Emmelea Schatz
University of Kansas
School of Architecture & Design
“Pollinator Pavilion.” The Pollinator Pavilion is a collaborative design-build structure expanding the educational programming of the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center into new public outdoor learning sites. The shaded gateway acts as a meeting point for visiting groups and the entrance landmark to adjacent native prairie. The structure must also withstand proximity to an annual prairie burn for the upkeep of the prairie ecosystem. Its design comes from the textures, colors, and movement observed between the vital pollinator relationship to native plants, specifically drawing from the dramatic and ascending movements of the Western Meadowlark. This project was designed and constructed by Keith Van de Riet’s Studio 509 Design-Build course and with the support of multiple community partners. © Emmelea Schatz.
Jury
Debbie Ahmari
Joseph Kunkel
Ann Lui
Dawveed Scully
Robert L. Wesley (Chair)
I am honored to connect with an incredible cast of innovative and leading BIPOC designers and advocates through the mentorship program curated by the Robert L. Wesley Award. I am committed to developing my skills as an entering architect to best understand the opportunities provided to diverse communities through sustainable design, and I am looking forward to contributing to the achievements of the Robert L. Wesley Award.
“Concrete Curtain Panels.” Individual undergraduate research focuses on the application of concrete to rebuild and rehabilitate US coastlines. This research is an expansion on the work of Keith Van de Riet to study and develop reef wall panels by learning how seaside concrete infrastructure may facilitate the rehabilitation of keystone aquatic species. All curtain panel iterations are created from concrete-dipped burlap poured over wood molds. The resulting pieces are examined for structural integrity, quality of concrete casting, and artistic quality. This study will continue to integrate concrete composition research and physical iteration creation. © Emmelea Schatz.
The promise of success in architecture extends far beyond excellent design; it’s about creating meaningful change in the communities where we live, work, and play. This is precisely what Emmelea has exemplified in her application, showcasing not just architectural skill but a deep understanding of how spaces can positively transform our everyday lives.
Joseph Kunkel, Juror
Emme is a truly exceptional person—she shines by her work ethic alone, but her other traits include leadership, enthusiasm, collaboration, willingness to learn, dedication, and, perhaps above all, humility. As if these endearing attributes were not enough, she brings a sense of humor to the workplace and classroom that invites others to collaborate in her commitment to improving the world through architecture.
Keith Van de Riet, Associate Professor of Architecture, School of Architecture & Design, University of Kansas
“Sun Dome.” Sun Dome pavilion is a boat stand and trail rest stop that performs a changing art display with light and shadow amongst Burcham Park in Lawrence, Kansas. Sun Dome acts to create a dynamic and engaging entrance to the park. The resulting modeled forms in wood study the creation of texture and movement in single-material structures. Perforations, cuts, and shadow-making properties in the pavilion structure allowed Emmelea Schatz to explore how users can utilize the properties of sunlight and mass to orient themselves across the limited hours of day, much like a sundial. © Emmelea Schatz.
Emmelea exudes talent, leadership, and enthusiasm.
Debra Ahmari, Juror
“Generations Housing.” Generations Housing proposes a highly densified mixed-use housing project in Bentonville, Arkansas, that supports the extended life of a multi-modal, pedestrian neighborhood. This exploded axonometric diagram of the mixed-use housing complex demonstrates the passive shading strategies and energy efficient technologies. Environmental solutions are utilized as partitions between an individualized sense of home and a commonness enjoyed throughout recreation amongst public spaces. The activation of the facade through inset balconies, polycarbonate paneling, and louver systems creates a heightened sense of privacy in residential units as well as prevents excess heat gain throughout the building’s glazing. © Emmelea Schatz.
Emmelea Schatz
University of Kansas
School of Architecture & Design
Emmelea Schatz
is a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of Kansas pursuing a Master of Architecture. She grew up in the north Chicago suburbs and first understood architecture as a means of making urban life safer. Her passion for architecture throughout university has developed while filling the gap between her current architectural work and her values in environmental equity by embracing her service and research projects in Lawrence and nationally. As well as pursuing a traditional architectural degree, Schatz is involved in undergraduate design research in environmentally protective seawall structures on the Florida coastline. In addition, she is leading the first KU student group travelling to Ecuador to participate in a design-build community project that instructs future design leaders on solutions addressing climate change and economic resiliency. Outside of design, Schatz enjoys gardening and experimenting with her cooking. She believes that food is a means of sustenance and sharing, and like architecture, invites both willing and unknowing users to appreciate the uniqueness and commonality of life around the world. Her goal is to lead a practice that integrates private practice and community service that builds local relationships and fosters a high performing partnership of public participation in the design world.