PITTSBURGH - The view from the fifth floor of Carlow’s University Commons
building has always been impressive. And recently it was enhanced by public
art designed by Carlow University students.
Now it is award-winning.
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) gave it an Award of Merit at its
2020 awards ceremony in September.
Designed over the summer of 2018 by Carlow University art or art therapy
majors Emily Armstrong, Jasmine Cho, Tori Hirsh, Taylor Humes, Katie Krall and
Katie Winter – who are now all graduates – the art project was completed and
installed by LGA Partners, a local architectural firm, in 2019.
Unlike any work of art on the Carlow campus, the project is uniquely made of
die cut designs on 4’x8’ sheets of aluminum interspersed with similar-sized
glass that encircles the western, southern, and eastern sides of the building.
The project depicts scenes from the history, mission and daily life of Carlow
University.
“I am very pleased that AIA has recognized the exceptional design work of my
students and their partnership with LGA Partners architects,” said Sarah
Jacobs, assistant professor of art and head of the 2-D art program at Carlow,
who taught the summer class that the students took in 2018 in preparation for
designing the project. “It was brave of LGA to trust a group of undergrads to
design the imagery for their balcony, but they wisely understood the
dedication, professionalism and ingenuity of Carlow students. Kudos to them
and to the creative student artists.”
The students were all excited about having the opportunity to create something
that would have a lasting impact on the Carlow campus.
“I think what mattered most to us in the design process was creating designs
that had symbolism and meaning and could be communicated to others,” said
Winter, quoted in the Carlow Magazine. “We wanted everyone to be able to look
at the designs and connect with some part of the project. We wanted to put
emphasis on Carlow’s heritage and past and show that heritage shining into the
future.”
Now, thanks to an impressive collaboration between Carlow students and a local
architectural firm, not only is it a shining future, it is also an
award-winning one.
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