The AIA Columbus Academy of Architecture for Health (AAH) recently hosted a healthcare design student charrette for fourth-year, fifth-year, and graduate architecture students from across Ohio. The event brought together the next generation of healthcare designers for a fast-paced, collaborative experience focused on reimagining the future of health and wellness environments.
The charrette began with a one-hour virtual session, followed by a full-day, in-person design workshop hosted at The Ohio State University’s Knowlton School of Architecture. Working in teams of 4 (8 teams in total), students tackled a healthcare design challenge, engaged with practicing architects and designers from leading firms and healthcare organizations, engaged with clinicians from various healthcare organizations and OSU College of Nursing, and received valuable professional feedback. The day concluded with team presentations recognizing the most visionary design concepts.
Congratulations to Team S&B3 (Knowlton) for earning first place — Benjamin Lucal, Sammi Shasky, Rebecca DeLozier, and Brian King — and to Team Kent State MHD for earning second place — Ahmad Abuzeitoon, Andrej Skorucak, Elias Eid, Mehrnaz Kashiri, and Andrej Skorucak.
AIA Columbus extends its thanks to all participating students, volunteers, jury, and supporting organizations for making this inaugural charrette a success. Special recognition goes to Doug Sershen for his behind-the-scenes coordination at Knowlton and for providing an insightful facility tour. Additional thanks to sponsors AMFP and HDR for their generosity. Finally, a huge shoutout to Christopher M. Haedt, AIA, for leading this effort with the support of his planning team consisting of Angel Mazzi, FAIA, Ed Cheshire, Peter Bardwell, FAIA, and Susan O’Hara.
With strong participation and impressive design work produced in a short timeframe, the AAH looks forward to building on this momentum and welcoming students to a future charrette in 2027.
