NEWSLETTER - October 18, 2024

Students in Arch 5603 Graduate Topical Studio, led by Professor Joe Aranha, participated in a field excursion to Mexico from September 21st to 28th. Funded by the HCOA, this immersive ‘study abroad’ experience aimed to provide students with an understanding of Mexico’s architectural environment while visiting their studio project site in Cholula. The studio project focused on designing a center where indigenous women artisans and contemporary designers can meet and collaborate on projects that integrate traditional craft skills with contemporary design. The trip included visits to Mexico City, where students explored notable architectural works and walking tours through pedestrianized historic streets and urban public spaces, such as the Plaza de la Constitución and the neighborhoods of Coyoacán, San Ángel, and La Condesa.

In Cholula, the group toured the town and studio project site with Professor Melissa Schumacher and participated as guest reviewers for a project in Professor José Luis Jaspeado Escalona’s third-year studio at the Universidad de las Américas Puebla (UDLAP). They also explored Puebla's historic downtown and visited notable sites like the Museo Amparo and Museo Internacional del Barroco. Professor Aranha delivered a lecture on vernacular architecture and climate responses to UDLAP and TTU students. This studio project builds on a collaboration initiated in 2004 between the HCOA and UDLAP, which has included joint projects and reciprocal visits.

Photos Courtesy of Joe Aranha

A team of HCOA students, consisting of Jonathan Perez, Jessica Horton, Kevin Carreon, and Jack Dittrich, along with their faculty advisor, Assistant Professor Dr. Lingyi Qiu, participated in the 2024 Healthcare Design (HCD) Conference AIA Academy of Architecture for Health (AAH) Steris Student Design Charrette in Indianapolis, Indiana, from October 4th through 7th.  

The team was challenged to design a 200,000 square foot Ophthalmology Center of Excellence for the Indiana University Health Campus within just 48 hours. After the first 24 hours, AIA AAH members gave feedback in a midterm review. Upon completing their design, the team presented their work to the AIA AAH members, followed by another formal presentation for a jury composed of experts from various design firms, as well as for all HCD conference attendees.

Photos Courtesy of Lingyi Qiu

Roza Derakhshan, a second-year PhD student and research assistant at the HCOA, supervised by Assistant Professor Dr. Lingyi Qiu, has been selected for inclusion in the exhibition "Study Abroad and My Hometown 2024" for her photograph "Red Earth, Endless Skies." The picture, which captures the beauty of Palo Duro Canyon, is featured at the Texas Tech International Cultural Center. The exhibition is organized by Texas Tech International Affairs and runs from October 2nd through October 21st. 

For more information on the exhibition, access the International Affairs website here.

Texas Tech University hosted its annual 'Texas Tech Preview' on October 14th and welcomed students and families from across the nation to tour campus, learn more about academic programs, and explore extracurricular opportunities.

The event opened with a spirit rally, followed by a resource fair where Huckabee College of Architecture faculty and advising staff met with students to provide information about what a future with the TTU HCOA looks like. Students also participated in a tour of our facilities and enjoyed a presentation in the Gallery.

We appreciate everyone who attended our tour and presentation, and would also like to thank the faculty and staff who made this event possible!

James C. Watkins, Paul Whitfield Horn Professor Emeritus of the Huckabee College of Architecture, has been inducted to the West Texas Walk of Fame by Civic Lubbock Inc. Watkins taught architectural drawing and architectural ceramics at Texas Tech University from 1983 to 2018, and now maintains a studio and gallery in Lubbock, Texas.

While teaching architectural delineation, beginning design, watercolor, and architecture ceramics at TTU, he also published several books and engaged in artist-in-residence programs around the globe. In 2005, he was awarded a Fulbright Senior Fellowship to advance his research in Vietnam. Watkins was also a recipient of the Texas State Visual Artist 3D Award by the Texas Commission on the Arts in 2023.

Watkins' work has been featured in notable venues, including the White House Collection of American Crafts, and the Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery. For more information on James Watkins and his works, click here.

Photo Courtesy of James Watkins

A 'Beaux's Arts Ball' was held on September 27th at the Buddy Holly Events Center in Lubbock, Texas, to honor Huckabee College of Architecture Professors Emeritus John P. White and James E. White. The event celebrated the White brothers and their profound impact on the profession of architecture, the community, and the countless students who studied at Texas Tech during and after their time as faculty.

The Black-Tie event drew over 180 attendees and featured speeches and stories by Chris Huckabee, Upe Flueckiger, David Hart, and Sean O’Brien, all paying tribute to the brothers' enduring legacy.

The event was emceed by Dan Hart, who conducted a heartfelt interview with the White Brothers. The brothers shared personal stories, reflecting on their beginnings and the joy they found in supporting students, all while emphasizing the importance of being part of something larger than themselves—a sentiment that truly embodies the spirit of "Red Raiders."

The event also marked the launch of the Jim and John White Fellowship, a scholarship aimed at providing financial support to HCOA undergraduate students pursuing a Master of Architecture degree.

Feature Written by Sean O'Brien, DLA President

Photos Courtesy of Upe Flueckiger

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