AMHERST — An undergraduate student at UMass Amherst has won second place in an international architecture competition for his design of an interactive museum and recreation center along the riverfront in downtown Orange, Massachusetts.
Paul Dominic “Poldo” Drilon, a student in the university’s Department of Architecture, received the honor in the 2026 Concrete Masonry Student Competition for his “River Futures Museum” concept.
The award, presented by the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture and the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association, includes a $4,000 cash prize for Drilon. More than 300 students representing over 30 schools participated in the competition.
Drilon designed the River Futures Museum as an educational science museum and water-based recreational destination that would allow visitors to explore how water is filtered.
According to UMass.edu, at the center of the River Futures Museum is a “science aquarium” that makes the natural process of water filtration visible to visitors. A carefully arranged series of spaces allows visitors to follow the river’s flow through physical, chemical and biological filtration processes. The experience culminates in a waterfront recreation area featuring riverside gathering spaces, watersport rentals, and dock access.
The museum is envisioned as part of downtown Orange’s master plan, creating a public destination that supports the town’s goals for environmental education, recreation, and improved waterfront access.
Drilon developed the project in a Design 4 Studio co-taught by faculty members Marcos Severino, Katelyn Hudson and Department of Architecture Chair Steve Schreiber.
“Poldo is an exceptionally talented architecture student, but what really distinguishes him is the combination of his design ability, intellectual curiosity, and leadership,” Schreiber said.
Schreiber also recognized Drilon’s work as president of the university’s chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students.
Severino, the project’s faculty sponsor, said the design demonstrates how architecture can make environmental processes understandable and engaging by connecting science, recreation and the riverfront.
“’River Futures Museum’ demonstrates how architecture can make environmental processes both understandable and engaging,” Severino said. “The project uses the movement of people and water to create an experience that connects science, recreation, and the riverfront.”
Three other UMass Amherst architecture students received honorable mentions in the competition. Master’s student Angela Zou and undergraduate Caytlin Yii were recognized for their pollinator-inspired “Bumble Blocks” project, while undergraduate Smriti Rijal received an honorable mention for “The Orbit Center.”
