The project Re-Purposing SCI Pittsburgh sought to re-purpose the 21-acre site of the former State Correctional Institution. The site is envisioned as a nexus of organic food, clean water, and clean energy.
The Carnegie Mellon University School of Architecture is proud to announce Ankitha Vasudev as the winner of the 2022 Stewart L. Brown Memorial Scholarship, part of the Fourth-Year Design Awards. This award recognizes professional promise in terms of attitudes and scholastic achievement. In addition to a design portfolio, applicants also submit a statement articulating their interests in professional practice. A jury convened by the Pittsburgh AIA reviews the portfolios and selects the winner. The award amount is $9,000.
Jury Comments:
The Jury was impressed with Ankitha’s mature approach to the profession of architecture. In her experience to date, she has already demonstrated great passion for improving the communities that need the most help – whether in the US or internationally. Her “servant leadership” style is very much in line with the spirit of the scholarship dedicated to Lieutenant Colonel Stewart L. Brown. Her commitment to the profession is very strong, thanks to a solid focus on architecture. Her “integrated design approach that combines design, sustainability and community engagement” is most needed right now, and in the future.
In particular, through her continuous participation in Habitat for Humanity, Ankitha has demonstrated that she is not afraid of getting her hands dirty – or traveling – to bring help where it is most needed. Also worth noting, she has been gaining firsthand, real life experience of how architecture is much more than just drawings on paper. She has listened to clients' primary concerns, while dealing with limited budgets. Ankitha is passionate about empowering people and helping them live better, more sustainable, and dignified lives. Even in her school projects, Ankitha has been focusing on helping others in creative and meaningful ways. In this sense, the jury appreciated learning more of her project “Re-Purposing SCI Pittsburgh” and how she focused on food production in a currently underserved area.
Please join us in congratulating Ankitha, and thanks to all of those who participated in this year’s competition.
More information about the awards is available on the SoA Awards page.