Wentworth Innovation Stands Out at BSA Awards Gala
Molly Brody, Architecture '25, during the on-campus fabrication of the BSA Hobson Awards (Photos by Helena Chen)
The annual Boston Society for Architecture (BSA) Awards gala, a celebration of design excellence in Massachusetts and beyond, shone a spotlight on innovation and collaboration this year, featuring awards uniquely crafted by students and faculty from Wentworth Institute of Technology.
The event, held at the Omni Boston Hotel, marked a significant milestone for BSA Executive Director and Wentworth alumnus, Danyson Tavares, and showcased the cutting-edge capabilities of Wentworth's School of Architecture & Design.
The centerpiece of the evening, the prestigious Hobson Award, was designed and fabricated by a team of Wentworth students under the guidance of Professor Rob Trumbour and Jason Hasko, Master of Architecture '18. This year's award blended traditional craftsmanship with advanced technology, utilizing clay as the primary material and incorporating robotic 3D printing with a Kuka Robotic arm, as well as Computer Numerical Control (CNC) milling for brass plates.
"I’m thrilled to celebrate this momentous occasion with everyone," said Danyson Tavares, BSA Executive Director. "It marks my first gala as Executive Director, and the excitement is palpable. On top of that, we’ve had the privilege of collaborating with my alma mater, Wentworth School of Architecture & Design." Tavares expressed his gratitude to the AEC industry for their strong support and anticipated a memorable night for the over 420 attendees.
The Wentworth team, comprised of students Zachary Barnes, Martin Mkohi, Molly Brody, Liam Mobley, Daryush Dehnavi, and Kelsey Moslow, brought the unique awards to life.
Barnes said on LinkedIn, “Innovation in design is not just about new tools—it’s about rethinking how we engage with materials, processes, and the act of making itself. It’s about questioning the boundaries between the digital and the physical, precision and imperfection, tradition and progress."
He also detailed the intricate process, which combined Grasshopper parametric scripting, robotic clay printing, and CNC milling. He emphasized the collaborative nature of the project, acknowledging the crucial contributions of Professor Rob Trumbour and Jason Hasko of Studio NYL, as well as his fellow students.
"This project challenged us to merge digital precision with physical craft," Barnes said, "and reinforced how emerging technologies are transforming architectural production, not just as a means of efficiency but as a way to tell richer, more material-driven stories."
Martin Mkohi echoed Barnes' sentiments, expressing his honor in collaborating with the BSA and his Wentworth team.
"Using Grasshopper for parametric scripting, a robotic arm, and a CNC machine, we crafted a stunning trophy from traditional clay extrusions and engraved brass plates, seamlessly blending one of humanity’s oldest building materials with cutting-edge technology," he said. "Every stage of this process was a remarkable learning experience."
Mkohi also praised the guidance of Hasko and Professor Trumbour, as well as the dedication of his teammates. "This experience has been incredibly rewarding, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we accomplished," he added.
The BSA Awards, which aim to honor design excellence and celebrate exemplary projects, provided a fitting stage for Wentworth's innovative work. By collaborating with local architectural schools each year, the BSA underscores its commitment to fostering the next generation of design professionals.
Wentworth professors earning awards this year included:
- Anthony Piermarini (Principal at Studio Luz)
- Carol Burns (Principal at Taylor & Burns Architects)
- Mark Klopfer (Partner at KMDG)
Find this year’s winners at the BSA website.
