Carleton Team Successful at Association for Preservation Technology Student Design-Build Competition

A team of Carleton students competed in the Association for Preservation Technology (APT) Student Design Competition and delivered an exceptional performance. This hands-on challenge invites students to engage with historic structures by selecting a heritage precedent and developing a design with set guidelines. Top teams, including Carleton University, are invited to the conference finals for on-site building, testing, and presentations. Teams also participate in a competition phase focused on preservation-themed questions and solutions.

Competition Phases:

Phase 1: Structure and Building Selection

The Carleton team began by selecting a historic structure as the basis for their work.

Phase 2: In-House Research, Design, and Test Build

The team developed an on-campus arch design and submitted a final report highlighting historical research, structural analysis, and a conservation plan. Carleton’s report placed 2nd, earning the team a spot in the finals.

Phase 3: Conference Finals – Build, Testing, and Presentations

Held in Providence, Rhode Island, the Carleton University team competed against two different schools: Columbia University and the Art Institute of Chicago. During this phase, students presented and tested a dry-stack arch build. Students also presented their project and participated in conference engagement activities.

Results

Carleton students earned 1st place in both the Poster category and the Conference Engagement category.

Congratulations to Stephen Smolej, Nasha Makujina, Natalie Marson, Nathan Cyril Manlangit, Ben Goforth, and Stefano Durante. Special thanks to Prof. Sherwood for his supervision of the team.