Latest News

City Life Studio Showcases Urban Housing Design Through Competition and Public Exhibit
12/10/25
Crosby Hall buzzed with energy as students from the UB School of Architecture and Planning gathered for the presentation of the top 10 housing projects from this year’s City Life Senior Studio. These finalists—shortlisted from 43 total teams—were presenting to an international jury of architectural professionals and scholars.
A Team of 16 Scholars Unlocks the Life of an Unconventional Architect
12/5/25
When SUNY Distinguished Professor Despina Stratigakos began her doctoral dissertation, she stumbled upon an obscure Austrian architect named Ella Briggs and was instantly captivated. But finding information about Briggs proved nearly impossible. For decades, Stratigakos carried her unanswered questions with her.
Changing minds — one bedazzled toolbox at a time
10/7/25
UB student Maddie Stafford is raising awareness about gendered attitudes in traditionally male-dominated fields like architecture.
Designing with Purpose: Graduate Studio Creates Storage Solutions for The Tool Library
11/12/25
This fall, graduate students in the UB Architecture Material Culture Research Studio took on a unique challenge: designing user-friendly storage systems for The Tool Library, a local nonprofit that supports the community through affordable access to an extensive collection of tools.
UB Professor Honors Planning Pioneer and Mentor with “The Shoup Doctrine”
10/30/25
When Professor Daniel Hess graduated from the University at Buffalo in 1997 with his master’s in urban planning, his next stop was UCLA to pursue his Ph.D. There, he met Donald Shoup, a professor of urban planning who came to be known for his pioneering work in parking policy and reform.
Exploring Feminism in Architecture: María Novas Joins UB as Stratigakos Fellow
11/14/25
In 2023, SUNY Distinguished Professor Despina Stratigakos established a visiting fellowship within the UB School of Architecture and Planning. Its purpose is to support research on the built environment as a vehicle for the creation of more inclusive communities, with a focus on gender and sexuality in architecture. Stratigakos is a prodigious scholar whose research examines how power and ideology function in architecture.
Shaping the Future of City Transit: Alumni Lead Micromobility Innovation
11/14/25
During his final year in the Master of Urban Planning program at the University at Buffalo, Michael Galligano (MUP ’09) and a group of his classmates developed an idea for a community-based car-share business. With support from a New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) grant, they launched Buffalo CarShare before they even graduated.
UB Welcomes International Students to Turn Demolition Waste into Design Innovation
11/14/25
Using our Fabrication Workshop as a hub, Christopher Romano, assistant professor in the Department of Architecture, has partnered with Professor Diego Rodríguez and Tecnológico de Monterrey (TEC) to co-lead the second annual short-term study abroad program, this year partnering with 2025-26 Banham Fellow Celia Chaussabel.
Building Equity Through Data: UB’s Food Lab Welcomes Dr. Jane Dai
12/1/25
In October 2025, Dr. Jane Dai became the newest member of the University at Buffalo’s Food Systems Planning and Health Communities Lab (Food Lab) in the School of Architecture and Planning. She joins the team to support a major initiative funded by a three-year, $795,000 grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The project aims to examine community food systems dashboards and develop guidelines for how to leverage these dashboards as tools to advance data equity for food equity.
Alumnus Dale White Honored for Transformative Affordable Housing Project
11/21/25
Each year, the Urban Land Institute (ULI) awards the Jack Kemp Excellence in Affordable and Workforce Housing Award to recognize developments that demonstrate remarkable creativity in their efforts to expand housing opportunities. This year, Market Street Village, an affordable housing project in San Diego, CA earned this prestigious honor, an achievement that holds special significance for University at Buffalo alumnus Dale White (BAED ’05).
Fast-Track to the Future: UB Students Accelerate Their Path to Urban Planning
12/8/25
In spring 2025, Christian Powell (END ’24, MUP ’26) and Liliana Visca (END ’24, MUP ’26) took the next step in their academic journey—beginning the Master of Urban Planning (MUP) program at the University at Buffalo’s School of Architecture and Planning. Both had already distinguished themselves by earning their Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Design (END) from UB, summa cum laude with highest distinction in the major—all at an accelerated pace.
UB architecture school partners with PUSH Buffalo to train workers in green jobs
6/22/22
The School of Architecture and Planning is partnering with People United for Sustainable Housing (PUSH Buffalo) to train Buffalo’s workforce in climate-resilient design and development. The effort will result in the Sustainability Workforce Training Center, a 2,500-square-foot, zero-net energy building that will house a six-week training program to prepare unemployed and underemployed individuals for the local green workforce, and the next generation of climate activists. The project leverages PUSH Buffalo’s efforts to expand local hiring opportunities and advance economic and climate justice with the School's faculty expertise in adapting the built environment to extreme weather and climate change.
New book explores uncommon ground we share in a post-truth world
11/4/22
Mark Shepard’s new book examines what happens when, as German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche famously said, “There are no facts, only interpretations”?
Architectural designer and activist Maya Porath announced as 2022-23 Banham Fellow
11/15/22
The School of Architecture and Planning is pleased to welcome Maya Porath, an architectural designer, educator and organizer, as the 2022-23 Peter Reyner Banham Fellow.
New certificate program addresses affordable housing crisis
7/5/22
The certificate will draw upon programs in real estate development, architecture and urban planning, while engaging students in the urban landscapes of Buffalo.
2023
1/9/23
Shibley stepping down as dean
12/8/22
After a successful 11-year tenure leading the School of Architecture and Planning, Robert Shibley will resume his role as SUNY Distinguished Professor.
Enhancing, expanding aging-related research
12/4/23
The kickoff event for the initiative features the acting director of the NYS Office for the Aging as the keynote speaker.
A living memorial that exemplifies a student’s enduring spirit
11/14/23
UB architecture classes worked with community partners to design, build the Sydney Gross Memorial in Medina, New York.
Memorializing Hayes Hall’s past
10/10/24
A graduate design studio last spring produced two memorials that pay respect to the hallowed grounds on which the home of the architecture school rests.
Marking 40 years of inclusive design
12/2/24
UB's IDEA Center is celebrating its achievements while embarking upon a transition in leadership.
Sports performance center earns AIA award
12/13/24
The Buffalo/WNY Chapter of the American Institute of Architects noted in particular the facility's sustainable design.
UB faculty, student architecture design nominated for award
5/8/24
The design of the Larkinville location of Blue Table Chocolates has earned a nomination for an Architizer A+ Teamwork award.
Two UB architects elevated to AIA’s College of Fellows
3/14/24
Joyce Hwang and Edward Steinfeld are among 98 architects the American Institute of Architects recognized this year.
Bruner Foundation’s $5M gift will support new center on urban excellence at UB
5/4/23
The School of Architecture and Planning will establish the Rudy Bruner Center for Urban Excellence building on the body of work by the national Rudy Bruner Award (RBA).
Architecture prof counts the ways UB makes her feel True Blue
11/29/23
Daniela Sandler had taught at many different colleges and universities, but in her estimation, there's no place like UB.
Meet Alissa Ujie Diamond
4/23/24
The new urban planning professor centers her work on justice and equity.
Changing the narrative on women in architecture
10/28/24
For the first time in the School of Architecture and Planning’s 50-year history, the first-year architecture studio has more women than men.
Honoring a pioneer with equitable action
10/24/24
An event at UB aims to strengthen Buffalo’s support for equitable urban agriculture policy.
Gresham lecturer talks universal design
11/1/24
UB faculty member Edward Steinfeld explained the difference between accessibility and universal design during the annual lecture.
Transforming neighborhoods to improve health outcomes
12/19/24
Henry-Louis Taylor Jr. talks about his mission to reverse historic health inequities in the Driven to Discover podcast.
Building community resilience, workforce development
1/24/25
UB is partnering with PUSH Buffalo on a project to address extreme weather hazards and energy efficiency in Buffalo’s aging housing stock.
UB continues to rank among the top public universities
9/24/24
The university is No. 36 among public universities in U.S. News & World Report's latest rankings of the top universities in the nation.
Introducing Roy Taylor: 2023-24 Banham Fellow – Acclaimed Architectural Designer, Educator, and Community Leader from Toronto, ON
9/20/23
The School of Architecture and Planning is pleased to welcome Kearon Roy Taylor, an architectural designer, educator and organizer from Toronto, ON, as the 2023-24 Peter Reyner Banham Fellow.
Training WNY’s new sustainability workforce
9/13/24
The inaugural class goes through the Community Climate Leadership program offered through a partnership between UB and PUSH Buffalo. Resilient Building Lab researchers Nick Rajkovich, associate professor in the Department of Architecture, and Laura Lubniewski, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Architecture developed the curriculum.
Despina Stratigakos' book on Nazi efforts to build a model 'Aryan' society honored by Society of Architectural Historians
5/3/22
A University at Buffalo architectural historian’s acclaimed book on Nazi efforts to build a model “Aryan” society in Norway during World War II has been recognized by the Society of Architectural Historians.
Spring 2022 final reviews recap
5/25/22
As the 2021-22 academic year comes to a close, students in the School of Architecture and Planning presented the final projects across our programs in architecture, urban planning and real estate development.
UB architecture professors Gregory Serweta and Maia Peck design exhibition at Center for Architecture in NYC
5/16/22
UB architecture faculty members Maia Peck and Gregory Serweta have recently completed an exhibition design on inclusive living in collaboration with Pentagram at the Center for Architecture in New York City.
GRoW Home opens to visitors
1/13/22
UB's “GRoW Home” - designed and built by UB students - is now open on UB’s North Campus as the GRoW Clean Energy Center, for use as a clean energy education center and tour, meeting and event space.
Grieving for our city
5/15/22
We are shocked and heartbroken by the hate crime committed in our city on May 14, 2022. We grieve for all our neighbors who are the victims and their families, our city, and our region. In solidarity, we lift up one another with open hearts, compassion, respect, and love.
Charles Davis II, leading scholar on race and architecture, to address Class of 2022
5/16/22
Charles Davis II, a UB associate professor of architectural history known worldwide for his work on race in architecture, will address members of the Class of 2022 at the School of Architecture and Planning’s 50th Commencement on Friday, May 20, 2022.
Tackling health disparities from all sides
11/29/21
To more powerfully address and reverse Buffalo’s entrenched health disparities, the Center for Urban Studies, dedicated to regenerating underdeveloped neighborhoods, is joining the Community Health Equity Research Institute at UB.
Celebrating 50 years of innovation and impact
5/23/22
See full coverage of our 50+ Anniversary Celebration, which joined the School together across the eras and opened the conversation for our next 50 years.
Putting UB's leadership in climate action on the national stage
10/12/22
Vice President Kamala Harris’s historic visit to UB last month to speak about a landmark climate bill recently signed into law by U.S. President Joe Biden presented a unique opportunity to put UB’s innovative work in climate action on a national stage.
Congratulations, Class of 2023!
5/16/23
On Friday, May 19, 2023, a distinguished group of 227 future architects, urban planners, environmental designers and real estate developers will join the ranks of UB alumni as the School of Architecture and Planning convenes its 51st Commencement ceremony in UB’s Center for the Arts.
“GRoW House” Lands UB a Spot in National Solar Decathlon
2/17/14
Led by the School of Architecture and Planning, UB students and professors will build a 1,400-square-foot solar-powered home as finalists in the U.S. Department of Energy’s elite Solar Decathlon competition.
UB architect’s energy-efficient façade design for Seoul hospital recognized with international design award
7/19/23
Jin Young Song, UB associate professor of architecture, will be presented with a 2023 Design Educates Award for his façade retrofit of a major hospital in Seoul, converting a deteriorating 10-story concrete structure into a colorful model for design with building-integrated photovoltaic.
Architecture students apply AR technology to wood manufacturing with FabCafe Tokyo and FabCafe Hida
11/24/22
A recent article published by FabCafe features an innovative partnership with the School of Architecture and Planning that’s revealing new possibilities in AR-driven design and fabrication.
Urban planning students turn ideas into action on Buffalo's East Side
10/17/22
Thanks to the efforts of three UB urban planning students determined to apply their skills in the surrounding community, an immigrant-owned business on Buffalo’s East Side is getting a complete storefront makeover.
Dezeen spotlights 10 student projects
12/14/22
Dezeen, a global publication in architecture and design, spotlights 10 student works from across the School of Architecture and Planning in its latest edition of School Shows.
Student creations in wearable architecture featured at international exhibition in Hong Kong
7/10/23
Wearable assemblies of folded paper and 3D-printed resin developed by UB architecture students have been on display this summer in Hong Kong as part of an exhibition exploring expanding definitions of fashion.
Historic preservation studio informs major East Side development, wins planning award
7/5/23
A recent urban planning studio at UB has generated critical insights on alternative approaches to historic preservation for marginalized communities, receiving the attention of the professional planning community and directly informing an adaptive reuse project under way on Buffalo’s East Side.
Students honored at UB's annual celebration of academic excellence
6/19/23
Two students from the School of Architecture and Planning were recognized with awards at UB's 2023 Celebration of Student Academic Excellence.
UB launches graduate degree in global health and international development
7/17/23
In a bid to support a United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of achieving global health equity by 2030, the University at Buffalo has launched a first-of-its kind Master of Science in International Development and Global Health (MSIDGH).
‘A powerful pink bomb’
8/7/23
Kelly Hayes McAlonie and Despina Stratigakos, co-creators of Architect Barbie, explain the impact of the movie that's become one of the most talked about films of the summer.
Four faculty receive Fulbright awards
6/30/23
Edith Gonzalez, Daniel Hess, Katarzyna “Kasia” Kordas and Amy VanScoy have received the prestigious awards to study and teach abroad during the coming year.
School of Architecture and Planning welcomes largest cohort of new faculty in nearly a decade
10/25/22
The School of Architecture and Planning is pleased to welcome 10 new faculty with the start of the 2022-23 academic year, the largest and most diverse cohort of faculty hires in nearly a decade.
Four MArch students among Metropolis's inaugural "Future 100" class of the top architecture students in North America
5/23/21
Four students in UB’s Master of Architecture program have been selected among the top 50 architecture students graduating this year in North America, chosen to be the inaugural Metropolis Future 100.
Redevelopment plans for land adjacent to Central Terminal
12/7/22
UB architecture and real estate development students have been working this fall to help transform one of Buffalo’s most iconic spaces.
Horses, humans and the city
11/28/22
UB architecture students aim to improve the neighborhood and environment while designing an equestrian center on Buffalo’s East Side.
Spring 2023 "Recovery/Reclamation" Public Programs series kicks off March 1
2/22/23
UB's School of Architecture and Planning is pleased to announce the launch of its Spring 2023 Public Programs, continuing the conversation on the restorative potential of the built environment in response to the destructive forces of racial and social injustice.
Hess honored for contributions to international education
2/22/23
Daniel B. Hess, a professor in University at Buffalo’s Department of Urban and Regional Planning, was recently honored with the 2022 Award for Outstanding Contributions to International Education at U
Local chapter of American Planning Association honors students, curricular innovation at UB
6/12/23
The Western New York section of the American Planning Assoiation recently recognized two curricular efforts in urban planning as best practice as part of its annual awards program.
GRoW Home Delivers Stellar Performance in UB's Solar Decathlon Debut
10/17/15
Countless hours of designing, building, fine-tuning and fundraising over the past two and a half years have paid off for the more than 200 University at Buffalo students and faculty members who worked on the GRoW Home.
In memory of Alfred Price
6/21/23
The School of Architecture and Planning remembers Alfred D. Price Jr., UB professor emeritus of urban planning, who passed away on May 2 after a long battle with cancer. He was 75.
Laurian appointed chair of urban planning
8/4/23
The international expert in environmental justice and planning theory joins UB on Aug. 23.
UB architecture students create hope in Buffalo
8/29/23
PUSH Buffalo is using the students’ design plans to transform vacant buildings into sustainable homes.
Czerniak named dean of School of Architecture and Planning
6/21/23
The highly regarded architectural designer, landscape architect, writer and educator comes to UB from Syracuse University.
UB to host 8th annual WNY New American and Refugee Health Summit Sept. 10
8/29/22
The eighth annual Western New York New American and Refugee Health Summit happening next month at UB will highlight the spirit of youth who arrived as refugees and the challenges they face in their new homes.
Real estate and urban design students offer development recommendations for key properties in downtown Buffalo
4/6/17
Teams of UB graduate students in real estate development, architecture, and urban planning recently presented recommendations for how three centrally-located parking lots in downtown Buffalo could eventually be redeveloped.
Urban Design Studio Reimagines Niagara Falls' North End, Students to Present Findings to Public
5/12/14
Urban planning students from UB's School of Architecture and Planning will present findings from their semester-long study of Niagara Falls' Main Street and Niagara Gorge Corridors to members of the public on Wednesday, May 14, 2014.
Planning for Buffalo's next rails to trails project
9/10/19
A UB masters of urban planning studio recently toured sites along what could be one of Buffalo’s next multi-use paths.
Winter 2023 expedition-style study abroad program in Tanzania open to all students
9/14/22
This winter, students from across the School of Architecture and Planning have the opportunity to explore sustainable development on the ground in Northern Tanzania through an expedition-style study abroad program.
Jin Young Song creates the buildings of the future
4/16/22
Jin Young Song, UB associate professor of architecture at UB, has won multiple awards for his research and practice on façade renovations and alternative construction systems. Most recently, he was invited to redesign the façade of a 12-story hospital in Korea using building-integrated photovoltaics or BIPV.
Architecture studio shows tiny homes can do a lot of good
6/8/22
This past Spring, senior architecture students working under the direction of Brad Wales and working in partnership with A Tiny Home for Good designed three tiny home prototypes for people experiencing homelessness and then developed them to permit-ready construction. The homes are now under construction in Syracuse and are scheduled for completion by June 2023.
Master of Architecture student Deron Charlery wins Gensler Rising Black Designers Scholarship
10/20/22
UB Master of Architecture student Deron Charlery was recently awarded the 2022 Gensler Rising Black Designers Scholarship, a prestigious award made by the global design firm to break down barriers to entry into the profession of architecture for Black students.
Faculty experts inform national conversation on racial segregation in aftermath of tragic shooting
5/23/22
In response to the tragic racist shooting in Buffalo on May 14, the faculty of the School of Architecture and Planning have been called upon by national media to help understand existing conditions across East Buffalo and inform the conversation about just how deeply racism is embedded in our urban context.
Join us: Atelier 2023!
3/14/23
A weeklong celebration of the people, ideas and values that drive us.
The trailblazing story of America’s first female architect
3/14/23
Kelly Hayes McAlonie is launching her book about Louise Blanchard Bethune at the Hotel Lafayette, the historic building designed by Bethune.
Buffalo News lauds Shibley, faculty and students, for "learn-by-doing" impacts across the city
3/24/23
The Buffalo News recently published an editorial on Dean Robert Shibley and his leadership of the School of Architecture and Planning's "community-as-classroom" approach to teaching and research, which has left a lasting legacy of impact on the City of Buffalo.
Creating safe and inclusive spaces for people of all genders
3/27/23
Here at UB's School of Architecture and Planning, we’re committed to creating safe, open and vibrant spaces for all – regardless of race, gender, ability or background.
Renowned architect receives SUNY honorary degree
3/23/23
David Adjaye was awarded the honor during a special presentation at the School of Architecture and Planning.
Alumni network at Gensler offers career advice to students, recent grads in time of uncertainty
10/6/20
Seven UB alumni practicing with Gensler offices across the U.S. recently came together with current students to share their career trajectories and work experience at the world’s largest architecture, design, and planning firm.
Citizen Planning School graduates latest class of citizen activists
6/15/22
UB’s award-winning Citizen Planning School has graduated its sixth cohort of citizen activists, mobilizing community development ideas as diverse as a mobility hub on Buffalo’s East Side, a mentoring center for at-risk populations in Niagara Falls, and a community center to expand public access to Buffalo’s Lake Erie waterfront.
Emmanuel Frimpong Boamah assumes role as interim chair of Department of Urban and Regional Planning
6/29/22
The Department of Urban and Regional Planning has announced the appointment of Emmanuel Frimpong Boamah as interim chair. Boamah, an associate professor of urban planning and director of graduate studies for the program, assumes the leadership role after Daniel B. Hess announced he will step down as chair to return to the faculty.
Winners of senior architecture housing studio announced
2/1/22
The 2021 senior architecture "Housing as Process" design studio focused on housing-led, mixed-use development programs that build on social capital in the community. It is the culminating studio of the BS in Architecture program, with the final review organized as a competition judged by a blind panel of jurors. The winning teams are each awarded a $2,500 prize.
UB urban design students share proposals for future heart of Buffalo’s Bailey Green neighborhood
6/13/22
Members of the public recently joined with UB architecture students to see the results of an urban design studio engaging residents in reimagining the heart of the Bailey Green neighborhood on Buffalo's East Side.
UB architecture professor Adam Thibodeaux explores queer space as inaugural Despina Stratigakos Fellow
5/4/23
UB architecture faculty member and design scholar Adam Thibodeaaux has been selected as the inaugural Stratigakos Visiting Fellow to expore questions of social equity and architecture.
Watts Scholar aspires to advance justice
5/23/23
UB architecture student Pouya Pakkhesal, a native of Iran, views design as a powerful force of change for justice and equity around the globe.
UB Celebrates Mitchell Joachim’s Impact on Innovative Design with Alumni Award
10/3/25
The University at Buffalo has announced Mitchell Joachim (BPS ’94) as the recipient of a 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award.
Celebrating a Legacy of Service: Gary Jastrzab Earns UB Alumni Honor
10/8/25
Gary J. Jastrzab (BA ’76), one of the early graduates of the UB School of Architecture and Planning, has been honored with the 2025 Philip B. Wels Outstanding Service Award.
Urban planning program adds two tenure-track faculty
9/17/20
The Department of Urban and Regional Planning has announced the addition of two tenure-track faculty bringing expertise in inclusive planning and design of pedestrian environments.
Mary D. Cohen: Former UB scholar devoted life to humanitarian causes
9/10/20
Mary D. Cohen, a lifelong educator and former researcher with UB’s Health in Housing Institute (HIH) who passed away earlier this summer at 91, leaves a diverse legacy of community-building work.
Re-imagining a quiet campus space for the sound of music
10/6/20
On the first day of class on the last day of August, Eric Huebner, associate professor of music in the College of Arts and Sciences, was seated at the chair of a grand piano on the sidewalk outside of Slee Hall on the North Campus. He was performing two Chopin preludes and a snippet of Bach’s D minor keyboard concerto, a piece that he would soon be performing as part of an upcoming concert with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.
Urban planning student Daniela León builds equitable development from the ground up
10/6/20
Daniela León, a second-year student in the Master of Urban Planning program at UB, is an ardent advocate for building equitable and inclusive economies for urban communities.
Dean Robert Shibley updates School community on preparations for fall 2020
7/14/20
I write today to update you on our preparations for the fall 2020 semester as we work to implement university guidelines for a return to campus in a modified in-person capacity.
Banham Fellow in architecture explores air quality crisis through design
8/24/20
UB's Department of Architecture is pleased to announce designer and researcher Zherui Wang as the 2020-21 Peter Reyner Banham Fellow.
Top MArch student earns prestigious Allwork Scholarship
8/26/20
For Stanicka Mathurin, the study of architecture and preparing for a successful career in the profession began before she even completed high school. The second-year MArch student was just a sophomore when she helped design a children’s mission home and later a school in Haiti as part of a project for His Work International to help orphans.
"Off the Grid" summer studio leverages the geographic diversity of remote study
8/27/20
Among several studios and seminars offered by the School of Architecture and Planning over the summer was “Off the Grid,” taught by UB adjunct instructor Jon Spielman.
Welcome to a new academic year: A message from Dean Robert G. Shibley
9/1/20
Welcome to all - students, faculty and staff - to the start of a new academic year as we return to campus and a ‘new normal’ of learning together. We are ready, after months of careful and intensive planning to ensure that we can learn together – in place – while supporting the health and safety of our community.

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