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Get Lectured: Florida Atlantic University, Fall '23/Spring '24

2023-09-25T19:56:00-04:00

Get Lectured offers a rundown of different events and public programs taking place at schools of architecture each semester. Today, our ongoing series continues with a look at what’s in store at the Florida Atlantic University School of Architecture in 2023–24.

The poster, designed by the school's Director, Joseph Choma, literally stands out with its unique folded creases, which turn an otherwise flat medium into a three-dimensional sculptural object. "Unlike typical two-dimensional posters, each poster is folded along curved creases to produce shadows based on the specific lighting condition," Choma told Archinect.

Image courtesy of Joseph Choma/FAU School of Architecture

The Fall’s events begin September 26 with an appearance from UPenn lecturer Barry Walk. He is followed on October 11 by Florida International University’s Elisa Silva. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Ted Krueger will visit campus on October 24 for the special interdisciplinary event ‘The Mission to Mars: An Out...

Florida Atlantic University's Joseph Choma leads students to explore folded fiberglass structures

2023-08-04T15:17:00-04:00

A research studio led by Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Director of the School of Architecture, Joseph Choma, uses foldable structures to construct a pop-up structure for Google.

Much of Choma's work has explored innovative design methods through complex geometric structures, materials, and experimental construction methods. For his latest studio, Choma implemented his pedagogical approach of "teaching through research and research through teaching" by having students collaborate on an applied research project with Google. In working with Google's Head of UX Workplace Design, Amy Badersnider, she promoted the studio to discover a new way to "design space as a product" and explore ways to "design and fabricate deployable structures which can be used for community engagement initiatives" globally. She challenged the students by asking, "How do we take product research outside of corporate headquarters and engage the public directly within outdoor public spaces?" The end result dev...

Joseph Choma will become the next Director of the School of Architecture at Florida Atlantic University

2022-04-01T17:46:00-04:00

Clemson University’s Joseph Choma has been announced as the next Director of the School of Architecture at Florida Atlantic University (FAU).

Choma is currently the Director of the Design Topology Lab and has been the Director of Clemson’s Master of Science in Architecture program since July. Choma will take office effective July 1st and replaces Associate Professor Francis E. Lyn, who has been serving as Interim Director.

Earlier on Archinect: Joseph Choma explains why folding is important to the field of architecture

His work centers on material innovation, experimental construction methods, and the impact of complex geometries on the built environment. Noteworthy projects have included a recent studio exploring the application of his patented foldable fiberglass structures as shelter in the wake of natural disasters, an installation for the AIA’s Atlanta Emerging Voices competition in 2013, and the solo exhibition Object to Atmosphere for the Barbara Archer Gallery, also in Atlan...