Tyler Architecture student Russell Berg (BS Historic Preservation ‘24) has been recognized as a 2023-2024 Livingstone Undergraduate Research Award winner by Temple University Libraries. Berg was one of six students selected for the annual award, which celebrates excellence in undergraduate research projects across various disciplines.

Berg received the Award in Creative Works and Media Production, which covers research that culminates in a creative or multimedia work in areas such as Visual Arts, Music, Dance, Theater, or Media Production. His comparative research paper, “Complex Resonance: Complementary Contrast in the Works of Mitchell/Giurgola and Venturi Scott Brown Associates”, focused on two influential Philadelphia-based architectural firms from the second half of the 20th century. Berg examined an art museum renovation/addition completed by each firm as a point of reference and analysis.

“At perhaps the most obvious level, winning this award means receiving recognition for the time and effort I put into my research projects,” Berg said. “I certainly spent much of the last few years in the Charles Library (perhaps more than I should have), and I am grateful that a good portion of that time was spent crafting a project which I feel has underpinned my time as an undergraduate student.”

Berg, who is set to graduate in the Fall 2024 semester, was previously named a Creative Arts, Research and Scholarship (CARAS) grant recipient in Spring 2023. The CARAS grant enabled Berg to spend that summer conducting a close analysis of the work and theories of the prominent architect Romaldo Giurgola, who is also a focus of his Livingstone Award-winning essay.

“By examining the works and ideas of Mitchell/Giurgola and Venturi and Scott Brown, Russell’s essay offers a valuable perspective on Philadelphia’s architectural developments during the second half of the 20th century,” said Berg’s faculty advisor, Tyler Associate Professor of Architecture Pablo Meninato.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Livingstone Undergraduate Awards. More information about Berg and the 2023-2024 awardee cohort can be found on this year's Livingstone Awards website, which features video statements from each honoree and additional details about the winning projects.