LITTLE ROCK – For the third year, fourth-year architecture students in the Fay Jones School of Architecture have participated in the Main Street Comprehensive Studio Competition. These student projects represent an inflow of fresh ideas and new thoughts on how to address design along Little Rock’s Main Street.

The finalists’ designs from this year’s studio will be unveiled during the Second Friday Art Night in Little Rock, at an event held from 5-9 p.m. Friday, June 13, at StudioMain, 1423 S. Main St.

This year’s studio project focused on the design and development of a SOMA Community Center and Natatorium. The challenge posed was that of achieving architectural excellence on South Main Street by creating an exciting and respectful building as a major node in the local urban fabric. Additionally, students were asked to showcase the advantages of applying sustainable and energy-efficient design to the natatorium, so this project could become an example of sustainability for other communities to emulate. The theoretical site is located in the parking lot and EZ Mart location between the 1300 and 1400 blocks of South Main Street.

The studio was led by two Fay Jones School faculty members: Tahar Messadi, associate professor and 21st Century Chair in Sustainability, and Alison Turner, visiting assistant professor.

Guests at the Friday night event will be invited to vote for their favorite design. The winning designs will be announced at the beginning of the fall semester. Drinks and snacks will be provided. The event is sponsored by WER Architects/Planners in association with the Fay Jones School of Architecture.

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