
CAPLA students reimagine accessible architecture through Universal Design
Bachelor of Architecture students were recognized in the 2024 AGM Universal Design Student Awards for innovative projects that centered empathy, accessibility, and the human experience. Winning designs by Taranm Akbary and Sadey Bowles reimagined inclusive spaces in Bisbee, showcasing how Universal Design can elevate both creativity and community impact.

Lecture Recap | "DUST: Origins" by DUST Architects
DUST architects explored how the American Southwest’s desert landscape inspires their work, shaping memory, creativity, and a deep sense of belonging. Its beauty and isolation offer space for reflection and connection to broader human experiences.

Drachman Institute, Southwest Partners Charts Path to Net Zero Urban Water Future
The "Achieving a Net Zero Urban Water Future Across the Southwest" workshop, funded by a National Science Foundation Research Coordination Network (RCN) grant, gathered academics, water managers, and government officials from Albuquerque, Denver, Los Angeles, and Tucson—areas reliant on the Colorado River.

New Beginnings: Julie Reed, Undergraduate Advising Coordinator
Julie Reed, CAPLA's new undergraduate advising coordinator, emphasizes utilizing available resources and seeking guidance when needed for student success. With a background in academic advising, she brings strong support and a passion for creativity and sustainability to the college community.

Interdisciplinary Authors Discuss Intersection of Health and the Built Environment in Their New Book
A new interdisciplinary book, "Measuring the Impact of the Built Environment on Health, Wellbeing, and Performance," explores how technology can gauge and enhance health in homes and offices. It offers insights, methodologies and pandemic-related considerations for optimizing building designs

Three Teams Advance to 2024 Solar Decathlon Finals
The U.S. Department of Energy hosts the Solar Decathlon Design Challenge annually, which gathers students worldwide to present their teams' innovative technologies and designs aimed at fostering the development of the next generation of clean energy buildings. This year, teams from CAPLA will compete alongside students from 37 other universities worldwide, including some from as far as Tehran, Iran.

Celebrating the Natural World: Myles Peña, Lecturer in Architecture
Myles Peña, Lecturer in Architecture at CAPLA, finds inspiration in celebrating nature's beauty within design. With a background in various architectural realms, he now focuses on teaching young minds, sharing his expertise in design principles and technical components.

Unveiling Innovations: ISIE Scholars Symposium Explores New Frontiers in Expo Research
The College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture, in collaboration with the Institute for the Study of International Expositions (ISIE), is hosting the 3rd annual ISIE Scholars Symposium: “New Voices in Expo Research” focusing on new research of younger scholars.

Stephen Buchmann on 'Sonoran Desert Bees: Nesting Requirements & Husbandry Methods'
In this CAPLA Lecture Series lecture, Dr. Buchmann discusses some of the common native bees of the Sonoran desert, detailing their lifestyles and behaviors. He finishes the talk by highlighting some Tucson area bee nesting habitats and by discussing what landscape architects and homeowners can do to provide nesting sites and nesting materials for them.

Drachman Institute Director Courtney Crosson Earns ACSA Honorable Mention
The Association for Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) has awarded Drachman Institute Director and Associate Professor Courtney Crosson with a Practice + Leadership Honorable Mention for the Relocalize Our Food project.

CAPLA Bids Farewell to Angie Smith
The CAPLA community bids farewell to Angie Smith, the director of development, whose time with CAPLA was marked by immense growth, collaboration, and numerous achievements in fundraising efforts for the College.