IIT ARCHITECTURE STUDENT RECEIVES CHICAGO WOMEN IN ARCHITECTURE AWARD

Chicago Women in Architecture awards an annual scholarship to a female student of architecture in the last year of her studies who submits an outstanding Design Studio Project.

Junru Xu, a fifth year IIT architecture student (slated to receive a Bachelor of Architecture Degree in May) was named the 2017 recipient of the CWA Scholarship. Xu was a student of Liaoning Engineering Technology University in China before transferring to IIT to complete her studies. 

Her winning entry was a proposed design for the Obama Presidential Library Center. Of the proposal, Xu notes her hope that it could provide greater access to information on governmental policies and opportunities for community building to residents of all ages.

The proposed plan calls for a structure with a gradient glass facade, divided by an exterior pathway meant to keep the library and archival spaces at a remove from public and civic spaces. The proposal also includes plans for a plaza and sunken garden, and maintains an overall emphasis on environmentally-responsible building methods.

Chicago Women in Architecture is a not-for-profit, volunteer organization that exists as a forum for women in Architecture and related professions.