懂色帝

^{Pictured: Teaching Associate Professor and Chair of Architecture Gertrudis Brens submitted student Yulissa Luciano鈥檚 project, 鈥淟uxurious Harmony,鈥� to AIA Bronx, earning her the chapter鈥檚 Student Empowerment Award.}

Yulissa Luciano thought she would become a firefighter, or perhaps a doctor or lawyer, or maybe a brain surgeon or a marine. Finally, after finding old design notebooks as she approached her senior year of high school, she decided to pursue architecture and hasn鈥檛 looked back鈥攅specially since she鈥檚 become an award-winning architect.

On May 1, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Bronx chapter hosted its AIA Bronx Scholarship Awards event. Luciano attended the formal evening, where she received the AIA Bronx Student Empowerment Award, a $1,000 scholarship honoring college architecture students living in the Bronx for their creativity, dedication, and commitment to improving the field.

Gertrudis Brens, M.Arch., teaching associate professor and chair of architecture, submitted Luciano鈥檚 third-year fall semester project to AIA Bronx. 鈥淟uxurious Harmony,鈥� as the Bachelor of Architecture student named her work, is a residential building featuring approximately 40 apartments on Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn, N.Y. The design, which sealed Luciano鈥檚 fate in receiving the award, restores the balance between work and family for new and established families within a fast-paced community.

鈥淥pportunities like this don鈥檛 just appear,鈥� Luciano says. 鈥淏eing recognized for my dedication both in school and beyond is truly meaningful. This award reaffirms that my effort, perseverance, and commitment are all worthwhile.鈥�

Over the years, Luciano has worked on several projects, each presenting new challenges to anticipate and adapt to, but it鈥檚 architecture鈥檚 鈥渆ver-changing nature鈥� that she loves most. 鈥淭here鈥檚 always something that keeps me engaged, constantly learning, and pushing forward,鈥� she says.

Her most recent project, 鈥淭he Community Theater,鈥� creates a place where light and movement shape an experience and dissolve programmatic barriers. Located on Essex Street and Houston Street in Manhattan鈥檚 Lower East Side, the building鈥檚 design comprises three large disks. The ground floor accommodates a public audience of about 400, while the third floor houses private spaces, including administrative offices, classrooms, and a small dance studio. In between is the theater, serving as a unifying space where individuals from both the public and private sectors converge.

鈥淲orking within the constraints of building codes and the urban context, I鈥檓 learning to design a functional and thoughtful community theater tailored to its environment,鈥� she says. 鈥淭his process allows me to engage with architecture鈥檚 nonlinear nature, refining my ability to navigate and master its complexities.鈥�

Outside the classroom, Luciano is a producer for the , a multimedia production team that supports nonprofit organizations in amplifying their impact. As producer, she works with the group鈥檚 director in overseeing personnel, logistics, and workflow. By the end of a project, the team will have crafted a compelling narrative showcasing the mission and work of the nonprofit.  

Though she still has two years before graduating, Luciano is certain of the path she鈥檚 meant to follow. After building a strong foundation of experience, refining her skills, and expanding her understanding of the field, she hopes to establish her own architecture firm. 鈥淥ne that not only shapes spaces but also contributes meaningfully to society, leaving a lasting impact,鈥� she explains.