BIA/ACSA name three Brick in Architectural Education Prize winners for 2025

Three winners of the 2025 Brick in Architectural Education Prize have been announced jointly by the Brick Industry Association (BIA) and Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA). Their vision in developing academic courses that champion the material and create stimulating learning environments through which students can learn sustainable design skills that apply to a range of different project types was recognized as both effective and nurturing of the next generation of architects.

This year, winners explored the potential for Augmented Reality (AR) and computer-aided tessellating techniques in creating projects that touched on repurposing, public health, and designing for the circular economy. The competition was judged by Ahmed K. Ali of Texas A&M University, Lisa Huang of the University of Florida, and the BIA's Chip Clark.

Each will receive a cash prize along with travel support for the course, students will get to visit a BIA-affiliated manufacturing facility, in addition to hosting guest speakers for the class.The three winners for 2025 are.

BRICKLAYING IN AUGMENTED REALITY (B.AR)  by Orsolya Gaspar of Pennsylvania State University

Jury comment: "This course highlights construction technology, presenting a transformative approach that could redefine the labor of building with brick. Its innovative assembly methods highlight the potential for new efficiencies in construction and beyond."

You can download the course description here.

WHEN THE WALLS COME TUMBLIN’ DOWN: Masonry Material Recovery Strategies for The Circular Economy by Dillon Pranger of the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT)

Jury comment: "This course thoughtfully explores brick reclamation and its application in sustainable design. As the industry increasingly embraces reclaimed materials, this work stands out as a strong contender, demonstrating both innovation and environmental responsibility."

You can download the course description here.

BUILDING HEALTH: Resilient Building Materials for Global Health & Sustainability by Liz McCormick of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Jury comment: "This course presents a truly innovative approach on exploration of clay brick. It introduces fresh ideas pushing the boundaries of traditional studies in typical brick design."

You can download the course description here.