Archinect - News

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee creates new 'College of the Arts and Architecture' with Mo Zell as interim dean

2023-04-05T17:17:00-04:00

In October 2022, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee released details of its strategic 2030 Action Plan. This initiative outlined plans for several UWM schools and colleges to be realigned. During this process, the School of Architecture and Urban Planning (SARUP), which originally operated as an individual school, has since been combined with the Peck School of the Arts to create the newly formed College of the Arts and Architecture. Through this reorganization, the school has announced Mo Zell as the College's new Interim Dean.

In July 2022, Archinect reported on Zell's appointment as SARUP's Interim Dean after she held the position as the school's first woman to be a Department Chair back in 2018. Zell's extensive background in academia and education at SARUP began during her time as an assistant professor back in 2008, in addition to previous teaching positions at Clemson University, North Carolina State University, and Northeastern University. Her dedication to architectural...

Mo Zell appointed UW-Milwaukee's School of Architecture & Planning Interim Dean

2022-07-07T13:12:00-04:00

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's School of Architecture and Planning (SARUP) has announced Mo Zell as its Interim Dean.

Zell has been an impactful fixture at SARUP, starting her career at the school as an assistant professor in 2008. Since then, she has taught several foundational design studios, acted as Associate Dean from 2012–18, and in 2018 was SARUP's first woman to be a Department Chair.

Before working at SARUP, Zell taught at Yale University, South Carolina School of Arts and Humanities, Clemson University, North Carolina State University, and Northeastern University. Her extensive background as an educator and academic leader is paired with her experience as a licensed architect. In addition, she runs the award-winning design and research practice bauenstudio with her partner Marc Roehrle.

Previously on SARUP's Archinect school profile: Mo Zell named chair of architecture at School of Architecture & Urban Planning at UW-Milwaukee (2018)

"The School of Architecture a...

UWM’s Mo Zell on the significance of Calatrava’s Quadracci Pavilion 20 years on

2022-01-26T16:38:00-05:00

Two decades later, the Quadracci Pavilion remains one of the most significant works of architecture in Milwaukee. The project changed the conversation about the city and fueled a vision of molding the area into an arts and entertainment destination. Simply referred to as “The Calatrava” by locals, the game-changing project has made the Milwaukee Art Museum a must-see for residents and tourists alike. The structure has been the backdrop remains a symbol of the city’s continuing renaissance.

The iconic 2001 structure has become synonymous with the city’s skyline and is seen as the originator of an influx of modern buildings that includes the new Northwestern Mutual Tower and Populous-designed Fiserv Forum downtown. Mo Zell, the Senior Associate Dean of UW Milwaukee’s architecture department, says the impacts brought about by the $121 million pavilion are only beginning to be felt, and that she looks forward to seeing how the future of the city’s built environment will bear its influence.

“Twenty years feels like a long time, but it’s not,” she explained. “It’s youthful in terms of building change. I’m super excited because I think we’re on the cusp of seeing that design culture pay off in the not too distant future. The next 10 years is where you are going to see a lot more of the translation of that design in the city. I think we’re poised to have a different kind of conversation around how buildings play a significant role for the city and what it means to have good d...

Telling Milwaukee's Story Through Architecture

2020-01-27T13:04:00-05:00

This article was written by Genaro Armas

UWM’s School of Architecture is marking its 50th anniversary in a yearlong celebration that concludes with a gala weekend in April. To commemorate five decades of education, research and community engagement, architecture faculty members picked the most important structures built in Milwaukee during each decade since the school was established in 1969.

Milwaukee’s most iconic structure might be the Quadracci Pavilion at the Milwaukee Art Museum along Lake Michigan. Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and completed in 2001, the pavilion’s signature characteristic is the Burke Brise Soleil, a moveable, wing-like sunscreen that rests on top of the glass-enclosed Windhover Hall. Its wingspan is similar to a Boeing 747.

The pavilion’s futuristic design stands out in a downtown skyline dominated by more traditional architecture.

School of Architecture & Urban Planning faculty (from left) Whitney Moon, Mo Zell and Kyle Reynolds.

“What I...

Lingqian Hu elected as new chair of UWM Department of Urban Planning

2018-05-24T15:56:00-04:00

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Architecture & Urban Planning faculty have elected Lingqian Hu as the new Department of Urban Planning chair. Hu received her Bachelor of Planning degree from Nanjing University in China and a Master of Planning and doctorate in Policy, Planning, and Development from the University of Southern California. As an associate professor of urban planning, Hu teaches courses on transportation and land use planning, urban development theories, and transportation and GIS.

The school's Master of Urban Planning degree has recently been re-accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board for another seven years, making this an ideal time to focus on the future of its success. “I am humbled to take on this leadership role of the Urban Planning department,” Hu said.

Professor Hu’s work has focused on the interrelationship between transportation and land use, particularly on the spatial, social and environmental impacts of planning. Since joining UWM ...

Dean Robert Greenstreet awared Topaz Medallion for Excellence in Architectural Education

2012-12-18T18:13:00-05:00

It is with pleasure that we announce that Dean Robert Greenstreet, PhD, RIBA, Int’l Assoc AIA, who has served as the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee School of Architecture and Urban Planning’s Dean for over 20 years, has been awarded the 2013 AIA/ACSA Topaz Medallion for Excellence in Architectural Education.

Dean Greenstreet has consistently encouraged students at the School, tirelessly working to support and guide them during their tenure at SARUP, and promoting and encouraging them once they graduate. Over his teaching career, he has had an influence on and has mentored thousands of students, several of whom have gone on to serve in leadership positions in world-renowned architectural firms, city governments and social organizations.

The Topaz Medallion is awarded jointly by the AIA and the ACSA once a year. Previous recipients include Michael Graves, Kenneth Frampton, Vincent Scully and Marcel Breuer.

For the complete announcement on the 2013 AIA/ACSA Topaz Medallion ...