EJB DESIGNS, a student organization of the Bloustein School that seeks to facilitate discussion, practice, and innovation in the graphic conveyance of planning ideas, placed second in the jury selection for the American Planning Association’s 2020 Outstanding Planning Student Organization Awards.
Planning Student Organizations (PSOs) throughout the country are involved in exciting and creative activities that enliven student life, contribute to their communities, and provide enhanced educational experiences for the students. The Outstanding Planning Student Organization Awards program provides a means for student groups to share their ideas, learn from one another, and receive recognition for creative, successful activities. Awards include monetary contributions from APA to fund PSO activities.
“It is an absolute thrill to be recognized on a national level by the APA,” said Tristan Harrison, President of EJB DESIGNS. Our group’s hard work really paid off and we hope that this award encourages future Bloustein students to carry forward the EJB DESIGNS legacy of networking and skill-building.”
Recognizing that intuitive drawing skills improve a planner’s ability to improve the physical environment, EJB DESIGNS seeks to demonstrate the benefits of sketching first and using computer programs second to build a strong foundation for effective communication of planning strategies. During design practice sessions and student-led workshops, members explore and share graphic rendering techniques that complement the urban planning and design process. The group also provides graphic support for public planning initiatives around New Jersey, including becoming involved in community projects around New Jersey including Phillipsburg, Passaic, and Newark. EJB | DESIGNS also hosts special events to engage students, alumni, planning professionals, and the general public including charrettes, guest speakers, and workshops for academic affiliates and the professional planning community.