UMA architecture student receives AIA Maine Award

AUGUSTA – University of Maine at Augusta architecture student Nicole Cyr was awarded a 2020 AIA Maine Merit Award for her project “Distribution, Charlestown.”
Cyr of Falmouth, a senior in the UMA bachelor of architecture program, worked under the guidance of her studio professor, Paul Fowler. The annual AIA Maine [1] Design awards are included in the May 2020 edition of Maine Home + Design [2].
Cyr’s project was for a two-building medical office with labs and office suites in Charlestown, Mass. Given the buildings’ location near the shorefront, her design took into account the need to accommodate for rising sea levels in years to come and the need for the building components to integrate, yet still connect if divided by water.
According the award jury, “We were impressed by the thoroughness of the Distribution student project and its strength in exploring connectivity. From concept, to plan drawings, to tectonic details, it was all there. Not many students think as cohesively about a building as this project. It is both imaginative and constructible.”
“Nicole, and the level of design that she has attained, is an excellent example of our mission to provide an integrated, hands-on program that focuses on people: our students, our faculty, and our community partners,” said Eric Stark, program coordinator and professor of architecture.
“I am honored to have my third year design project that was completed at UMA recognized by AIA Maine,” said Cyr.
AIA Maine is a state component of the American Institute of Architects with a mission is to support architects and architecture through leadership, advocacy, fellowship, and design excellence.

PHOTO: Rendering of UMA architecture student Nicole Cyr’s project “Distribution, Charlstown,” which won an AIA Maine merit award. (Submitted photos)