The 6th Annual Competition for Architecture Students, sponsored by NELMA, took the design challenge to a whole new level this year with its robust set of guidelines. The setting was the design of a new home for the student’s School of Architecture that had to feature Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) for the structural system, SPFs-graded lumber for framing, and Eastern White Pine for appearance applications of the building. A total of 40 students registered for the challenge representing 20 universities across the country.
The final judging involved 16 design entries.
The First Place Rich Quitadamo Sustainable Versatility Design Award winner was announced in a ceremony held during NELMA’s Annual Meeting on September 21 in Newport, Rhode Island. Omkar Prabhu, a 5th-year student from Mississippi State University took the top prize with his design titled, “Exporing Avenues in Timber – A Mass Timber Building for Mississippi State University’s College of Architecture, Art, and Design.” Check out Omkar’s virtual tour video of his design that showcases his project.
Second Place was awarded to Curtis Reed, also a student entry from Mississippi State University for his design, titled, “Mississippi State University ExO (Experience x Opportunity). Professor Jacob Gines, a significant supporter of wood’s use as a contemporary building construction material at the University, provided guidance to each student throughout the project.
NELMA’s Marketing Chairman, Dan Paige, reviewed all submissions as one of four judges, noting, “This was one of the most intriguing activities I have been involved with as Chairman. The variety, scope, and creativity shown by the student entries was very insightful as to the thinking of today’s student architect. Every entrant showed clearly in their design and their narrative that our Eastern and Great Lakes Softwoods are a sound and sometimes better alternative to traditional building materials.”
View the image details of the First and Second Place designs in our Awards Program
