The Penn Weitzman School of Design understands the power of architecture to create a better world. So does alumna Lori Kanter Tritsch, GAr’85, PAR’16.
That’s why Kanter Tritsch and her partner, William Lauder, W’83, PAR’13, have established the Kanter Tritsch Prize in Energy and Architectural Innovation and the Kanter Tritsch Medal for Excellence in Architecture and Environmental Design. These two annual awards will recognize architects who are leading the way in creative, innovative, and sustainable design.
“The Penn Weitzman School of Design has been home to so many visionary architects,” says Kanter Tritsch, a Penn Weitzman School of Design Overseer and Co-Chair of its Lead by Design Campaign. “We want to celebrate today’s visionaries and encourage the next generation to follow their lead.”’
“I’ve always been enamored by architecture’s capacity to improve our way of living. The Kanter Tristch Prize is a life-changing honor that will open so many doors to me as an architect and relieve a huge financial burden. I couldn’t be more grateful for this generous gift.”Alexandra Adamski, GAr’19
A “LIFE-CHANGING HONOR” FOR STUDENTS
The Kanter Tritsch Prize in Energy and Architectural Innovation is awarded to a second-year Master of Architecture student at PennDesign who demonstrates transformational thinking on the built environment and innovation in their approach to energy, ecology, and/or social equity. The Prize carries a $50,000 fellowship to cover the student’s final year of study.
Alexandra Mae Adamski, GAr’19, will receive the 2018 Kanter Tritsch Prize. A third-year, first-generation student from Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, Adamski’s work focuses on creating building designs that engage with socioeconomic conditions to strengthen urban communities.
“I’ve always been enamored by architecture’s capacity to improve our way of living,” Adamski says. “The Kanter Tristch Prize is a life-changing honor that will open so many doors to me as an architect and relieve a huge financial burden. I couldn’t be more grateful for this generous gift.”
HONORING INNOVATION IN PRACTICE
The Kanter Tritsch Medal for Excellence in Architecture and Environmental Design honors under-recognized architects or firms that are changing the course of design through leadership in energy conservation, environmental quality, and education.
The inaugural recipients of the Medal are Tod Williams and Billie Tsien, co-founders of Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects | Partners. Their projects include the David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center, the LeFrak Center at Lakeside, and, closer to home, Penn Engineering’s much-lauded Skirkanich Hall. They are currently at work on the Barack Obama Presidential Center.
CELEBRATING DESIGN LEADERS
The Medal and Prize were presented on October 15 in New York City at the kickoff event for Lead by Design: The Campaign for PennDesign. Lead by Design’s $52-million goal will help advance the School’s priorities—student and faculty support, facilities and spaces, and centers and programs.
You, too, can help the School unlock the power of design to shape our cities and our selves. Visit the Lead by Design Campaign site or contact Jeff Snyder to find out how you can get involved.
