May 11, 2023
APDesign graduate student Yvette Fabela awarded Condia + Ornelas Traveling Prize
The 2023 Condia + Ornelas Traveling Prize has been awarded to Yvette Fabela, a fifth-year graduate student from Wichita in the architecture department at Kansas State University's College of Architecture, Planning & Design.
"This generous fellowship affords me the opportunity to exercise my passion for painting while continuing my personal growth in spatial, environmental and atmospheric observation that I have accumulated since Italy," said Fabela. "I am thankful and humbled for the chance to connect with Spain in a meaningful and authentic way."
A panel of industry professionals was selected to evaluate the merits of all entries. The panel members included Ann Hossler, School of Architecture & Design, University of Kansas; Tim Hossler, associate professor and chair, design department, University of Kansas; Eli Kruse Logan, Merge Architects, Northeastern University School of Architecture; Emily Kruse Logan, interior architect, Annum Architects; Jill Sornson Kurtz, page, principal, director of building science; Doug Shaffer, principal, McHenry Shaffer Architecture; Sonja Shaffer, freelance artist, University Academy Foundation executive director.
Fabela's research proposal outlines the question, "How can drawings articulate and reflect visceral architectural experiences, the relationship between an architectural subject and the urban context while exercising architectural analysis?" In her thesis, she references author Jacob Brillhart's book, "Voyage Le Corbusier: Drawing on the Road," in which Brillhart explains that exercising the drawing process offers immeasurable value to those in the field of architecture.
The panel was impressed with the quality of all proposals received, noting that each one had a unique perspective that reflected a deep appreciation for the desire to continue learning and understanding various cultural aspects of the profession. The proposals were ambitious and diverse in focus, geographic scope and proposed methods of documentation. The panel was also inspired by the sense of hope and optimism conveyed in all the proposals.
The Condia + Ornelas Traveling Prize, established in 2020 by K-State architecture professors Bob Condia and professor emeritus Wendy Ornelas, annually enables an outstanding graduate from the K-State architecture department to study firsthand significant architectural works and cultural values beyond the boundaries of the university. The prize recipient will exemplify Condia + Ornelas' belief in the importance of understanding other cultures and studying places beyond one's comfort zone. Such knowledge and experience build a creative and innovative spirit in the foundation and lifetime education of an architect.