Dezeen School Shows: a proposal for a US embassy in Tokyo, Japan, which addresses the city’s natural hazards, is among the projects by students at the University of Kansas.
Also featured is a design for a football stadium in Chicago, USA, and a music school in Kansas City inspired by its local jazz heritage.
University of Kansas
Institution: University of Kansas
School: School of Architecture and Design
Course: MArch
School statement:
“The KU School of Architecture and Design (ArcD) hosts academic programmes, studios and research centres driven to meet challenges through relentless creativity and solutions-based design.
“The Department of Architecture emphasises design education through diverse experiences, which include learning through making, collaborative research and community engagement.
“Our mission is to provide our graduates with an educational foundation for exemplary professional practice and personal career fulfilment; to prepare them to be critical thinkers and problem solvers who will serve, enrich and sustain their professions and communities.”
Group project: 436 Indiana Street House
“This house is part of the Pinkney neighbourhood’s charming 400 block of Indiana Street in Lawrence, Kansas. It is adjacent to a canopy of mature trees and a unique setting for a single-family residence in the heart of the city.
“The Indiana Street Residence was built to the US Green Build Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum Standards. This is the highest certification level possible under the US Green Building Council’s (USGBC) standards for sustainable practice.
“The house is Studio 804’s 17th platinum-certified project. Such efforts fit the mission of Studio 804: to better the community and environment by minimising negative environmental impacts by all metrics.”
Students: Studio 804 Students: Abbey Frankenreiter, Adam Powell, Alex Asbury, Andrew Stender, Andrew Jundt, Claudia Frahm, Copper Plaster, Danny Derouin, Erica Pham, Jackson Bontty, Jared Lombardi, Jase Owens, Jodi Gore, Karolyn Duke, Kyle Gilboy, Lily Altenhofen, Lindsay Armstrong, Liz Fraka, Maddie Schaefer, Mik Liley, Morgan Siemers, Nolan Johnson, Quinn Manring, Sam Cohen, Sam Phillips, Seth Kennedy, Ved Varma and Whitten Wicker
Course: Studio 804
Tutor: Dan Rockhill
School of Tomorrow by Isaac Decker and Carson Sevart
“The studio proposes to ‘reinvent the school of tomorrow’ by developing hybrid urban and architectural thresholds from the ground up.
“Hybrid architectural and infrastructural systems will act as catalysts for collective engagements, human wellbeing and community making. These intend to redefine the learning environment to promote sustainable development in post-industrial and low-income areas of cities.
“Inclusivity, accessibility and environment centred design are some of the concepts we use to respond to modern challenges whilst the historical image of schools.
“Students are thus challenged to reimagine the architectural programme and distribution of a school building. They plan new urban blocks whilst managing the social dilemmas of varying lifestyles and the localised effects of transformations within social realms that are moving towards new developments.”
Students: Isaac Decker and Carson Sevart
Course: ARCH 609 Integrated Design Studio
Tutor: Francesco Carota
Chicago Fire MLS Stadium by Ethan Overland and Graylon Sestak
“Once defined by rail lines and industrial remnants, Chicago’s Near North Side riverfront faces renewed attention as a site for public reinvestment.
“This proposal for the Chicago Fire’s new MLS stadium reclaims the waterfront as a layered public landscape, with the stadium acting not as a destination at the edge, but as a central connector within a restructured urban framework.
“A continuous system of green infrastructure, plazas and open-access pathways reorganises the site around accessibility and flow. A series of pedestrian bridges span the river, linking surrounding neighbourhoods directly to the venue, unifying the fragmented urban fabric while framing new views of the city, river and stadium.
“The project positions sport as a civic catalyst, using the stadium to draw people through the site, activate the waterfront and reconnect Chicagoans to a riverfront, which has lacked public access and meaningful connection to the city.”
Students: Ethan Overland and Graylon Sestak
Course: ARCH 806 Sports and Leisure Capstone Studio
Tutor: Dr Gustavo Amaral
Health Centre by Ellie Smith
“The IA 308 studio for Fall 2024 addressed the importance of human-centred interior architecture and design in a health center for outpatient health care.
“Students designed the interior of a health centre in rural Kansas, with approximately 57,000 square feet serving patients, staff and medical students.
“The building’s master plan included several functional units, such as outpatient clinical areas, imaging, health education and administration.
“Each student selected one unit of focus, such as a dental clinic, focusing on spaces such as waiting rooms and exam rooms, where proposed design solutions would positively influence health, safety and wellbeing for end-users.”
Student: Ellie Smith
Course: IA 308 Interior Architecture Studio III
Tutors: Dr Herminia Machry
Group project: Phoenix House
“Phoenix House is a small, solar-powered, mass timber home designed to support individuals transitioning from homelessness to stable housing.
“Built in Spring 2024 by KU Architecture students for Tenants to Homeowners – a local nonprofit dedicated to affordable housing since 1992 – Phoenix House serves as a repeatable model of durable, uplifting and energy-efficient design.
“The home features an innovative cross-laminated timber (CLT) shell, wrapped in a highly insulated, airtight envelope and clad with a wood rainscreen. Its interior showcases exposed CLT walls and ceilings, polished concrete floors with radiant heating, with other durable, low-maintenance materials.
“Natural wood surfaces were prioritised for their proven regenerative benefits, enhancing wellbeing through visual warmth, tactile quality, scent, humidity regulation and improved air quality.
“An all-electric mini-split heat pump and energy recovery ventilator complete the home’s high-performance, low-energy design while ensuring comfort and sustainability for its residents.”
Students: Grace Beirne, Julia Bond, Corrie Bolton, Morgan Campbell, Makenna Dawson, Hayley Ford, Reese Gilmore, Aidan Hall, Alyda Hunnicutt, Morgan Kime, Spencer Landis, Adin Mehanovic, Samantha Weidner and Amanda Willen
Course: ARCH 509 DesignBuild
Tutor: Chad Kraus
Sine Wave by Ben Burger, Katelyn Fuller and Avery Kuehl
“This third-year design-build project introduces a welcoming outdoor seating installation for the courtyard of Murphy Hall, home to the University of Kansas School of Music.
“At the heart of the design is an elegantly sculpted S-shaped bench, created through the intersection of two sweeping arcs. Visually dynamic and functionally adaptable, the bench supports a wide range of social interactions, from solitary reflection to communal engagement. The shape of the bench is inspired by the movement of sound waves, paying homage to the musical identity of its context.
“The complexity of its form is created by a parametric model developed by students, which transforms abstract geometry into precise, buildable elements.
“By merging computational design with hands-on fabrication, the project provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that bridges theory and practice.
“In the end, the bench stands as a testament to collaborative creativity, technical innovation and the integration of art, architecture and music.”
Students: Ben Burger, Katelyn Fuller and Avery Kuehl
Course: ARCH 509 DesignBuild
Tutor: Dr Kurt Hong
Group project: Prairie Park Pavilion
“Prairie Park Pavilion was designed and built by third year University of Kansas Architecture students to support the Prairie Park Nature Centre’s mission to conserve the natural world through hands-on environmental and conservation education.
“Conservation and sustainability go hand-in-hand, and with this in mind, the shade pavilion was designed and constructed almost entirely of repurposed materials that included retired utility poles from the local power company, aluminium street signs from surrounding municipalities and limestone seating from renovations at KU’s Memorial Stadium.
“Prairie Park Nature Centre is named after the landscape that surrounds its main facility and animal sanctuary. Recent threats to close the centre due to budget shortages prompted a community outpouring of support that has prioritised keeping the doors open and community programming accessible.
“Prairie Park Nature Centre has become a community staple over the past two decades and the prairie landscape is emblematic of the challenges to conserve natural landscapes.”
Students: Wynn Bowden, Paige Butterfield, Naalkh DeAsis, Ashley Decker, Emily Dulle, Matthew Garrett, Emma Hamer, Sara Miranda Luzio, Christopher Monarres, Sarah Montes, Madison Simons, Alayna Thomas and Melia Whitney
Course: ARCH 509 DesignBuild
Tutor: Dr Keith Van de Riet
Crossroads School for Art, Music and Making by Anan Hoque and Mateo Marin
“The proposed school in Kansas City’s Crossroads district celebrates its rich artistic heritage while fostering future innovation in learning.
“Inspired by the local context and the rich history of Kansas City’s Crossroads jazz, visual arts and the spirit of making, the design features open learning courtyards, vibrant landscape design and natural materials, integrating seamlessly with the landscape.
“The building envelope responds to the building’s orientation and views with special attention to the energy performance of the structure. Inside, classrooms will maximise natural light, views and comfort, reflecting the dynamic atmosphere of the area.
“This integrated design project serves as a creative hub, inspiring students and celebrating the diverse spirit of Crossroads as a centre for learning and innovation.”
Students: Anan Hoque and Mateo Marin
Course: ARCH 609 Integrated Design Studio
Tutor: Nilou Vakil
United States Embassy in Tokyo, Japan by Hanna Hissa and David Tauser
“This project establishes a new US Embassy in Tokyo, Japan, away from the city centre. The design is rooted in both traditional and contemporary Japanese architectural and cultural principles, creating a secure and welcoming environment for visitors, staff and diplomats alike.
“Designers Hanna Hissa and David Tauser took inspiration from their study abroad trip to Japan, drawing from firsthand experiences of Japanese spatial hierarchies, landscape integration and material sensibilities.
“The site is in the ward of Minato City on the island of Odaiba, a heavily American tourist destination due to cruise liner docks, large hotels with a view of the greater Tokyo Skyline and most recently, the grounds for the Tokyo Olympic Games.
“The master plan integrates the surrounding park while enforcing embassy design guidelines for creating a secure perimeter. As a diplomatic gesture, the public-facing waterfront remains low-profile, preserving key views of the Tokyo skyline and Mount Fuji.
“The design seamlessly addresses Tokyo’s natural hazards, including earthquakes, tsunamis and typhoons, incorporating the US State Department’s OBO strategies for achieving net-zero performance.”
Students: Hanna Hissa and David Tauser
Course: ARCH 609 Integrated Design Studio
Tutor: Dr Kapila Silva
Net Zero US Embassy (Cape Town, South Africa) by Michael Garrett and Grant Fraikor
“The proposed Net Zero US Embassy in Westlake, Cape Town, blends cultural heritage with sustainability, marking a step towards a greener Cape Town future.
“Drawing inspiration from traditional Zulu weave patterns, its design seamlessly integrates locally sourced materials and passive shading techniques, prioritising energy efficiency within the dynamic South African landscape.
“Nestled within a vibrant tapestry of residential, commercial and educational hubs, the embassy’s strategic location not only offers proximity to coastal attractions but also positions it as a focal point within Cape Town’s bustling urban centre.
“Embracing a commitment to solar and water sustainability, the embassy pioneers innovative strategies, utilising heavy solar rooftops for surplus energy generation and implementing water retention techniques to address the region’s pressing water scarcity.
“Against the backdrop of the stunning mountain range and panoramic views of Table Mountain, the embassy’s design accentuates its relationship with the natural environment.
“Surrounded by a rich array of cultural and historical landmarks, including the Norval Foundation Art Museum and educational institutions like the Roddam School, the embassy embodies South Africa’s multifaceted identity.
“Its proximity to Pollsmoor Prison, once the confinement of Nelson Mandela, serves as a poignant reminder of the nation’s complex history, further emphasising the embassy’s role as a symbol of reconciliation and progress.”
Students: Michael Garrett and Grant Fraikor
Course: ARCH 609 Integrated Design Studio
Tutor: Dr Kapila Silva
Partnership content
This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and the University of Kansas. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.
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