This fall, the Texas Society of Architects will honor Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design professor Rafael Longoria, AIA, DPACSA, with the 2024 Award for Outstanding Educational Contributions in Honor of Edward J. Romieniec, FAIA. During the course of his 36 years at the University of Houston, Longoria has impacted generations of students, opening their minds to the different contexts in which architecture develops and serves the world.

From the Texas Society of Architects Announcement:
"Rafael Longoria, AIA, is ASCA Distinguished Professor of Architecture at the University of Houston and principal of LONGORIA+. He serves as advanced studies coordinator and director of the Atrium Press at the UH College of Architecture and Design. Longoria’s work focuses on contextual architecture and sustainable design at all scales, with a focus on Latin America and parts of the US settled by Spain. In his 36 years at UH, he has made outstanding contributions in the areas of community collaboration and international teaching; academic service and community outreach; and disseminating scholarship and design work. Longoria is a founding editor of AULA: Architecture and Urbanism in Las Américas and has served on the boards of numerous publications and organizations. He was elected as president of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture in 2004."

How did you find your way to the University of Houston and Hines College 36 years ago?

I had never considered teaching until Chris Genik, who was my classmate at Rice University, started inviting me to participate in his juries at the University of Houston. I was only 28 years old when dean Peter Wood invited me to join the UH faculty as a tenure-track professor.

What are your research interests? How have they impacted your students at the Hines College?

Since my student days, I have been interested in a broad understanding of context – including natural, urban, economic, and cultural contexts – as a generator of form. This interest in exploring different contexts more deeply has led to many research and design projects with both students and colleagues. 

You have been influential in leading the Hines College’s Pan-American international programs. How did these studios come about? How have they allowed students to develop new perspectives on architecture and the world?

The Pan-American studios started with a summer program in Argentina that was organized soon after Dean Patricia Oliver arrived at the Hines College. Over the years, I traveled with students to multiple countries, producing a series of publications documenting urban development patterns in a variety of cities, including Buenos Aires, Santiago de Chile, Mexico City, Barcelona, Madrid, and Rome.

In the last three years, our focus has shifted to Queretaro, a fascinating city 135 miles northwest of Mexico City, where we are starting a study abroad program during the fall 2024 semester, collaborating with local architects and residents to build much-needed community projects. 

What do you hope your students will take away from your classes and years of experience? What do you wish to inspire in your students?

I hope I managed to communicate that architecture is the great public art.

What does this award mean to you? How does it honor your career and academic service?

I am very grateful for this opportunity to celebrate 36 years of teaching at the University of Houston with many friends and former students.