Prairie View A&M University’s newly constructed Fabrication Design Center won a design award from the Houston chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Twelve projects in the Houston metropolitan area received the award, which is based on the quality of design, resolution of the program idea, sustainable responsibility, innovation, thoughtfulness, and technique of the structures.
“The long hours spent with Kirksey Architects over this past year and the feedback they received from us paid off,” said Ikhlas Sabouni, dean of PVAMU’s School of Architecture. “We insisted on a high-quality design coupled with functional direction from our faculty and students. The result was a winning design.”
The Fabrication Center housed under PVAMU’s School of Architecture features a variety of equipment allowing students to build, develop and test their design ideas using the most advanced technology in the market. “In addition to traditional equipment, the new Fabrication Center has several digital tools such as laser cutters, 3D printers, a robotic arm, and a 10-ton crane. Additionally, it has a photo shop and a print shop digital media lab,” said Sabouni. “The center is designed to prepare students to be experts in using the latest technology in designing, fabricating, and constructing buildings. It will also provide opportunities for faculty and students to conduct research related to materials, sustainability, affordability, and new construction techniques that can benefit the school, the design and building industry, and the community.”
The opening day of PVAMU’s Fabrication Design Center is February 19, with a ribbon cutting at 11 a.m.