Architecture student places in top 10 in design competition
Riverside, Calif. (May 12, 2021) – An architecture student from California Baptist University is among the winners of a competition held by the American Institute of Architects Committee on the Environment.
Andriani Sugianto, an architecture graduate student, was named one of winners in the 2021 AIA COTE Top Ten for Students Competition. The competition is open to students at any program that is a member of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture. This year, it received 800 submissions.
Of those 800, the competition recognized 10 projects that integrated creative and innovative design strategies. The competition challenged students to provide design solutions that protect and enhance the environment.
Sugianto placed for her Fairmount School of Art and Ecology entry.
“I am ecstatic about this accomplishment,” Sugianto said. “As I have grown over the years as an architecture student, I have sought to dedicate everything I do for the glory of God and to include Him in my creative process. The more I allow God to be a part of my architectural journey, the more He has blessed me. I certainly could not accomplish anything without His guidance, creativity and strength.”
Her entry is an elementary school that features an artfully scientific design and enhanced learning environments while maintaining high sustainability standards, Sugianto said. The project includes an understanding of ecology, water usage, energy consumption and user well-being. For example, the school uses timber instead of concrete and steel construction, which reduces carbon emissions.
Sugianto said sustainability is a crucial consideration for architecture.
“Sustainability is vital to protect the environment and preserve human flourishing,” Sugianto said. “This establishes an exceptional level of responsibility for the architect to take care of Earth. At the root of it, sustainability stands essential because God desires humanity to nurture His creation and foster healthy lives.”
Caleb Walder, associate professor of architecture, said winning the competition is one of the highest levels of recognition a student of architecture can receive.
“It places our program among excellent and well-established programs from across the country who are equipping students to be leaders in the design of architecture,” Walder said. “It is a tremendous testament to the way God has blessed the CBU architecture program as it has developed over the past several years. The increased recognition of this win will contribute to the positive momentum in the program as it continues to develop.”
Sugianto is excited about the opportunities that may arise from the competition for herself and for CBU, she said.
“This accomplishment indicates the quality of the architecture program in CAVAD and their diligence in teaching and mentorship. Professor Walder provided his guidance throughout this entire project and played a profoundly prominent role in my success,” Sugianto said.