Announcing the two new 2016-17 Research Fellows

Over the course of the next year, the selected individuals will explore fundamental questions of how architectural practice can orchestrate the integration of civil and landscape design, so that soils, hydrology, structure, social and living systems work together to make better buildings and cities.   They will advance this work while embedded within the design practice at Eskew+Dumez+Ripple, winner of the 2014 American Institute of Architects Firm Award.

Samantha Cohen earned a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from MIT and worked for three years at firms recognized internationally for their leadership in advanced approaches to working with water, before returning to MIT to their Master of City Planning program.

Isaac Cohen (no relation to Samantha) earned his master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Virginia, as well as a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Studio Art from Vassar College.  He brings three years’ experience in community-engaged civic design with buildingcommunityWORKSHOP of Dallas, Texas.  

Both have received numerous awards for their design work, research, and publications. Together, they will explore how the urban spaces between buildings be designed to be simultaneously socially and environmentally performative, employing new tools to empower this integration of civility, conviviality, social and ecological health.