Anselmo Canfora

BSAS Univ. of Illinois;
MArch Univ. of Michigan

Assistant Professor

Anselmo Canfora joined the faculty at the University of Virginia, School of Architecture as an Assistant Professor the fall term, 2004. He coordinates the 2nd year undergraduate core design studios. An area of particular interest to him is teaching the beginning design student. He implemented a new curriculum for Architecture 201 – Introductory Architecture Design studio. Anselmo recently presented a paper at the International Conference on the Beginning Design Student in Savannah; the paper titled “Translations: 1:1 Drawing and Fabricating” focused on the pedagogical value of synthesizing processes of representation and fabrication. Through this framework, each student is encouraged to develop a design methodology comprised of thoughtful application of fundamental design principles, rigorous foundational techniques of representation, and effective systems of fabrication in service of realizing comprehensive critical design strategies. Some Assembly Required, a design/build program Anselmo initiated upon joining the School of Architecture, is currently developing a series of projects including the Charlottesville City Center for Contemporary Arts lobbies and concession stands, pedestrian bridges for the Rivanna Trails Foundations, a series of computing and classroom sites for the School of Architecture in Campbell Hall, and prototypical screen systems for the ecoMOD “Seam House.” Anselmo realized a series of four design/build projects at the University of Michigan which ranged greatly in scale and scope. While teaching at the University of Michigan for seven years, Anselmo was the 2002 and 2004 recipient of the Donna M. Salzer Award of Teaching Excellence. He graduated from the University of Michigan with high distinction and was awarded the Alpha Rho Chi Medal. Recently, Anselmo was awarded an ACSA Faculty Research/Design Award during the annual conference in Chicago. In 2006, Anselmo founded TOOLPATH, Design + Digital Fabrication, LLC a research design practice which operates at the critical juncture between design and fabrication; is deeply commitment to qualitative and sustainable advancements of the built environment; and involves the use of new and emerging digital information and fabrication technologies as a critical component of a comprehensive research and design strategy. Anselmo is currently teaching a 4th year studio titled reCOVER which is focusing on the design of disaster relief transitional shelters with the intention of developing a series of full-scale prototypes following the end of the spring term.