2010 Rotch Studio winner

Recipient

William O'Brien Jr.

Institution

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Destination

Iceland

Jury

Jury Chair Hansy Better AIA, Studio Luz and Rotch Committee member

Chris Bardt, Rhode Island School of Design

Christina Crawford, Northeastern University

Felecia Davis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Danielle Etzler, Harvard Graduate School of Design

Studio

William O'Brien Jr. received a $20,000 Rotch Travelling Studio grant to help fund a trip to Icleand for 13 architecture students at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Prior to departure, students will invent mapping simulations and research Iceland’s developmental ambitions through recent design competitions that consider environmental features and cultural prospects of urbanization. While traveling the Golden Circle, an ecotourism route, the studio will explore implications of the country’s geological variation and volatility on processes of infrastructural development and urbanization as well as engage with Reykjavik officials interested in expanding the ecotourism potential of Iceland. Upon their return, students will design and exhibit parametric models that will form the basis of a masterplan for architectural interventions that line the Golden Circle.

Full studio submission