On October 24, 2019, U-SoA simultaneously hosted the opening of the Architecture Research Center (aka the ARC Center) and the fourth-annual Lantern Festival. With both taking place within the U-SoA courtyard, the courtyard served as common ground where art and research inspired guests and participants to encounter new experiences. Jack Shao, first-year graduate student at U-SoA's Construction Management program and Lantern Festival Event Planner, shared: "We think that the architecture courtyard is underutilized, and wanted to showcase the beauty of the U-SoA campus for students who don't usually venture over here. The Lantern Festival is the only other major Asian celebration hosted on the UM campus aside from the Lunar New Year. It's hosted in the format of an Asian night market with the water lanterns to remind those of their home and culture. The Festival also offers a wonderful cultural-learning opportunity and allows diverse and design-focused audiences to form bonds and learn from each other."
At the unveiling of the ARC Center, everyone experienced a fresher, more modern take on research and learning. The ARC Center is spearheading a new model for libraries to serve as platforms for interaction and exchange.
On this historic evening, the courtyard itself has transformed into a shared space for culture and research to spark ingenuity, cohesion, art appreciation, and exploration.
U-SoA extends its gratitude to the many sponsors of this year's Lantern Festival, including the UM Student Government, Hurricane Productions Late Night Grant, the Student Government Eco Board, and the UM Division of Student Affairs. For more information on the ARC Center, see U-SoA's November newsletter.
