Robert Benson

Associate Professor

rbenson@uic.edu

Robert Benson received his undergraduate degree in architecture from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (1993) and his Master's degree with honors from MIT (1996). Robert received the AIA Scholastic Gold Medal for his achievements in architecture. After finishing his graduate work, Robert was invited to attend the Ecole d'Art Americaines-Ecole des Beaux Arts program in Fontainebleau, France where he received awards for his Arc et Senans and Chateau installations.

Robert is a Senior Associate and Design Director for the Chicago Studio of 4240 Architecture. He has been a finalist, published and exhibited in a number of national and international design competitions and exhibitions including 'Speculative Chicago - a Compendium of Architectural Innovation'. Most recently, he has been honored with placement in Building Design + Construction's 2007 top 40 under 40 program which recognizes outstanding leaders in the AEC industry. Also, two projects for which Robert was the lead designer recently received two AIA urban design awards. The two projects are 4240 Architecture's collaboration with Thornton Tomasetti Engineers on the concept for the world's longest clear span pedestrian bridge and 4240's innovative design for a community public space which is variable at the whim of the community.

Robert was a finalist in the AIA Chicago's 2003 'Emerging Visions in Architecture' award. He has also been a member of the Chicago Architectural Club's Board of Directors and was elected president for the 2004-05 and 2005-6 seasons.

His cumulative project experience is varied and includes commercial architecture, corporate interiors, large-scale hospitality and exhibition centers, low-income housing, high-end custom housing, multi family housing and park planning.

Robert is also an accomplished artist and was recently featured in a solo show for his photography entitled "no thing" at the TOJO Gallery, Chicago. The art explored beauty in unusual objects by combining digital photography and unconventional materials.