Robert Benson
Robert is an Associate Principal and Design Director for the Chicago Studio of 4240 Architecture. He is a respected panelist, most recently at the Greentown USA conference, a published and exhibited expert designer, and a finalist in a number of national and international design competitions and exhibitions including 'Speculative Chicago - a Compendium of Architectural Innovation'. Three recent projects, for which Robert was the lead designer, received AIA citation of merit design awards. Two of which are acclaimed for their high caliber of urban design: 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. Another proposed design for a Customs and Border Patrol in Van Horn manipulated harsh Texan weather conditions to the facility's advantage.
His cumulative, project experience is varied and includes large-scale hospitality, governmental facilities, commercial architecture, corporate interiors, municipal facilities, higher education, exhibition centers, low-income housing, high-end custom housing, multi family housing and park planning.
After finishing his graduate work at MIT, 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 an Adjunct Professor at the University of Illinois - Chicago School of Architecture. He is also an invited critic at numerous schools. 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.
Robert was honored with placement in Building Design + Construction's 2007 top 40 under 40 program which recognizes outstanding leaders in the AEC industry. He continues his association with BD+C as award committee member, critic and design consultant valued for his imaginative, sustainable design aesthetic.
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.
Master of Architecture, AIA Gold Medal, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign