Architecture students showcase capstone projects

Ten seniors who graduated in May from Penn College’s architecture & sustainable design major recently showcased their capstone work in the Klump Academic Center’s architecture suite.

The program hosted a reception for the students and guests, including refreshments and a brief talk by faculty, on the eve of the students’ commencement ceremony.

The students’ capstone course – Architectural Design Studio VII – was taught by Anthony M. Kormanicki. Their final project tasked them with designing a performing arts and cultural center near the water front in Beirut, Lebanon. Integrating the skills they developed in previous coursework, they focused on sustainable materials, energy efficiency, and the use of building information modeling. The students also considered the city’s culture, history, climate and local building materials.

Kormanicki said the students showed their dedication by the long hours they spent in the studio – often well into the morning. “It shows your love for the profession,” he told the graduates.

The students displaying their work were: Isabella R. Brown, of Youngsville; Austin B. Buck, of Coburn; Hannah M.W. Ciarrochi, of Pottstown; Dillon M. Conner, of Trout Run; Kassandra S. Fernandez, of Marion Heights; Darren C. Gobrecht, of Spring Grove; Michael J. Kienzle, of Bellwood; Gavin A. Portzline, of Middleburg; Grayson C. Watkins, of Williamsport; and Holly L. Williams, of Bernville.

Brown received the Architecture Faculty Award for Academic Excellence.