A roundup of ideas and projects from around the Institute
Yihang (Edward) Xu, BID ’25, has been recognized with a Red Dot Concept Award for his project AirFarm, a self-sustainable mobile solution for modern nomads that he began in a studio taught by Chamille Thayer, professor of industrial design. Red Dot aims to celebrate the best ideas in design and business.
Mariana Torres, MS Sustainable Environmental Systems ’25, was interviewed in the Brooklyn chapter of the American Institute of Architects. “By studying Architecture and Interior Design and later earning a master’s degree in Sustainability and Environmental Systems in New York, I developed an approach that integrates design, environmental responsibility, and human well-being. For me, architecture is about designing with intention—creating spaces that support people while contributing to a more sustainable built environment.”
Professor of Fine Art Patricia Madeja’s Geometric Geode Prasiolite and silver collection jewelry was featured in Max Alexander’s runway show at the Opera Garnie as part of Paris Fashion Week.
Adjunct Professor of Undergraduate Communications Design Tim O’Brien helped design the official pane featuring portraits of 25 Figures of the American Revolution for the United States Postal Service, commemorating 250 years since the Declaration of Independence was signed.
Kurt Thomas, BPS Construction Management ’29, has been named the 2025–2026 Rookie of the Year in the Atlantic East Men’s Basketball league. Thomas led the Cannoneers and all AEC rookies in scoring, with 13.2 points per game, and he also delivered 24 blocks over the course of the season.
Edel Rodriguez, BFA Painting ’94 and Visionary Awardee 2019, will deliver the keynote address at the Patchogue Arts Council PEACE Forward: Arts in Education + Partnerships = Possibility conference April 27–28.
In Kansas City interviewed Jason Chen, BID ’21, about his career journey. “Studying the history of industrial design gave a great background for the work I do now. It’s about finding the context with the owner and the spirit of the house or apartment. I think a good interior always takes into consideration the time and place the home was built, including what kind of objects might have been living in it.”
Pratt Institute’s Communications and Marketing Creative Services team earned second place in Archinect’s Fall ’25 Get Lectured competition for their design of the School of Architecture’s Fall 2025 event series poster.
Fast Company interviewed Chair of Graduate Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Design (GA/LA/UD) Andrew Holder for an article on the recent Lever Long Enough to Move the World: Sketches in Contemporary Architecture exhibition by the School of Architecture that included more than 60 hand-drawn architectural sketches. “We are in a world that is now completely dominated by digital tools, but something strange is happening: The hand sketch is back,” Holder said.
Artist Joyce Yu-Jean Lee, assistant professor of foundation, will lead a walk-through tour of her digital commission by the MTA, “Manhatta Waterways: a Sanctuary,” on Saturday, March 14, at 4 PM at Fulton Center in downtown Manhattan.
From Pratt Institute News
From Pratt Institute News
