UVA School of Architecture students Graham Gewirz and Philip Edmonston won First and Second place, respectively, in the 2024 AIA Virginia Prize competition. This year’s challenge was to design a “bookless” public library as a community public room on a corner site at the intersection of N. Mallory Street and E. County Street in Phoebus, Virginia.
Congratulations, Graham and Philip!
(See AIA Virginia’s full competition coverage showcasing exceptional work from University of Virginia, James Madison University, Hampton University, and Virginia Tech)
First Place: Graham Gewirz
Jury comments:
“The scheme demonstrates a clarity in the development of the original diagram to the finalized solution. There is a consistency in the attitude and articulation of the natural thickness of masonry throughout the scheme, operating at multiple scales. Intelligent carving of the masonry creates places for gathering and engagement with the building from the exterior and intimate spaces for contemplation and studying in the interior.”
About Graham…
Graham Gewirz is a DC native, and at UVA, he does a few things outside of class:
“I am a fabrication lab technician, and I lead projects for a campus organization called UVA Sawmilling, where I design/build furniture and other wooden things for UVA. I graduate this semester where I am headed to Harvard GSD to complete a Masters in Urban Design.”
Second Place: Philip Edmonston
Jury comments:
“The scheme is strongly engaging of the site’s context, operating at a transition of scale in the urban fabric, by breaking down the scale of the overall structure into a series of volumes, aggregated into a composition that pulls a visitor into the site. The library expansion is complementary of the existing library in orientation, access, and form.”
About Philip…
Philip is a 4th year student from the Philadephia area working towards a major in Architecture and a minor in Philosophy.
“I enjoyed this year's competition for the challenge of its large site and unique historic context. Recently, I have been interested in the design of Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, Alvar Aalto, and Frank Furness.”