The University of Virginia (UVA) School of Architecture is honoring one of its most influential leaders by naming the north entrance lobby of Campbell Hall the Van Lengen Lobby. This gesture recognizes Karen Van Lengen, the William Kenan Professor of Architecture, who served as the school’s dean from 1999 to 2009. Van Lengen, stepping down after 26 years at UVA, will now focus on advancing her design practice and pioneering work in sound and architecture.
“This space is a hub where the school community comes together, both formally and informally,” said Malo A. Hutson, the current dean of the school. “The newly named Van Lengen Lobby reflects Karen’s extraordinary ability to lead and bring people together through shared vision and collaborative action.”
A New York City architect, Van Lengen made history as UVA’s first female dean. During her tenure, she spearheaded numerous curricular advancements and engaged the school in conversations about the relationship between ethics and aesthetics, launching her “Campbell Constructions” program. This initiative led to the creation of new spaces within Campbell Hall that fostered interdisciplinary collaboration.
Among her many achievements, Van Lengen established the Fabrication Lab, a resource that has transformed the way students and faculty approach design. As dean, she tripled the school’s endowment, raised funds for the building additions, and strengthened alumni-student relationships through the school’s advisory and foundation boards.
Van Lengen also founded the “Women’s Work” program, a monthly lunch series that supported and showcased the research of women faculty, creating a valuable network for women at UVA. Her leadership earned her the Elizabeth Zintl Leadership Award in 2010, and she co-founded a pan-University initiative promoting ecological studies across Grounds.
With a career dedicated to the intersection of architecture, environmental design, and social impact, Van Lengen has authored over 20 publications, including two books. Her forthcoming book, Soundscape Architecture, explores the sonic qualities of spaces, reflecting her passion for creating meaningful, sustainable environments. Her legacy at UVA continues to shape the architecture school, with a lasting commitment to addressing urgent global issues through design.
