SAN DIEGO, Calif. – SEPTEMBER 13, 2017 – NewSchool of Architecture & Design (NewSchool) is pleased to host a discussion this week about the future growth of San Diego.

The event, which is co-presented by the San Diego chapter of the California Planning Association and will be held at NewSchool, will address the issues San Diego faces as it grows, matures, and urbanizes. The city is expected to add 1 million more people by 2050 and housing—affordable and otherwise—is projected to be among the biggest challenges.

A hand-selected, uniquely-qualified panel of experts—Wendy L. Tinsley Becker, AICP, RPH; Frank Wolden, Principal, AVRP Skyport Studios; and Diego Velasco, AICP, LEED AP—will lead a discussion about design in the modern history of San Diego, the role it should play as San Diego confronts increased density in the future, and how it can address projected housing shortages.

For more information on NewSchool, visit www.newschoolarch.edu

About NewSchool of Architecture & Design:

Located in San Diego’s design district, NewSchool of Architecture & Design prepares students for career success in design fields through an emphasis on interdisciplinary and global design skills, industry collaborations and real-world projects. Programs include architecture, construction management, product design, media design, design studies, and interior architecture and design. NewSchool is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission. NewSchool’s Bachelor and Master of Architecture programs are accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). NewSchool is one of more than 70 institutions in 25 countries that comprise the Laureate International Universities network. Through collaborations with sister institutions in the Laureate network, including Domus Academy in Milan, Italy, NewSchool students are prepared to work in global and diverse organizations. For more information, visit www.newschoolarch.edu

NewSchool announced that a group of its students, under the direction of professor Chuck Crawford, are designing and building a sukkah – a temporary dwelling to commemorate Sukkot, the seven-day Jewish harvest festival held in October. Student architects will build the sukkah on Friday, Sept. 29, starting at 10:30 a.m., at the Jewish Family Service of San Diego’s Joan & Irwin Jacobs Campus, located at 8788 Balboa Avenue, San Diego, CA 92123.

NewSchool’s female-led team of 14 students come from diverse backgrounds and are all very dedicated to building the sukkah. Classes are currently out of session and the students are volunteering their time during break to complete the project. The community involvement, cultural learning and team building is crucial to their real world education and future careers. For the Jewish Family Services 2017 Sukkah, NewSchool students, Noura Bishay is principle designer and Dilini Perera is principle designer for Leichtag Foundation. Sarah Cabana and John Sanders III are project coordinators. The design and fabrication team include: Firas Alrakhayes, Cameron Atsumi, Nic Coffman, Marlena Jackson, Oscar Lopez, Miguel Marquita, Cynthia Morose, Madhavi Natarajan, Adam Peltier, Doling Perera, Sovanarry Phy and Veena Ravi. Technical and construction advisor is Doug Blume, Paragon Builders.

With three walls and an open door, the sukkah represents inclusivity, hospitality, and the temporary nature of life. For the project, NewSchool students conformed to specifications that respect Jewish traditions while also integrating design approaches that reflect NewSchool’s own emphasis on sustainability.

“NewSchool’s diversity is quite remarkable, as reflected in this year’s team,” said Crawford, “The Sukkah Project is a unique one that I look forward to every year. It reflects and aligns with our school values by encouraging team work and the importance of being a part of the community.”

Jewish Family Service is a trusted community resource for individuals and families of all faiths and backgrounds working to build better lives. The nonprofit approached NewSchool about building a sukkah that could be re-constructed on an annual basis and enjoyed by JFS’s wide variety of clientele, including low-income families and individuals, seniors, immigrants and refugees, teen volunteer leaders, and many more.

“With the sukkah, the NewSchool students are building something tangible, and from Jewish Family Service’s perspective, the students are also helping us build community – and that is something to celebrate,” said JFS CEO Michael Hopkins. “We look forward to sharing this sukkah with our clients, staff, volunteers and more for years to come. To improve the community, it takes a community.”

For more information on NewSchool of Architecture & Design, visit newschoolarch.edu. For more information about Jewish Family Service of San Diego, visit jfssd.org.

About NewSchool of Architecture & Design

Located in San Diego’s design district, NewSchool of Architecture & Design prepares students for career success in design fields with an emphasis on human-centered design, including interdisciplinary and global design skills, industry collaborations and real-world projects. Programs include architecture, construction management, product design, media design, and interior architecture & design. Best College Reviews.org ranked NewSchool #2 for Best Online Masters in Construction Management Degree Programs for 2017-2018. NewSchool is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission. NewSchool offers Bachelor and Master of Architecture programs, accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). One of more than 70 institutions in 25 countries that comprise the Laureate International Universities network, New School prepares students to successfully work in global and diverse organizations. For more information, visit www.newschoolarch.edu.

About Jewish Family Service

Since 1918, Jewish Family Service of San Diego has been a trusted community resource for individuals and families working to build better lives. Operating throughout San Diego County and the Coachella Valley, the agency’s integrated services are focused around three goals: Empower Individuals & Families to Move Toward Self-Sufficiency, Support Aging With Dignity, and Foster Community Connection & Engagement. Many people first turn to Jewish Family Service with a specific need, such as job coaching or transportation, and that first contact often leads to a wide range of services, including counseling, education, nutritious meals, social connection, and more. JFS was named a 2016 California Nonprofit of the Year and has earned a 10th consecutive 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator that highlights the work of efficient, ethical and open charities. To get help, volunteer, or to learn how JFS empowers change in our community, visit www.jfssd.org.

NewSchool is excited to team up with the Women In Architecture Palomar Chapter (WIA|P) and the Women In Architecture San Diego Chapter (WIA|SD) to host the two-part WIA|P 2017 Summer Film Fest. Part 1 of the free festival is open to the public and will be held this Saturday, August 19 from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. on the NewSchool campus, located at 1249 F Street in downtown San Diego.

Women in Architecture have chosen the topic of “Healthy Urbanism” for this two part series. The WIA|P Summer Film Fest and WIA TALKs discussion will explore what makes a “healthy” urban environment with the intent of contributing to San Diego’s citywide discussion around the State directive for San Diego, “Building for the Next 1 Million.”

Part I of the film festival kicks off with a pre-film reception. Attendees will then view two films, “The Human Scale” and “Urbanized, which both showcase actual examples from cities around the world and their successes and failures in designing “healthy” urban environments. The evening will also feature a discussion, moderated by NewSchool’s professor of architecture, Mike Stepner. The event will conclude with a post-film social with light refreshments.

On October 21, Part II of the film festival, WIA|P 2017 WIA TALKS, will take place as part of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) San Diego and Palomar Chapters’ annual ArchtoberFest. Archtoberfest presents a series of lectures, films, tours and other activities, aimed to increase awareness of the profession of architecture and design, as well as, the value of the professional(s) who work to create a well designed built environments on behalf of their clients.

Interested attendees for this weekend’s free event may RSVP online at https://www.aiapalomar.org/event/2017wiasummerfilmfest/.

For more information on NewSchool of Architecture & Design, visit newschoolarch.edu.

About NewSchool of Architecture & Design:

Located in San Diego’s design district, NewSchool of Architecture & Design prepares students for career success in design fields through an emphasis on interdisciplinary and global design skills, industry collaborations and real-world projects. Programs include architecture, construction management, product design, media design, design studies, and interior architecture and design. NewSchool is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission. NewSchool’s Bachelor and Master of Architecture programs are accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). NewSchool is one of more than 70 institutions in 25 countries that comprise the Laureate International Universities network. Through collaborations with sister institutions in the Laureate network, including Domus Academy in Milan, Italy, NewSchool students are prepared to work in global and diverse organizations. For more information, visit www.newschoolarch.edu

Press Release
Media Contact: Rachael Lighty
rlighty@newschoolarch.edu
619.684.8775

NewSchool is excited to welcome world-renowned architects and visionary leaders as guest lecturers at its new, innovative Neuroscience for Architecture Summer Intersession Program. This special four-day executive course, which kicks off today and runs through August 17, 2017, provides American Institute of Architects (AIA) continuing education credits for attendees, but more importantly, examines the juncture of brain and the built environment.

Leaders in the field of neuroscience for architecture will discuss their work as it relates to building bridges between these two fields. Special guest lectures and panel discussions will be held, featuring renowned architect Steven Holl, FAIA and noted Finnish architect/author/critic Juhani Pallasmaa, Hon. FAIA. Joining them will be NewSchool neuroscience faculty members Gil Cooke, FAIA and Tatiana Berger, Assoc. AIA, along with guests Gordon Chong, Ph.D., FAIA and Alison Whitelaw, FAIA. Prominent neuroscientists featured in the program include Fred Gage, Ph.D., Thomas Albright, Ph.D., and Sergei Gepshtein, Ph.D. of the Salk Institute, and Eduardo Macagno, Ph.D., Founding Dean of the School of Biological Sciences at UC San Diego.

Special Guest Lectures:

Juhani Pallasmaa is a Finnish architect, professor of architecture, and dean at the Helsinki University of Technology in Finland. Pallasmaa’s approach to architecture and design is rooted in phenomenology, in which he allows the environment to inform his designs. As a leading international figure in contemporary architecture, design, and art culture, he has written and lectured extensively throughout the world on architecture and the visual arts, environmental psychology, and cultural philosophy for more than 40 years.

Steven Holl, who leads an internationally renowned architecture and urban design office with locations in New York City and Beijing, is an American artist and award-winning architect. He is known for his organic design approach in which the site itself generates an “architectural idea,” which he then applies. Holl is recognized for his ability to blend space and light with great contextual sensitivity and to utilize the unique qualities of each site to create a concept-driven design. He was one of the keynote speakers at last fall’s Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture conference. Salk Institute. With a background in neurobiology, psychology, and vision science, he brings a unique perspective on how visual systems organize information and shape our perception.

Sergei Gepshtein is the founding director of the Collaboratory for Adaptive Sensory Technologies at the The Neuroscience for Architecture Summer Intersession Program will include studio work along with other guest lecturers and studio time. This unique course also features noted neuroscientists describing current research and discussing its implications for design. This course is intended for licensed architects, urban designers, planners, design professionals, healthcare industry professionals, doctoral candidates, and post-graduate students in architecture and related fields.

For more information on NewSchool of Architecture & Design, please contact Rachael Lighty at rlighty@newschoolarch.edu.

About NewSchool of Architecture & Design:

Located in San Diego’s design district, NewSchool of Architecture & Design prepares students for career success in design fields through an emphasis on interdisciplinary and global design skills, industry collaborations and real-world projects. Programs include architecture, construction management, product design, media design, design studies, and interior architecture and design. NewSchool is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission. NewSchool’s Bachelor and Master of Architecture programs are accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). NewSchool is one of more than 70 institutions in 25 countries that comprise the Laureate International Universities network. Through collaborations with sister institutions in the Laureate network, including Domus Academy in Milan, Italy, NewSchool students are prepared to work in global and diverse organizations. For more information, visit www.newschoolarch.edu

The discussion on the future of San Diego’s Mission Valley and the Qualcomm Stadium site can be polarizing, however, NewSchool of Architecture & Design faculty and students are providing creative and intuitive solutions, and those ideas are getting the attention of the local community, developers and City officials.

NewSchool’s Mike Stepner, chair of the institution’s architecture programs, recently shared his expertise and insights with KPBS.

For more information about the ideas around the future of Mission Valley, the Qualcomm Stadium site and insights from Professor Stepner, check out this article and video from KPBS.

NewSchool’s City Planning graduate class, under the direction of Adjunct Professor Brian F Mooney FAICP, has been working with the City of San Diego to prepare conceptual plans for the revitalization of Kearny Mesa. The students,including Noura Bishay, Marcella Italiano, Will Kockler, Madhavi Natarajan, Sovanarry Phy, Veena Ravi, Chandana Savadatti and Waseem Toonsia, have been working on key areas of the community plan associated with the creation of an Asian Entertainment and Dinning District on Convoy Street and revitalization of the regions commercial, office and light industrial areas.

The workshop included tackling issues such as planning and design constraints to greater community and the students’ work as urban planning interventions. Their presentations at the community workshop included:

• The students’ concepts and their graphic presentations were lauded by both community representative and City staff. The students will continue to work with the city and their urban interventions will be highlighted on the city’s website.
• Rethinking South Convoy Street, particularly the Target and Costco site into an Urban Village
• Adding significant residential areas in association with intervening park space, and a distinct architectural statement and traffic calming opportunity
• Linking North and South Claremont Mesa Boulevard at Convoy Street
• Rethinking urban forms on Aero Drive
• Adding affordable housing and creating a complete street and housing opportunities in mixed use concepts along Claremont Mesa Boulevard East of Highway 163.

San Diego CA, July 13, 2017 – NewSchool of Architecture & Design (NewSchool) hosted its 32nd annual commencement ceremony at the Copley Symphony Hall in San Diego, Calif. The class of 2017 celebrated approximately 130 students who completed or will complete their degree requirements from its Architecture, Game Art, Game Development, Product Design, Interior Architecture and Design, and Construction Management.

“I am grateful, humbled, and fortunate to be celebrating this great achievement alongside all of my fellow graduates,” said Fernando Sanchez-Montes, of Seattle, Wash., who was the Graduate Student Speaker and a recipient of a Master of Architecture. Sanchez-Montes spoke movingly about how his fellow students helped him persevere and succeed. “To be honest, there came a time when I did not know if I would arrive at this point and be graduating with you on this day. I thank you all because it was your kindness, your generosity and love that truly made me feel welcomed.”

NewSchool also welcomed renowned architect Larry Scarpa as its commencement speaker. Scarpa, a principal with Brooks + Scarpa Architects, encouraged the graduates to believe in themselves. “I believe that sometimes you just have to trust your instincts,” Scarpa said. “This approach has never let me down. In life, you need to be a little uncomfortable with yourself. Doing so allows you to accept who you really are, dream big, and follow your destiny.”

During the ceremony, graduates and staff members were recognized with special awards.

Outstanding Student Award

This year’s recipients of the Outstanding Student for Construction Management are:

• Jaman Testerman, of San Diego, Calif., Bachelor of Science, Construction Management
• David Dent, of Long Beach, Calif., Master of Construction Management

This year’s recipients of the Outstanding Student Award for the Domus Academy School of Design are:

• Scarlet Xu, of Los Angeles, Calif., Interior Architecture and Design
• Marcelo Kertész, of San Paulo, Brazil, Product Design

Alpha Rho Chi Medal:

Since 1931, the Alpha Rho Chi Medal recognizes graduating architecture students for their leadership and service to their campus and for what they have to offer to the future of the profession with the Alpha Rho Chi Medal. This year’s recipient is Madison Parsons of Walnut Creek, Calif., Undergraduate Architecture.

Henry Adams Medal and Certificate

The American Institute of Architects awards the prestigious Henry Adams Medal to the top-ranking graduating student in each National Architectural Accrediting Board Architecture program. A Certificate of Merit is also awarded to the second-ranking graduating student recognizing their excellence in architecture. This year’s recipients of the Henry Adams Medal and Certificate of Merit are:

• Miranda Luce, of Orange County, Calif., Undergraduate, Architecture, Henry Adams Medal
• Chadwick Cullen, of La Quinta, Calif., Graduate, Architecture, Henry Adams Medal
• Julio Leiva-Campus, of San Jose, Calif., Undergraduate, Architecture, Henry Adams Certificate of Merit
• Michael Kramer, of Oceanside, Calif., Graduate, Architecture, Henry Adams Certificate of Merit

Outstanding Design Award

Evolved from the “Designer of the Year” award, the Outstanding Design Award is one of NewSchool’s oldest student awards. The award is unique as it focuses on design and is looked at as innovative or very accomplished. Any work associated with the award is looked to be of the highest possible visual and material quality. This year’s recipients are:

• Aipeng Fang, of Guangdong, China, Undergraduate, Architecture
• Grace Tran, of Orange County, Calif., Graduate, Architecture

For more information on NewSchool of Architecture & Design, visit newschoolarch.edu.

NewSchool of Architecture & Design:

Located in San Diego’s design district, NewSchool of Architecture & Design prepares students for career success in design fields through an emphasis on interdisciplinary and global design skills, industry collaborations and real-world projects. Programs include architecture, construction management, product design, media design, design studies, and interior architecture and design. NewSchool is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission. NewSchool’s Bachelor and Master of Architecture programs are accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). NewSchool is one of more than 70 institutions in 25 countries that comprise the Laureate International Universities network. Through collaborations with sister institutions in the Laureate network, including Domus Academy in Milan, Italy, NewSchool students are prepared to work in global and diverse organizations. For more information, visit www.newschoolarch.edu

Everyone makes mistakes. But when seemingly minor blunders are made in designing and building structures, the results can be catastrophic. Read about some of the more infamous architectural failures in history, and what we have learned from those mistakes.