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Tulane University

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Tulane Alumnus Publishes New Book Rebuilding the American Town

 

Tulane alumnus Patty Heyda (BArch ’95), currently a Professor of Urban Design and Architecture at Washington University in St. Louis, has co-authored an insightful new book with David Gamble titled Rebuilding the American Town. This publication explores innovative urban design and planning strategies used by smaller municipalities across the United States to foster meaningful redevelopment amid various contemporary challenges.

In Rebuilding the American Town, Heyda and Gamble present a series of case studies from nine U.S. towns, each selected for their unique spatial-economic typologies and geographic traits. The book dives deep into how these towns have creatively tackled issues of metropolitan sprawl, population shifts, economic shortfalls, and climate change, positioning themselves as vibrant, equitable, and viable communities. Through interviews and insights from those directly involved in these transformations, the authors reveal both the challenges and the unexpected advantages smaller cities face in the current socio-economic climate.

The book has garnered critical acclaim from notable figures in urban planning and development. Maurice Cox, a professor and former Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Planning and Development, praised the book, stating, “Rebuilding the American Town is a love letter to our small cities and towns and confirms that spectacular urban design and planning outcomes can be found in the most unlikely places. Towns deserve to be our true laboratories for urban innovation and regeneration.” Additional commendations come from Shaun Donovan, U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (2009–2014); CEO and President, Enterprise Community Partners, among many other esteemed reviewers.

Heyda’s work not only highlights the progressive, experimental nature of small-town America but also reframes our understanding of contemporary urbanism. It shifts focus from large metropolitan concerns to innovative, tactical strategies that enhance the quality of life through thoughtful design and scaled policies. This book is an essential read for anyone interested in how urban spaces can adapt to modern demands while preserving and enhancing community integrity.

Tulane University

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School Introduces New Name as Its Renovated Home Reopens

 

For over a century, the Tulane School of Architecture has shaped the built environment through architectural education, preservation, and urban innovation. Now, we are introducing the Tulane School of Architecture and Built Environment, an expanded name that reflects the breadth of the school’s academic offerings and the limitless potential of those who learn here.

Rooted in the vibrant cultural fabric of New Orleans, the School of Architecture and Built Environment will always be a home for students and faculty dedicated to design excellence, sustainability, and societal impact. As the world evolves, so must the school’s mission. The disciplines that shape our cities and spaces have expanded far beyond architecture alone.

To honor our legacy while broadening our reach, the school is embracing a new identity — one that acknowledges the full scope of expertise and impact of its students and faculty. This transformation reflects our community, whose contributions continue to shape the identity and future of the school.

The School of Architecture and Built Environment’s transformation was driven by three key goals:

Seeing everything beyond the lens of one discipline. The interconnection of the built environment cannot be ignored. The school is determined to provide its students with the most well-rounded education so they can have the greatest impact in their professional careers.

Creating a more inclusive academic community. This shift ensures that the school’s entire community of students, faculty, and alumni feel represented, whether they are architects, urban planners, designers, or beyond. This community is at the heart of everything we do, and this change ensures that every member of our community feels valued and supported in their efforts to push boundaries.
Honoring our architectural foundation while leading the movement in academics. This change is not about leaving behind what made us exceptional — it’s about embracing other disciplines to spark the shift for the school and its peers in the academic world.

Over the past year, the School of Architecture and Built Environment engaged in a deliberate, collaborative process to ensure that this name change reflects its values and aspirations.

What actions were taken?
The name expansion proposal was presented and discussed at faculty meetings, surveys, listening sessions, and open conversations. These discussions were supported by extensive research into naming conventions, structures, and precedents at peer institutions worldwide.

Who was involved?
The school engaged a well-rounded group of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external stakeholders to have a broad range of perspectives shared.

How does this align with our values?
Through these discussions, a clear path emerged: the expanded name should retain “Architecture” to honor the school’s foundation while embracing the broader concept of the “Built Environment” to grow as a community and create a better experience for all disciplines.

“The expanded name is a not just a reflection of who and what the school is today, but, rather, it is also a reflection of where the school wants to go.”Iñaki Alday Dean of the school

At the Tulane School of Architecture and Built Environment, “The Place to B.E.” is more than just a tagline — it’s a call to action. It’s where ideas take shape, where disciplines converge, and where the next generation of leaders in the built environment finds its voice. This is a place where students, faculty, and industry professionals push boundaries to BE part of a better future.

The place to design, influence, and transform the built environment in ways that impact our community and the world.

The place to be experimental, innovative, and driven in shaping the spaces where people live, work, and connect.

The place where history, creativity, and research fuel progress and redefine what’s possible.

Here, you don’t just learn about the built environment — you actively shape it.

This moment is just the beginning. With a new name and a renewed mission, the School of Architecture and Built Environment is forging rigorous and rewarding pathways for the next generation of leaders in the built environment. Whether you are a current student, an alum, or a prospective applicant, we invite you to be part of this exciting future. At the School of Architecture and Built Environment, who are you going to B.E.?

Miami University

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Miami University Welcomes New Chair of Architecture and Interior Design

 

The College of Creative Arts is excited to welcome Elizabeth Martin-Malikian as the new Department of Architecture and Interior Design chair and professor.

“I am deeply committed to the College’s mission and eager to collaborate with its distinguished faculty, dedicated staff, and talented students to advance our shared vision,” Martin-Malikian said. “Miami University fosters an environment where creativity, innovation, and sustainability intersect to shape the next generation of designers and scholars.”

Martin-Malikian has lectured at several universities, including Kennesaw State University, Auburn University, the University of Edinburgh, and Columbia University. She also served as CEO and executive director for The Cosanti Foundation, an ecologically focused architecture nonprofit. Most recently, Martin-Malikian used her expertise to coach and consult higher education institutions and nonprofits.

Her extensive blend of education, practice, and leadership positions her to provide a new perspective for the department. Martin-Malikian serves as a National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) evaluator, and said she plans to incorporate what she’s learned about accreditation and education standards into this new role.

“I look forward to leveraging this background to expand partnerships, create new opportunities for students and faculty, and position the department as a leader in socially and environmentally responsive design education,” she said.

One key focus for Martin-Malikian when she assumes the chair position in July will be progressing the department’s curriculum to meet the needs of the industry today.

“By integrating emerging technologies, expanding cross-disciplinary collaboration, and reinforcing a critical and ethical approach to design, we will equip students with the skills and perspectives necessary to address contemporary challenges,” she said.

Martin-Malikian said she looks forward to “pushing the boundaries of design education” and “preparing students to lead with clarity of vision, a strong ethical foundation, and a profound sense of responsibility to the world around them.”

“The department has a distinguished history of excellence, and I am excited to contribute to its continued growth by expanding opportunities for interdisciplinary and experiential learning, fostering forward-thinking research, and deepening engagement with the built environment,” she said.

See the link for the College of Creative Arts announcement: https://miamioh.edu/cca/news-events/2025/04/martin-malikian-new-archid-chair.html

Penn State

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Architecture Grad Students Earn Gold Mention in International Design Competition

 

University Park, Pa. – A project by two Stuckeman School architecture graduate students in the Penn State College of Arts and Architecture earned fifth place overall in the worldwide TerraViva “Easdale Ferry Office” Competition that welcomed entries from students as well as professional design practices.

Joshua Conroy and Paul Lanka, both master of architecture students, earned a Gold Mention Award for their submission to the prompt that challenged architects and designers “to envision a new ferry hub” that would enhance the arrival experience on Easdale Island, which is located along Scotland’s west coast. They were asked to renovate and extend the existing structures on the site, and to integrate the new office and waiting area into the rugged coastal landscape.

Titled “Harbor View,” Conroy and Lanka’s submission focused on the existing structure and its relationship to the site and expanding from there. According to the project description, “Since the project did not have a required square footage, the existing office became a guide for defining the scope of our proposal . . . the expansion reaches towards the harbor, becoming visible to travelers from Ellenabeich [a town located directly opposite Easdale Island] and the harbor inlet.”

The goal of their project, said the students, was “… to create a space that enhances the visitor experience [on Easdale Island] while avoiding the possibility of overstepping the impact of this new architecture on the island.”

According to comments provided by the jury, the Penn State students’ entry “… prioritizes architectural expression with a striking roofing volume.”

The international jury for the competition was comprised of: Stephen Roberts, architect and a lecturer of architectural design at Northumbria University in New Castle (UK); Nuria Vidal Domper, architect/urban planner and co-owner of the firm DomperCastells in Switzerland; Kefei Yan, urban designer/planner with Foster + Partners in London; and Maria Alejandra Icaza P., multidisciplinary designer and architect with Luis Pons Design Lab in Miami.

“It was very encouraging to receive external recognition of our work,” said Conroy and Lanka. “Being able to compete against a wide variety of other designers and architects speaks to the significance of the skills we have learned during our education at Penn State.”

Conroy and Lanka’s project, as well as the other winning submissions, can be viewed on the TerraViva website.

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