Three projects led by faculty from the School of Architecture have been awarded 2024 Independent Projects grants. These grants, provided by the Architectural League of New York and the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), support design exploration through creation or research.
The grant program is open to individuals and teams based in New York State working in various design fields. It funds self-generated projects that explore future directions for design. The initiative recognizes design as an art form that enhances quality of life and seeks proposals emphasizing artistry and excellence. Grants are supported by NYSCA with backing from the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
For 2024, a panel comprising designers and educators selected 25 creative and research proposals to receive $10,000 each. The chosen projects represent diverse locales, disciplines, formats, and practices, demonstrating potential for innovation.
“Congratulations to our Syracuse Architecture faculty on their selection for an Independent Projects grant by the Architectural League of New York and the New York State Council on the Arts,” says Michael Speaks, dean of the School of Architecture. “These prestigious grants will fund their forward-thinking design projects and research, reflecting the innovative mindset and strong commitment to social engagement that distinguishes our school.”
One project, "Freeway Futures," addresses Syracuse's I-81 viaduct issue. Faculty members Omar Ali and Nimet Anwar, along with others from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry and student interns, aim to create solutions for a sustainable post-freeway future in Syracuse. This will culminate in an exhibition and strategic plan shared with community collaborators.
“We are excited to be selected by the Architectural League of New York and the New York State Council on the Arts to take on this very important research for the Central New York region,” says Ali. “Although this grant will support the initial research, the ambition is to grow the work into a body of knowledge on systems thinking and strategies for approaching post-infrastructural sites through landscape remediation and civic-minded architecture.”
Another project titled "Birthing in Alabama: Design and Redesign of Reproduction" involves Distinguished Professor Lori A. Brown's work focusing on birthing healthcare inequities in Alabama. The project includes an installation at Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum.
“Being selected to receive a NYSCA grant is always an immense honor,” says Brown. “The award was instrumental in helping support my installation, Birthing in Alabama: Designing Spaces for Reproduction, for the Cooper Hewitt Design Triennial.”
"In-Process: Alternative Methods in Reading Evolving Buildings" is another exhibition planned at GereBlock building in Syracuse. A team including School of Architecture faculty aims to highlight adaptive reuse strategies for industrial structures.
“As a collective of designers, educators, researchers, and practitioners committed to socially impactful projects, receiving this grant provides a platform to showcase our recent efforts in Syracuse,” says Rodríguez. “The exhibition will serve as a valuable opportunity to deepen and expand conversations with community stakeholders, creatives, students, and policymakers."
To view all recipients of these grants visit archleague.org.
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