Sophisticated gala for architects

Architecture Professor Dwayne Bohuslav’s students showcased their talents in architecture through a project at the American Institute of Architects Ball March 3.

Twelve freshmen in Bohuslav’s ARCH 1304, Architectural Design 2, class were given the opportunity to show their work to professionals at an annual fundraising gala.

The 300 guests at the Beaux Ball at the Clearly Zimmerman Warehouse in downtown San Antonio were mostly attired in black tie and elegant black cocktail and evening gowns though formal attire was optional.

The American Institute of Architects ball is a national networking event for architects, not just a party for architecture students at this college.

This year’s event boasted 53 sponsors but major donors were Jaster-Quintanilla, Kell Muñoz Architects Inc., and Smith Seckman Reid Inc.

The event raised funds for scholarships for architecture students and travel expenses to bring lecturers who specialize in architecture to the city.

Irving Aldante, founder and owner of Tenso Shades, a company that specializes in lightweight shade systems, donated material for students to use on projects for the ball.

Each student was given a sail to work on to be integrated with gourmet food trucks stationed outside of the warehouse housing the ball.

Coolhaus served ice cream treats incased in an edible wrapper.

Many of the guests waited in line to try the creative sensation.

Bohuslav said, “The goal of the project was to lead attendees outside the warehouse to the trucks and keep them interested while moving through each truck.”

While in line the attendees’ attention was turned upward and they marveled at the creations of Bohuslav’s students.

Architecture freshman Brandon Garza said students had less than a week to construct the sails.

Each student spent six hours in class and about 15 hours at the warehouse.

“It was a big coordination process,” Bohuslav said. “They had to draw and choreograph it so it worked together. The sails were like a red carpet on the ceiling,” he said.

The lighting of the sails contributed to the Hollywood premiere ambience.

Architecture sophomores Rebekah Reyes, Chris Vrette and Vanessa Sotelo were presented with scholarships at the ball.

The institute usually offers an annual $500 scholarship to one architecture sophomore, but this year, the institute rewarded Reyes and Sotelo each $750 and Vrette $500.

Torrey Carleton, executive director of American Institute of Architects, said, “Each applicant was exceptional so the institute decided to split the scholarship among the three applicants.”

For more information on the institute, call 202-626-7300.