Architecture Departmentphone 215-204-8813
2001 North 13th Streetfax 215-204-5481
Philadelphia, PA 19122architecture@temple.edu

Dear Architecture alumni:

The 2013 spring semester concluded in a robust graduation with the alumni awarding their annual Alumni Thesis prize to Eric Mayer. As always, we are extremely grateful for the support of the alumni and their dedication to the Department of Architecture. I am particularly grateful and moved by the honor that all of you bestowed upon me by dedicating the newly established Alumni Lecture in my name. The first lecture on April 4th was held in the newly renovated Baptist Temple with Craig Dykers of Snohetta Design as the keynote speaker. The event was festive, well attended and the lecture by Craig Dykers was truly superb. Thanks to all of you, especially Deborah Seitz ’99, Nando Micale ’88 and Bob Shuman ’82, and the many behind the scene folks who made this event memorable. For those of you who could not attend, hopefully we will see you at next year’s event.

For the second year in a row, the John Stewardson Memorial Fellowship in Architecture was awarded to a Temple Architecture student, Rajesh Jose. Tim Nawrocki, now an alumnus, was awarded last year’s 111th fellowship. We are pleased that the high level of excellence in design continues to prevail in the Department.

The Department has thoroughly enjoyed its first year in our new building. A recent article on facilitiesnet.com describes the building as a living laboratory for architects and indeed the building has certainly functioned as such.

On a sadder note, the Department lost one of their colleagues and alumnus, Franco Possemato. Franco passed away after a long illness in Fall 2012. Franco began teaching in our Rome program in 1996 and most recently designed the architecture studio space in Rome. The architecture that he created in the studio space visibly brings together two worlds of design: he preserved the original character of the Villa Caproni by restoring its beautiful brick walls, opening up remarkable views of the Tiber and the lungoteveres, yet simultaneously, he brought the old space into a new world of contemporary materials, fittings, furnishings and electronics. The Architecture Studio is now both new and old, respectfully honoring the past while simultaneously projecting a dynamic future. A plaque honoring Franco has been placed in this special studio space with Professor Emeritus John Pron’s moving eulogy an integral part of the dedication. For those of you, who wish to share some memories of Franco either as fellow classmate or as a student of Franco, please send your thoughts to me at bknowles@temple.edu, and we will share these thoughts with fellow alumni and Franco’s family.

In fall 2013, the Tyler School of Art will be conducting a survey of all of the Tyler alumni. The survey, 2013 Strategic National Arts Alumni Project (SNAAP), is an effort to fully engage the alumni with an understanding of how your education at Temple University helped to formulate your career. Please update your email address by visiting alumni.temple.edu.

On a final note, we are always appreciative of the support we receive from our alumni. I invite you to visit our new website tyler.temple.edu where you can make a gift easily online and help to ensure the future strength of Architecture at Temple University.

Once again on behalf of the Department, thank you and please stay in touch!

Brigitte L. Knowles

Senior Associate Dean • Architecture