UVa School of Architecture | Michael Bednar to Retire After 37 Years of Teaching and Service in Architecture

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Michael Bednar to Retire After 37 Years of Teaching and Service in Architecture

During Michael Bednar’s 37 years as a devoted member of the School of Architecture faculty, he has combined a dedication to teaching and research with exemplary community leadership. As Professor of Architecture, he served as co-chair of the Architecture Department from 1976 to 1981; Associate Dean for Academic Programs from 1992 to 1996; Acting Associate Dean for Students during Spring 2006; and Director of Undergraduate Advising from 2007 to the present. In addition, he has maintained a private architectural practice, most recently the Charlottesville firm of Bednar Lawson. Bednar and his wife, architect Jo Lawson, have conscientiously restored the John A. G. Davis House (1826), built by Jefferson’s workmen. This project received awards from the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities, the City of Charlottesville and the Preservation Alliance of Virginia. In 1990, Bednar was elected to Fellowship Membership in the American Institute of Architects. In 1997, he received the Community Service Award from the Charlottesville/Albemarle AIA and the Distinguished Achievement Award from the Virginia Society AIA.

His profound interest in cities led him to focus his academic and teaching in this direction. He is the author of several articles and books and most recently authored L’Enfant’s Legacy: Public Open Spaces in Washington, D.C., which has received much critical acclaim and was named the Outstanding Academic Title of 2006 by the American Library Association.

For eight years Prof. Bednar was a member of the Charlottesville City Planning Commission (three years as chair) during which time the city created and adopted an urban design plan. He is on the board of directors of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville and was design director of the 2006 builders’ blitz project. His career has been exemplary and we have all benefited in so many ways from knowing and working with him.

- Dean Karen Van Lengen

	Home > Calendar > In the News > Tuesday, April 21, 2009 Michael Bednar to Retire After 37 Years of Teaching and Service in Architecture During Michael Bednar’s 37 years as a devoted member of the School of Architecture faculty, he has combined a dedication to teaching and research with exemplary community leadership. As Professor of Architecture, he served as co-chair of the Architecture Department from 1976 to 1981; Associate Dean for Academic Programs from 1992 to 1996; Acting Associate Dean for Students during Spring 2006; and Director of Undergraduate Advising from 2007 to the present. In addition, he has maintained a private architectural practice, most recently the Charlottesville firm of Bednar Lawson. Bednar and his wife, architect Jo Lawson, have conscientiously restored the John A. G. Davis House (1826), built by Jefferson’s workmen. This project received awards from the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities, the City of Charlottesville and the Preservation Alliance of Virginia. In 1990, Bednar was elected to Fellowship Membership in the American Institute of Architects. In 1997, he received the Community Service Award from the Charlottesville/Albemarle AIA and the Distinguished Achievement Award from the Virginia Society AIA. His profound interest in cities led him to focus his academic and teaching in this direction. He is the author of several articles and books and most recently authored L’Enfant’s Legacy: Public Open Spaces in Washington, D.C., which has received much critical acclaim and was named the Outstanding Academic Title of 2006 by the American Library Association. For eight years Prof. Bednar was a member of the Charlottesville City Planning Commission (three years as chair) during which time the city created and adopted an urban design plan. He is on the board of directors of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville and was design director of the 2006 builders’ blitz project. His career has been exemplary and we have all benefited in so many ways from knowing and working with him. - Dean Karen Van Lengen	This Week This Month : November In the News Feature Stories Archive Lectures & Symposia Exhibits Podcasts UVa Academic Calendar UVa Events Calendar UVa Student Activities Calendar
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