Joseph Altshuler

Joseph Altshuler is an Assistant Professor at the School of Architecture, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and cofounder of Could Be Design, an award-winning Chicago-based practice. He directs the Architectural Companionship Laboratory, focusing on architecture's role in community-building through public art, tactical urbanism, and creative placemaking.

• Master of Architecture, Rice University (2015)
• Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2009)

His research explores:

• Architecture Animacy: Buildings as animate creatures fostering empathy and relationships
• Supergraphic Landscapes: Urban-scale graphics enhancing identity and belonging
• Creative Placemaking: Tactical interventions for civic engagement

Notable projects include Carousel for Companionship (Exhibit Columbus 2023) and Animate Arcade (Siebel Center for Design 2023). His work has been exhibited at Art Basel | Miami Art Week, Chicago Architecture Biennial, and featured in Metropolis, Architect, and Newcity magazines.

Scientific recognition includes:

• 2024 ACSA Creative Achievement Award
• 2023 Architectural League Prize winner
• 2023 EDRA Great Places Award honorable mention