FAA
Wanna get ahead this summer? Take a Gen Ed course in the arts!
We`ve got topics like intro to art, contemporary dance, and theatre arts, as well as urban sustainability and the history of rock music 🎶🎸
Check out more course info ➡️ link in bio!
Wanna get ahead this summer? Take a Gen Ed course in the arts!
We`ve got topics like intro to art, contemporary dance, and theatre arts, as well as urban sustainability and the history of rock music 🎶🎸
Check out more course info ➡️ link in bio!
🎉 Huge congratulations to Professor Akima Brackeen from the Illinois School of Architecture, recipient of the 2025–26 Lily Auchincloss Rome Prize in Architecture! 🏛️
Awarded by the American Academy in Rome, this prestigious fellowship supports visionary artists and scholars through an immersive residency in the heart of Rome. Professor Brackeen is one of 35 recipients selected from nearly 1,000 applicants worldwide.
This fall, she will join an interdisciplinary community on the Academy’s campus in Rome to continue her transformative work in architecture. @amacademyrome
Congrats, Professor Brackeen! @helloakima @archatillinois
Read more with the link in bio 🔗
#RomePrize #AmericanAcademyInRome #IllinoisArchitecture #WeDesign
🎉 Huge congratulations to Professor Akima Brackeen from the Illinois School of Architecture, recipient of the 2025–26 Lily Auchincloss Rome Prize in Architecture! 🏛️
Awarded by the American Academy in Rome, this prestigious fellowship supports visionary artists and scholars through an immersive residency in the heart of Rome. Professor Brackeen is one of 35 recipients selected from nearly 1,000 applicants worldwide.
This fall, she will join an interdisciplinary community on the Academy’s campus in Rome to continue her transformative work in architecture. @amacademyrome
Congrats, Professor Brackeen! @helloakima @archatillinois
Read more with the link in bio 🔗
#RomePrize #AmericanAcademyInRome #IllinoisArchitecture #WeDesign
🎭“Let yourself be the beginner again.” — Gianna Casanova, Lyric Theatre major
Why Gianna chose @lyrictheatreillinois?
✔️ Classical and contemporary training
✔️ Opportunities to perform in operas and musicals
✔️ A tight-knit, supportive cohort and faculty
✔️ World-class practice and performance spaces
Her days are packed with rehearsals, dance classes, studio sessions, and learning from peers and professors who truly care.
Advice to future majors: Come ready to learn, be curious, and soak it all in 🧡
@illinoismusic @krannertcenter
Video by @ad1tik
🎭“Let yourself be the beginner again.” — Gianna Casanova, Lyric Theatre major
Why Gianna chose @lyrictheatreillinois?
✔️ Classical and contemporary training
✔️ Opportunities to perform in operas and musicals
✔️ A tight-knit, supportive cohort and faculty
✔️ World-class practice and performance spaces
Her days are packed with rehearsals, dance classes, studio sessions, and learning from peers and professors who truly care.
Advice to future majors: Come ready to learn, be curious, and soak it all in 🧡
@illinoismusic @krannertcenter
Video by @ad1tik
Today is the last day of our I ❤️ the Arts student philanthropy month of giving. Join us INSIDE the Architecture Building from 11am-1pm for food and FAA swag to celebrate the close of our initiative. Together, we can make a difference and help support a student in need. Show your love for the arts now by making a gift at go.illinois.edu/heart-the-arts!
Today is the last day of our I ❤️ the Arts student philanthropy month of giving. Join us INSIDE the Architecture Building from 11am-1pm for food and FAA swag to celebrate the close of our initiative. Together, we can make a difference and help support a student in need. Show your love for the arts now by making a gift at go.illinois.edu/heart-the-arts!
Happy International Dance Day 🎉
Today we honor the universal language of movement alongside @danceatillinois.
On International Dance Day, we celebrate the power of dance to connect cultures, express emotion, and inspire change.
To our dancers, teachers, alumni, and friends:
Thank you for making our community vibrant, creative, and fearless. Today, we celebrate YOU!
#InternationalDanceDay #danceunitesus
Photo by Natalie Fiol
From "Khazan (Autumn)" by Banafsheh Amiri
Happy International Dance Day 🎉
Today we honor the universal language of movement alongside @danceatillinois.
On International Dance Day, we celebrate the power of dance to connect cultures, express emotion, and inspire change.
To our dancers, teachers, alumni, and friends:
Thank you for making our community vibrant, creative, and fearless. Today, we celebrate YOU!
#InternationalDanceDay #danceunitesus
Photo by Natalie Fiol
From "Khazan (Autumn)" by Banafsheh Amiri
🌿 New research led by landscape architecture professors William Sullivan and Bin Jiang reveals a powerful connection between green spaces and public safety. Their study—the first of its kind—shows that communities with more greenery experience significantly fewer fatal police shootings, especially in areas facing social and economic challenges. Read how thoughtful landscape design can shape safer, healthier neighborhoods.
@illinoislandarch
Learn more at the🔗 link in bio!
#LandscapeArchitecture #UrbanGreening #PublicSafety #CommunityDesign
🌿 New research led by landscape architecture professors William Sullivan and Bin Jiang reveals a powerful connection between green spaces and public safety. Their study—the first of its kind—shows that communities with more greenery experience significantly fewer fatal police shootings, especially in areas facing social and economic challenges. Read how thoughtful landscape design can shape safer, healthier neighborhoods.
@illinoislandarch
Learn more at the🔗 link in bio!
#LandscapeArchitecture #UrbanGreening #PublicSafety #CommunityDesign
Dance at Illinois alumna Leslie Cuyjet (BFA ’03) has been selected as a 2025 Guggenheim Fellow as part of the Foundation`s 100th year anniversary. This competitive honor was only presented to 198 exceptional individuals across 53 disciplines—selected from nearly 3,500 applicants.
Cuyjet, who is based out of Brooklyn, NY, has been choreographing and dancing in New York since 2004, collaborating and performing with other creators “on rooftops, good and bad floors, and alleyways; on stage, in film, art, on tour, and on the fly.” She is also the recipient of two Bessie Awards for her work, a top honor in the world of dance.
The Fellowship provides support for recipients to pursue independent work under what the Foundation calls “the freest possible conditions.” It empowers choreographers to explore bold ideas, push creative boundaries, and make meaningful contributions to the field of dance—something Cuyjet has been doing already for over a decade —without commercial or institutional constraints.
A huge congratulations to Leslie! We can`t wait to see what comes of this remarkable opportunity!
Read more in the link in bio! @danceatillinois @guggfellows
Dance at Illinois alumna Leslie Cuyjet (BFA ’03) has been selected as a 2025 Guggenheim Fellow as part of the Foundation`s 100th year anniversary. This competitive honor was only presented to 198 exceptional individuals across 53 disciplines—selected from nearly 3,500 applicants.
Cuyjet, who is based out of Brooklyn, NY, has been choreographing and dancing in New York since 2004, collaborating and performing with other creators “on rooftops, good and bad floors, and alleyways; on stage, in film, art, on tour, and on the fly.” She is also the recipient of two Bessie Awards for her work, a top honor in the world of dance.
The Fellowship provides support for recipients to pursue independent work under what the Foundation calls “the freest possible conditions.” It empowers choreographers to explore bold ideas, push creative boundaries, and make meaningful contributions to the field of dance—something Cuyjet has been doing already for over a decade —without commercial or institutional constraints.
A huge congratulations to Leslie! We can`t wait to see what comes of this remarkable opportunity!
Read more in the link in bio! @danceatillinois @guggfellows
Are you the recipient of a financial need-based scholarship? Over a third of Illinois students are here because they were provided with some form of need-based aid. Your gift can help make the difference between a student attending FAA at Illinois or having to decline enrollment due to financial constraints. Every gift counts. Will you make a gift today? go.illinois.edu/heart-the-arts
Are you the recipient of a financial need-based scholarship? Over a third of Illinois students are here because they were provided with some form of need-based aid. Your gift can help make the difference between a student attending FAA at Illinois or having to decline enrollment due to financial constraints. Every gift counts. Will you make a gift today? go.illinois.edu/heart-the-arts
BSSD
Lea used her opportunity scholarship to develop a solar powered server that will host a catalogue of sustainability focused books and resources for the Ricker Library. Her project included designing and construction of a 50W solar panel system, designs to mount the solar panel on the library building and a dedicated server that would host and serve the catalogue to users using only the solar power provided by the panel.
During this process, Lea worked toward approvals from the Architect of the University for ideal siting and permission to install the solar panel. She also created a low energy website by coding her catalogue tool using low emission coding strategies. “I plan on continuing this project next semester,” she said. “I hope to finally assemble the physical component and finalize the digital aspect, both in clarifying the purpose of this resource and implementing it.”
The project is ongoing, and Lea is looking for collaborators to continue the project and expand on its potential over the next year. If you wish to connect with Lea on this research, please email her at lch6[at]illinois.edu.
Lea used her opportunity scholarship to develop a solar powered server that will host a catalogue of sustainability focused books and resources for the Ricker Library. Her project included designing and construction of a 50W solar panel system, designs to mount the solar panel on the library building and a dedicated server that would host and serve the catalogue to users using only the solar power provided by the panel.
During this process, Lea worked toward approvals from the Architect of the University for ideal siting and permission to install the solar panel. She also created a low energy website by coding her catalogue tool using low emission coding strategies. “I plan on continuing this project next semester,” she said. “I hope to finally assemble the physical component and finalize the digital aspect, both in clarifying the purpose of this resource and implementing it.”
The project is ongoing, and Lea is looking for collaborators to continue the project and expand on its potential over the next year. If you wish to connect with Lea on this research, please email her at lch6[at]illinois.edu.
Faye describes her project as “InkGreen, is an attempt to make a difference in printer ink discarded in the environment by recycling old ink cartridges and making new products out of them. With the money that we got from the scholarship project, we spent a significant amount of it on prototyping materials for our markers and crayons. Some of the materials that we bought included new ink cartridges, marker shells, and a hot plate to melt our wax for crayons.”
“InkGreen, is an attempt to make a difference in printer ink discarded in the environment by recycling old ink cartridges and making new products out of them.”
For further information on how you can support InkGreen, please reach out to Faye.
Faye describes her project as “InkGreen, is an attempt to make a difference in printer ink discarded in the environment by recycling old ink cartridges and making new products out of them. With the money that we got from the scholarship project, we spent a significant amount of it on prototyping materials for our markers and crayons. Some of the materials that we bought included new ink cartridges, marker shells, and a hot plate to melt our wax for crayons.”
“InkGreen, is an attempt to make a difference in printer ink discarded in the environment by recycling old ink cartridges and making new products out of them.”
For further information on how you can support InkGreen, please reach out to Faye.
FAA 310: Professional Development
2 credit hours, Part of Term B
October 20 – December 10
Co-taught by Sustainable Design Director Karin Hodgin Jones and Program Coordinator Ashley Smart
This course focuses on tailoring written, verbal, and online presentations to targeted audiences. Students will develop an application package including resume, letter, LinkedIn profile, elevator pitch, interview skills, and website.
Open to any student in FAA who would like to develop resources to apply for internships, career opportunities or graduate school!
FAA 310: Professional Development
2 credit hours, Part of Term B
October 20 – December 10
Co-taught by Sustainable Design Director Karin Hodgin Jones and Program Coordinator Ashley Smart
This course focuses on tailoring written, verbal, and online presentations to targeted audiences. Students will develop an application package including resume, letter, LinkedIn profile, elevator pitch, interview skills, and website.
Open to any student in FAA who would like to develop resources to apply for internships, career opportunities or graduate school!
Congratulations Lauren Day on receiving the Bronze Tablet!
The Bronze Table University Honors designation is the highest academic honor awarded to an undergraduate. It is limited to those students who have demonstrated their capacity for sustained academic excellence. To be eligible for this honor, students must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5, and must rank in the upper 3 percent of their college graduating class throughout their academic journey.
Congrats on achieving this honor! Your name is officially inscribed on this year’s bronze tablet, on view in the library.
Congratulations Lauren Day on receiving the Bronze Tablet!
The Bronze Table University Honors designation is the highest academic honor awarded to an undergraduate. It is limited to those students who have demonstrated their capacity for sustained academic excellence. To be eligible for this honor, students must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5, and must rank in the upper 3 percent of their college graduating class throughout their academic journey.
Congrats on achieving this honor! Your name is officially inscribed on this year’s bronze tablet, on view in the library.
Chicago Alumni and Current BSSD Students
Join us in Chicago tonight!
Wed. June 18, 5:00 - 8:00p
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk
301 E North Water St, Chicago, IL 60611
BSSD has a strong presence at the Sustainability Research Innovation Congress in Chicago this week. We hope to connect current students and alumni as well as new friends through this informal gathering.
Organized by Karin Hodgin Jones, Director of the Sustainable Design Program.
Questions? Message her on LinkedIn:
Karin Hodgin Jones
At the conference message or RSVP on Whova!
Or email sustaindesign@illinois.edu
Chicago Alumni and Current BSSD Students
Join us in Chicago tonight!
Wed. June 18, 5:00 - 8:00p
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk
301 E North Water St, Chicago, IL 60611
BSSD has a strong presence at the Sustainability Research Innovation Congress in Chicago this week. We hope to connect current students and alumni as well as new friends through this informal gathering.
Organized by Karin Hodgin Jones, Director of the Sustainable Design Program.
Questions? Message her on LinkedIn:
Karin Hodgin Jones
At the conference message or RSVP on Whova!
Or email sustaindesign@illinois.edu
Today, we proudly celebrate our graduates stepping into a new chapter of life! Your hard work, sleepless nights, and dedication led you here. You faced challenges, overcame obstacles, and never gave up because you`re a fighter. Your perseverance brought results and today proves your strength and determination. We’re so proud of you and all you’ve achieved. Here’s to new beginnings, bold dreams, and a future full of opportunities. Wishing you the best on the journey ahead.
Congratulations, Class of 2025!
Photo credits:
William Hohe
Jasmine He
Erin Schimenti
Jimi Jones
Karin Hodgin Jones
*edited to add photo credits
Today, we proudly celebrate our graduates stepping into a new chapter of life! Your hard work, sleepless nights, and dedication led you here. You faced challenges, overcame obstacles, and never gave up because you`re a fighter. Your perseverance brought results and today proves your strength and determination. We’re so proud of you and all you’ve achieved. Here’s to new beginnings, bold dreams, and a future full of opportunities. Wishing you the best on the journey ahead.
Congratulations, Class of 2025!
Photo credits:
William Hohe
Jasmine He
Erin Schimenti
Jimi Jones
Karin Hodgin Jones
*edited to add photo credits
Date Extended for applications! Please apply using:
QR code or go to:
https://go.illinois.edu/BSSDprogramcoordinator
For the full job description and application portal.
Overview:
This position is responsible for providing support to the Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Design (BSSD) program in the College of Fine and Applied Arts (FAA). The position serves as the primary coordinator for administrative needs of the program. The position works closely with the Director of the Sustainable Design program, and staff in the College of Fine and Applied Arts administration which support the communications, recruitment, yield, and stewardship of the program administration. The position serves as liaison for collaborative projects and communications with partner programs in the School of Architecture, School of Art and Design, Department of Landscape Architecture and Department of Urban and Regional Planning. The position will contribute to the evaluation of the need for and success of program strategies.
Date Extended for applications! Please apply using:
QR code or go to:
https://go.illinois.edu/BSSDprogramcoordinator
For the full job description and application portal.
Overview:
This position is responsible for providing support to the Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Design (BSSD) program in the College of Fine and Applied Arts (FAA). The position serves as the primary coordinator for administrative needs of the program. The position works closely with the Director of the Sustainable Design program, and staff in the College of Fine and Applied Arts administration which support the communications, recruitment, yield, and stewardship of the program administration. The position serves as liaison for collaborative projects and communications with partner programs in the School of Architecture, School of Art and Design, Department of Landscape Architecture and Department of Urban and Regional Planning. The position will contribute to the evaluation of the need for and success of program strategies.
Spring 2025 BSSD Recap, part 1!
This semester, BSSD students delivered creative, thoughtful design solutions across multiple scales—from objects to architecture, community spaces, and landscapes. Their work highlights the impact of sustainable design thinking.
FAA 330: Making Sustainable Design Studio modules:
Object Module – Prof. Chiara Vincenzi
Students used CLO 3D Fashion Design Software to explore zero-waste strategies and assess the environmental impact of design waste.
Urban Module – Prof. Lou Turner
Through forensic analysis of urban planning, students examined the relocation of the Ford Calumet Environmental Center, revealing how the move reduced potential local benefits.
Landscape Module – Prof. Bridgette Moen
Students redesigned a site near campus to improve stormwater management and reconnect areas divided by infrastructure.
FAA 431: Sustainable Design Capstone Studio – Prof. Eric Benson & TA Camila Madariaga Potthoff
Students independently developed final projects that synthesized their research and design skills, marking the culmination of their BSSD journey.
#sustainabledesign #SustainableDesign #BSSD #siebelcenterfordesign #illinois2025 #faaillinois
Photo credits:
Jasmine He
Karin Hodgin Jones
Trey McCallister
Spring 2025 BSSD Recap, part 1!
This semester, BSSD students delivered creative, thoughtful design solutions across multiple scales—from objects to architecture, community spaces, and landscapes. Their work highlights the impact of sustainable design thinking.
FAA 330: Making Sustainable Design Studio modules:
Object Module – Prof. Chiara Vincenzi
Students used CLO 3D Fashion Design Software to explore zero-waste strategies and assess the environmental impact of design waste.
Urban Module – Prof. Lou Turner
Through forensic analysis of urban planning, students examined the relocation of the Ford Calumet Environmental Center, revealing how the move reduced potential local benefits.
Landscape Module – Prof. Bridgette Moen
Students redesigned a site near campus to improve stormwater management and reconnect areas divided by infrastructure.
FAA 431: Sustainable Design Capstone Studio – Prof. Eric Benson & TA Camila Madariaga Potthoff
Students independently developed final projects that synthesized their research and design skills, marking the culmination of their BSSD journey.
#sustainabledesign #SustainableDesign #BSSD #siebelcenterfordesign #illinois2025 #faaillinois
Photo credits:
Jasmine He
Karin Hodgin Jones
Trey McCallister