Orem, Utah — February 20, 2024

Utah Valley University's architecture students have once again demonstrated their excellence in the field of architectural research by presenting a diverse range of creative and scholarly projects at the 2024 Utah Conference for Undergraduate Research (UCUR) on Friday, February 16th. For the second consecutive year, UVU students have led the state in architecture research that showcases their ability to push the boundaries of design, technology, and academic inquiry. 

"We are incredibly proud of our students and the groundbreaking research they presented at UCUR," said Brandon Ro, one of the mentors and professors guiding these students. "Their dedication to exploring new frontiers in architecture is truly inspiring, and it reflects the quality of education and mentorship at UVU."

From exploring the role of AI in architectural design to analyzing the influence of classical orders with eye-tracking emulation software, UVU students have shown they are at the forefront of cutting-edge, innovative architectural research. Their work spans a variety of topics, including traditional measured drawings, AI’s impact on form and shape, and the psychological and cultural dimensions of architectural spaces.

"Presenting at the UCUR conference made me feel that architecture can contribute to scientific research," said Joshua Lythgoe, a student participant. "It is typically considered a mix between art and engineering and is not purely subjective. There are many research topics that can be objectively measured within architecture. It was good to be mixed with technology students, pre-med students, and other fields to show that architecture can contribute to research and social good."

Alexia Trapier, another student, reflected on her experience: "Going to a conference like UCUR was a really cool experience. At first, I was nervous about submitting because I had never done anything like that before. I believe that having a mentor was instrumental to my success and understanding of the process and also the importance of my research. Once I actually went and saw all the festivities and how many people traveled to present at the conference, it made me realize just how big it was."

Special thanks to professors Ben Felix, Aliki Milioti, Lee Gray, and Brandon Ro for their valuable guidance and support in nurturing these young minds.

Below is a list of the students and their presentation titles:

Poster Presentations

• Nathaniel Stucki - “Pixels to Pillars: AI's Role in Architectural Design.” (mentor: Brandon Ro)
• Samuel Weisler - “A Natural Advantage: An Eye-Tracking Analysis of Indoor and Outdoor Spaces.” (mentor: Brandon Ro)
• Colton Korpi - “Sacred Space Design and Spiritual Experience: A Study of Latter-day Saint Temples.” (mentor: Brandon Ro)
• Josh Lythgoe - “Investigating Homeowner Contentment: Exploring Areas for Improvement in Home Design and Construction.” (mentor: Brandon Ro)
• Sadie Stutz - "The Pagoda at Memory Grove Park Analytique." (mentor: Ben Felix)
• Yan-ho Ng - “AI Impact on Form and Shape of Architectural Design.” (mentor: Brandon Ro)
• Barrett Blake - “Mosques Through Different Lenses: Perceptions Across Cultures and Religions.” (mentor: Brandon Ro)
• Jacob M. Wendt - “Traditional Urban Resurgence: A Blueprint for Mental Wellness in Modern Cities.” (mentor: Brandon Ro)
• Eric Burton - “Understanding the Value of Function Following Form.” (mentor: Brandon Ro)
• Sean Donner - “What's That Building? Exploring Public Perceptions of Architectural Functionality Based on Form.” (mentor: Brandon Ro)
• Hailey Packard - “Beyond Blueprints: A Comprehensive Exploration of the Impact of Rendering Methods on Architectural Communication and Presentation Strategies.” (mentor: Brandon Ro)
• Kevin Hart - “Architectural Contextualism: How Context Shapes Building Perception.” (mentor: Brandon Ro)
• Thomas Cryer - “Neurological Links to Home Design Preferences: A Comparative Study Using Eye-Emulation Software.” (mentor: Brandon Ro)
• Desiree Ritchie - “Finding Harmony in Design: Exploring the Connection of Music and Architecture Through Proportion.” (mentor: Brandon Ro)
• Joseph Laudie - “Re-Examining Architectural Design: The Balance Between Simplicity and Complexity.” (mentor: Brandon Ro)
• Alexia Trapier - “Visual Perception of the Classical Orders: Eye-Tracking Simulations on the Orders.” (mentor: Brandon Ro)
• Bronwyn Brown - "Thomas S. Monson Center Building Analytique." (mentor: Ben Felix)
• Jean-Claude Coomer - “Revolutionizing Sustainable Architecture: Biomimicry and Digital Tools.” (mentor: Brandon Ro)
• Kent Miller - “Classical vs. Modern Architecture: Exploring Aesthetic Contrasts.” (mentor: Brandon Ro)
• Sam Weisler, Colton Korpi, Josh Lythgoe - "Venetian Elegance: Harmonizing Heritage and Innovation on the Grand Canal." (mentors: Aliki Milioti, Lee Gray)

Oral Presentations

• Samuel Zenteno - “Shaping Futures: The Evolution of Elementary School Architecture.” (mentor: Brandon Ro)
• Jared K. Bradshaw - “Subconscious Comprehension of Structural Forms: An Eye-Tracking Study.” (mentor: Brandon Ro)

 

For more information about the event, visit: Utah Conference for Undergraduate Research.