Student Shares Prize in AIA Design Contest

Marta Perlas, a student at Southern California Institute of Architecture, Santa Monica, shared a first prize with North Carolina University architecture student Ann Parker for innovative design in a Design for Aging competition sponsored by the American Institute of Architecture Students.

The premise--humanistic concerns for the physical and emotional needs of the elderly--was expressed through a variety of design concepts by 290 students from 80 schools.

Perlas’ winning entry was designed to meet the needs of people who were capable of caring for themselves and de-emphasized the institutional aspects of housing.

The project combines a street/community orientation with residential units representing the “city” aspect of the complex and reflecting many life styles. Recreation areas are arranged in a close interrelationship with the garden areas and separated by an undulating glass wall.