The Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) has named Professor of Architecture Alison Kwok a 2021 “Distinguished Professor.” Kwok is one of only five professors nationwide to receive the designation.
ACSA recognizes architecture faculty that have “a positive, stimulating, and nurturing influence upon students over an extended period of time” as well as teaching methods that inspire “a generation of students who themselves have contributed to the advancement of architecture.”
“I am honored to be nominated and selected for this award,” Kwok said. “With such an award, I must acknowledge the numerous faculty members, staff, students, alum practitioners, and organizations, such as the Society of Building Science Educators (SBSE) and the Architectural Research Centers Consortium (ARCC), that make teaching, learning, and research such enriching and collaborative endeavors.”
Kwok added, “When I first arrived in Eugene, John Reynolds confided, ‘You will learn much about teaching at the University of Oregon.’ We’re at an exciting and critical time to innovate decarbonization strategies for the built environment—it will take know-how from everyone!”
“Alison has long been inspiring students and architects toward combatting climate change with popular books that clarify key principles and illustrate them with beautiful cutting-edge examples,” said Nancy Cheng, head of the Department of Architecture.
Cheng added that all UO architecture students learn about evidence-based design through her class, while nationwide, students follow the AIA Committee of the Environment Top Ten Studio Guide and Resources that Kwok helped develop with COTE.
Kwok is one of only five professors nationwide
to receive the designation in 2021
Kwok’s influence reaches fellow professors, as well, through her work on the Society of Building Science retreats that foster collegial sharing in beautiful natural settings.
Kwok, considered a pioneer in education and sustainable architecture, has been recognized for excellence several times before: In 2019, she was elevated to AIA Fellow, and DesignIntelligence has twice named Kwok one of the 25 Most Admired Professors. In 2017, the American Solar Energy Society honored her innovative approaches to solar energy design, application, and technology with the Passive Solar Pioneer Award. Kwok has also co-authored several seminal design texts such as Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings, Green Studio Handbook: Environmental Strategies for Schematic Design and Passive House Details: Solutions to High-Performance Design.
Kwok joins a notably large number of ACSA distinguished professors in the Department of Architecture including Professor Emeritus John Reynolds, and Professors Howard Davis, Judith Sheine, Donald Corner, and Michael Fifield, as well as Former Department of Architecture Head Christine Theodoropoulos and former College of Design Dean Francis Bronet.
Learn more about the award in the ACSA announcement.