Posted on March 5, 2025 by Sean M. Wood
Faculty and students from the Architecture program posing with their Mini Ice-Box Challenge design, showcasing their innovative ice preservation container.
Centuries ago, Persians built towering structures called yakhchals to store ice during blistering desert summers. These ancient structures inspired Dr. Maryam Singery, an Associate Professor of Practice, Architecture and Planning, to create the Mini Ice-Box Challenge.
For the class, teams of graduate students design and build a container for a 15-pound block of ice and compete to see which design best preserves the ice during 48 hours in sunlight. The graduate course recently received an Honorable Mention for the 2025 Course Development Prize from the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA).
“This award validates all the time and effort we’ve put into creating a course that connects architecture, climate change, and societal impact,” Singery said. “Being named an honorable mention alongside other outstanding courses highlights how the Mini Ice-Box Challenge (MIBC) contributes to the global push for more sustainable and climate-conscious design in architecture education.”
It has even inspired the development of a new graduate course focused on high-performance building enclosures. Singery says it will allow students to explore energy-efficient design strategies in greater depth and apply them to real-world scenarios. “It strengthens our curriculum and equips students with the tools they need to create innovative, sustainable solutions in their future careers,” she said.
Career development was a big part of the class. Each team was required to work with local manufacturers just like architects work with contractors and subcontractors. It teaches them to communicate professionally, promote their designs, and get comfortable asking questions, she said.
The ACSA recognition has led to discussions of collaboration with other institutions and industry leaders. This recognition has opened the door for potential collaborations, including material testing with manufacturers focused on sustainable solutions. She said the attention has also paved the way for collaborations that could lead to interdisciplinary courses that merge architecture, engineering, and environmental science.
“This recognition significantly enhances the reputation of the UTSA architecture department on both national and global stages,” Singery said. “It positions us as a leader in sustainable design education and showcases our commitment to addressing today’s pressing environmental challenges. These developments provide valuable opportunities for our students and faculty to engage in cutting-edge projects and partnerships, further advancing our mission to push the boundaries of architectural education.”
— Sean M. Wood
