GSD students honored for work in research and housing design

The Joint Center for Housing Studies honored five Graduate School of Design (GSD) students for excellence in housing research and design at a May 8 event. “We are pleased to recognize these young scholars. Their work reminds us of the diversity and depth of information that characterizes the study of housing issues throughout the world,” commented Nicolas P. Retsinas, director of the center.

THE GSD STUDENTS AND THEIR HONORS:

Suzanne Lanyi Charles, a D.Des. candidate, was named the John R. Meyer Dissertation Fellow. Her dissertation is on suburban gentrification. She has a master’s degree in design with distinction from GSD.

(Rose) Lindsay Finkenstaedt, a master of urban planning (M.U.P.) candidate, was named an Emerging Leaders in Community and Economic Development Fellow. Supported by NeighborWorks America, her research this summer will investigate the challenges and opportunities of moving beyond project-based financing for affordable housing.

Daniel Fleischman, an M.U.P. candidate, was also named an Emerging Leaders in Community and Economic Development Fellow. His summer research will provide a critical appraisal of small property rehabilitation in neighborhoods with rising foreclosure rates.

Wei Bao, an M.Arch. II candidate, was awarded the center’s annual prize for best graduate-level housing design project.  His design project is titled “Emerging Topography” and is based on the “most essential rule in the layout of Greek villages.” Spiro Pollalis, professor of design technology, and management, nominated Wei’s independent design project for consideration.

Eric McAfee, an M.Des. candidate, was awarded the center’s annual prize for best graduate-level housing research project. His paper is titled “Beyond Pruitt-Igoe: Examining the Architectural and Sociological Underpinnings That Led to the Demise of Public Housing.” Leland Cott, adjunct professor of urban design, nominated McAfee’s work for consideration.