Lynn Lawry Wins Fall 2024 AIA Tampa Bay Scholarship
Lynn Lawry, an M.Arch student at the University of South Florida, was awarded the $2,500 AIA Tampa Bay Scholarship for her project, The Ribbon Experience. Commended for its high-quality craft, unique experiential significance, and excellent marketing, the project was regarded as a standoutfrom this year’d jury, architects Richard Hartmann, AIA; Andi Pena, AIA; and Shaun Luttrell, AIA.
The premise of this design studio was to create a contemporary museum that serves as both a cultural landmark and a dynamic hub for art, education, and community engagement. The program called for an iconic structure that reflects the diversity, creativity, and vitality of modern art. In addition, Michael Halflants, Lawry’s studio professor and award-winning Tampa Bay Architect, travelled with students to study the architectural significance of Dallas, Texas.
At the heart of Lynn Lawry’s project is an ambitious idea: to create an uninterrupted, immersive journey through a museum. Her design, aptly titled The Ribbon Experience, guides visitors through a series of six art-filled galleries. As stated by Lawry, “The Ribbon Experience offers continuous circulation, guiding visitors seamlessly through the museum's form and program. Featuring 14 curated art pieces across six memorable galleries—Perpetual Veil, Unveiled Echoes, Manifold Vistas, Serenity Clarity, Verdant Moment, and Reflection Hall—it creates an unforgettable spatial journey. This project features a 20-foot-long floor plan timeline of the whole museum unraveled, with diagrams and sections to explain this journey.” Supporting site plan and an excellently crafted model provide a further understanding of the project’s unique design approach.
A notable aspect of Lawry’s project was her keen attention to presentation. She created a folded pamphlet, an understated yet powerful marketing tool, that complemented her work. It serves as a memento of the project which allowed viewers to further immerse themselves in the project’s experiential significance.
Reflections from jury member, Richard Hartmann, mention that “Lynn displayed a wonderful design, some very precise drawings, and an excellent presentation setup,” Hartmann remarked. “Her pamphlet was unique—it caught my eye as a marketing tool. We architects must always market our work, and she demonstrated that beautifully.”
In addition to Lawry’s project, the Jury also decided to select an honorable mention, Lexi Perez, who was commended for her “Wonderful design and nice plans and a delicate, highly crafted model.”
Student work reminds us of the power architects have to shape create rich cultural significance within communities. The AIA Tampa Scholarship underscores the importance of nurturing emerging talent in architecture. By recognizing students from the University of South Florida, School of Architecture and Community Design, the program affirms its commitment to advancing the profession and inspiring the next generation of designers.
Lynn Lawry - Scholarship Recipient
Click Here to View Lynn's Work- Model and Plans
Click Here to View Lynn's Work- Ribbon Experience
Lexi Perez - Honorable Mention
Click Here to View Lexi's Work
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