Architecture in Action: Students Present During Homecoming

The School of Architecture and Art hosted the Norwich community during a special Homecoming program celebrating the many directions a Norwich education can take on Oct. 16 in Chaplin Hall for an afternoon that brought together alumni, faculty, and students to explore the connections among education, professional practice, creative thinking, and research. 

The program will featured a Board of Fellows panel, “What You Can Do with Your Norwich Degree,” with Eric Kuchar, Shaili Patel, Cam Featherstonhaugh, Kimberly Tuttle, and Jim Goetschius. The conversation explored the many possibilities that grow from a Norwich education, and the different paths graduates take beyond the University. The afternoon also included Wall of Fame inductions and recognition, celebrating members of the Norwich community and their contributions.

Nora Dunigan ’27 presented her ongoing research, “The Relationship of Natural Spaces and Religious Architecture.” Building on an Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowship and an ongoing independent study, Nora examined the similarities between experiences in nature and in religious architecture, considering how both natural and intentionally designed spaces can evoke feelings of spirituality. Her presentation explored her research process, her approach to the fellowship, and the questions that guide her investigation into the relationship among space, experience, and spirituality.

Joshua Kelly ’27 presented “Hybrid Formwork: Concrete 3D Printing on Robotically Formed Sand Surfaces,” sharing research developed through a summer apprenticeship with Professor Zach Seibold. His work investigates the use of robotic fabrication to shape sand into reusable formwork for concrete 3D printing. Kelly discussed the project’s development, the research and making process, and the potential of combining digital fabrication with alternative construction methods.