Save this picture! Richard L. Bowen + Associates Inc. proposal; Courtesy Kent State University

Yesterday, the shortlisted teams for Kent State’s new, $40 million College of Architecture and Environmental Design pitched their designs to the Kent community. From “simple and functional to splendidly provocative”, these proposals offer a range of innovative solutions that will satisfy Kent’s mission to create a modern campus that offers an outstanding academic experience and enriches the greater community of Kent, Ohio.



The four finalists, which were selected from 37 international teams, were challenged to design a 122,000 square foot, sustainable exemplar, possibly capable of achieving net-zero energy, that unites Kent State’s architecture program under one roof, while inspiring interdisciplinary collaboration within flexible learning spaces.

Get a sneak peak of each proposal after the break.

Bialosky + Partners Architects (New York and Cleveland) in association with Architecture Research Office of New York:

Save this picture! Bialosky + Partners Architects proposal; Courtesy Kent State University

Save this picture! Bialosky + Partners Architects proposal; Courtesy Kent State University

Richard L. Bowen + Associates Inc. of Cleveland in association with Weiss/Manfredi of New York:

Save this picture! Richard L. Bowen + Associates Inc. proposal; Courtesy Kent State University

Save this picture! Richard L. Bowen + Associates Inc. proposal; Courtesy Kent State University

The Collaborative Inc. of Toledo, Ohio, in association with the Miller Hull Partnership of Seattle:

Save this picture! The Collaborative Inc. proposal; Courtesy Kent State University

Save this picture! The Collaborative Inc. proposal; Courtesy Kent State University

Westlake Reed Leskosky with offices in Cleveland and four other cities:

Save this picture! Westlake Reed Leskosky proposal; Courtesy Kent State University

Save this picture! Westlake Reed Leskosky proposal; Courtesy Kent State University

Which design do you like best? Help Kent State decide by taking this poll! Also, University officials are asking the public to offer feedback on the four proposals via email at caedcomments@kent.edu.

A five-person jury will announce the winning firm in February.

The Jury:

Vivian Loftness, professor at Carnegie Mellon University



Brad Lynch, Brinistool+Lynch Architecture Design



Joan M. Soranno, vice president FAIA



Douglas Steidl, dean of Kent State's architecture school



Michael Bruder, director of design and construction in Kent State's architecture office



Story via Kent Patch