KENNESAW, Ga. | Nov 13, 2024

Kennesaw State University’s National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS) team recently earned second place in the 2024 Barbara G. Laurie (BGL) Student Design Competition, besting institutions like Cornell University, UCLA, and Clemson University.

The national competition featured 44 architecture programs and was held at the NOMA National Conference in Baltimore last month. The 2024 edition of the competition challenged student teams to reimagine a four-block site in West Baltimore, historically known as the “Highway to Nowhere.” Once a vibrant community, the area had been divided by a six-lane expressway built during the urban renewal movement of the 1960s, resulting in the displacement of families and the destruction of the neighborhood.

The challenge called for designs that could revitalize the area, incorporating 400,000 square feet of mixed-use spaces, including transit hubs, residential areas, and community-centered amenities.

KSU’s NOMAS team presented their innovative proposal titled “The Backyard.” Led by competition chair and lead designer Jonathan Rivers and co-chair Nicholas Grier, the team of Department of Architecture students designed a space inspired by the historic network of connected backyards and courtyards that were once a staple of the neighborhood. Their proposal envisioned a site that fostered resilience, community, and connection through green spaces, flexible public areas, and historic gathering sectors.

“Because of how long we had been working on the competition, placing was definitely a goal, but the fact we were able to produce a project and submit it to the competition was monumental, especially since it was many of our members' first time participating in a national competition,” KSU NOMAS president Mayowa Odunjo said.

The team, which formed in the spring, included nine architecture students and one faculty member. Rivers, Grier, and Odunjo were joined by fellow students Nelson Agalaba, Joy Cherichel, Ethan Joel, Andres Mendez, Mayra Mendez, and Jesus Vielma on the project. Jade Yang, an assistant professor and faculty advisor for KSU NOMAS, provided mentorship and guidance throughout the competition, offering both technical advice and encouragement.

“To receive national recognition and beat out really renowned Ivy League architecture schools, like Cornell, feels amazing,” Yang said. “It gives exposure and visibility to our school by recognizing the quality of the work that is coming out of KSU. The amount of KSU pride and confidence instilled by receiving an award like this cannot be overstated. This is the kind of experience that builds school legacies. I feel honored to be a part of it.”

– Story by Raynard Churchwell

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.