Betsy Petrusic, AIA NCARB | AIA|DC Emerging Architects Committee

Acknowledgements
Next Generation Architects: 7th Annual Thesis Showcase is organized by the AIA|DC Emerging Architects Committee and exclusively online with special thanks to Betsy Petrusic, AIA, NCARB.



Support
Exhibitions are supported, in part, by our Sustaining Firm Affiliate Members