New York, NY – A nerve-wracking competition among six student teams finally came to a close on Dec. 7, 2010, when a panel of judges chose the winning design of an energy-efficient hangar for the historic U.S.S. Intrepid.

An interdisciplinary team of 11 students from New York Institute of Technology's (NYIT) architecture, engineering, and various other academic programs walked away with the $3,000 grand prize and the honor of creating a permanent addition to the distinguished aircraft carrier, which was originally launched in 1943.

"Our team is extremely happy that the design is to become a piece of history on the U.S.S. Intrepid," said Luke Ferland, senior education major and spokesperson for Alphabet Soup, the winning team. "Each member not only brought a different academic discipline to the process but also a unique voice and life experience that enabled us to strike a balance among architecture, engineering, and sustainability."

The winning design, chosen by representatives of NYIT and the Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum, includes five descending tiers representing the five kamikaze attacks the vessel sustained throughout World War II. Working within a maximum projected budget of $1 million for materials and construction, the student design also features steel and glass structures that incorporate renewable energy through wind turbines and solar panels. In addition, the plan includes spaces to accommodate aircraft restoration, educational areas, and rental projects.

"Every team presented fabulous designs," said Susan Maranoff, executive director of the Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum. "This competition profoundly embodied our mission to educate and inspire, and we truly have inspired each other."

The NYIT team will begin working with museum staff and consultants in January 2011 on detailed construction plans. Alphabet Soup team members include Antonella Verderosa (West Hempstead, N.Y.); Ben Alling (Cromwell, Conn.); Dominic Tetro (Yorktown Heights, N.Y.); Katerina Skiadas (East Hills, N.Y.); Kevin Bruno (Bohemia, N.Y.); Jobin George (Westbury, N.Y.); Luke Ferland (Great River, N.Y.); Nicholas Zangiacomi (Larchmont, N.Y.); Ryan Metz (West Hempstead, N.Y.); Samuel Franck Nde Tene (Douala, Cameroon); and Zach Sanzo (New City, N.Y.).

Second-and third-place NYIT teams Alpha and Mu Xi, respectively, won $2,400 and $1,500 in prizes.

"Three months ago, we were thinking only about the possibility of designing a 21st-century green structure on the deck of this majestic aircraft carrier," said Nada Anid, Ph.D., dean of NYIT's School of Engineering and Computing Sciences. "Being a part of this project is a testimony that ordinary students are up to extraordinary challenges if given the opportunity."

"We are very proud of our students' aspirations for excellence in design, and the U.S.S. Intrepid staff for working with them to achieve their goals," said Judith DiMaio, dean of NYIT's School of Architecture and Design. "The whole endeavor on the ship was a great experience for them."

Sponsored by Ted Moudis Associates Architecture and Design as well as the Long Island Forum for Technology, the design competition was open to all NYIT students seeking interdisciplinary, real-world experience.

Press Coverage

• Winning design chosen in Intrepid competition, Newsday
• Winners in New York Photos of the Week, Wall Street Journal
• Larchmont native wins Intrepid Design Competition, The Journal News

Video

• NYIT Intrepid Competition Winners, NYIT's LI News Tonight
• Winning design chosen in Intrepid competition, Newsday

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About NYIT

New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) offers 90 degree programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees, in more than 50 fields of study, including architecture and design; arts and sciences; education; engineering and computing sciences; health professions; management; and osteopathic medicine. A non-profit independent, private institution of higher education, NYIT has 15,000 students attending campuses on Long Island and Manhattan, online, and at its global campuses. NYIT sponsors 11 NCAA Division II programs and one Division I team.

Led by President Edward Guiliano, NYIT is guided by its mission to provide career-oriented professional education, offer access to opportunity to all qualified students, and support applications-oriented research that benefits the larger world. To date, 85,000 graduates have received degrees from NYIT. For more information, visit nyit.edu.

Briana Samuels
Communications Specialist
516.686.1354