LAUNCH offers students in any field the opportunity to design the future and learn about architecture in an immersive, exciting atmosphere of hands-on speculation and experimentation. Formatted as a four-week design studio — fueled by daily discussions, lectures and field trips with faculty from the Rice School of Architecture — students will design architectural projects that respond to issues and sites in the city of Houston.
A selection of advanced graduate students in the Rice School of Architecture, in collaboration with an experienced faculty coordinator, will instruct participants in digital and analog working methods and lead daily group and individual discussions. LAUNCH requires only a committed interest to creative inquiry and enthusiastic pursuit of new ideas; no previous experience in architecture or design is required for admission.
Ibrahim Abdelhady is an architect, academic, and media entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in architecture and digital publishing. He is the Founder and CEO of Arch2O.com, a leading platform in architectural media, renowned for showcasing innovative projects, student work, and critical discourse in design. Holding dual PhDs in Architecture, Dr. Abdelhady combines academic rigor with industry insight, shaping both future architects and architectural thought. He actively teaches, conducts research, and contributes to the global architecture community through his writing, lectures, and media ventures. His work bridges the gap between practice and academia, pushing the boundaries of how architecture is communicated in the digital age.