Building the Future: Tulane’s School of Architecture and Built Environment marks a milestone

It’s a busy time for the newly renamed Tulane University School of Architecture and Built Environment, which recently celebrated the grand reopening of its longtime home, Richardson Memorial Hall, after a major renovation and expansion.

“This new designation is driven by the school’s broadening mission and scope, which play a vital role in the unprecedented success and momentum Tulane is experiencing,” said Tulane President Michael A. Fitts. “This new identity highlights the role of our students, faculty and staff in improving the human condition by creating the future buildings, streets, landscapes, cities and regions of the world.”

“This name change aligns with the current and future reality of an evolving industry and how our school has grown to support it.” — Architecture and Built Environment Dean Iñaki Alday

The reopening of Richardson Memorial Hall marks the completion of an ambitious construction project that adds 17,000 square feet to the original 45,000-square-foot structure. The revitalized facility includes new studios, classrooms, a gallery, review spaces and meeting rooms — many of which were shaped by input from architecture students and faculty.

Architecture and Built Environment Dean Iñaki Alday said the name is fitting for a new kind of school and student.

“This name change aligns with the current and future reality of an evolving industry and how our school has grown to support it,” said Alday. “Tulane School of Architecture and Built Environment is emerging as the place to be — the place for top students and scholars of all backgrounds to practice collective stewardship of the challenges and ideas that shape the planet we inhabit.”
 

Tulane will celebrate this milestone with a dedication ceremony for Richardson Memorial Hall on April 24 from 2 to 4 p.m. in Gibson Quad, followed by the School of Architecture and Built Environment Awards Gala from 6 to 9 p.m., where the school will honor alumni making a lasting impact in the field.

Among the honorees is Errol Barron (A ’64), receiving the first Faculty Luminary Award. A distinguished architect, educator and artist, Barron has left a lasting impact on Tulane and the architectural community through his award-winning work and decades of teaching and creative endeavors.

Robert Ivy (A ’76) will be honored with the first Distinguished Alumni Award for making a lasting impact through his leadership, advocacy and scholarship. Ivy is the former CEO of the American Institute of Architects and past editor-in-chief of Architectural Record. 

Gayle Benson (HA ’14), owner of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, is being honored with the Friend of the School Award. The award recognizes an individual outside of the architectural profession whose exceptional support has significantly benefited the Tulane School of Architecture and Built Environment and contributed to the growth and development of New Orleans.

Mitch Landrieu, former New Orleans mayor, is being honored as an Advocate for Architecture and the City — an award that recognizes an individual of exceptional cultural and aesthetic impact on the arts, especially architecture, and the unique character and spirit of the city of New Orleans. 

The evening will also support student scholarships, further reinforcing the school’s mission to build a more impactful future for the built environment.