$100,000 award to fund design impact research on educational outcomes

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) College of Fellows announced Monday the recipients of the 2019 Latrobe Prize Saturday evening at the AIA Conference on Architecture Convocation Gala in Las Vegas.

The prize is being awarded to Bruce Levine, J.D., Associate Clinical Professor, School of Education at Drexel University and Sean O’Donnell, FAIA, Principal & K12 Practice Area Leader with Perkins Eastman for their work advancing knowledge of how high-quality school buildings can positively impact educational outcomes.

Levine and O’Donnell will receive a $100,000 grant for their research project titled, “Addressing a Multi-Billion Dollar Challenge.” Their research will endeavor to advance the knowledge of how well-designed educational facilities positively impact students. O’Donnell and Levine have partnered with the District of Columbia and Baltimore City public schools to help develop their research. Over the next two years, the findings from their research will be applied to a set of design guidelines to be shared with architects and school districts.

O’Donnell and Levine are the 10th recipients of the Latrobe Prize. The award is named for architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe, and is awarded biennially by the AIA College of Fellows for a two-year program of research leading to significant advances in the architecture profession. Learn more about the Latrobe Prize on AIA’s website.