The Catholic University of America — School of Architecture and Planning

This program offers CUA architecture students, faculty, and community the very unique chance to meet, discuss, and work in close-proximity with a world-renown architect while addressing issues related to the core mission of CUA. During their visit, the Walton Critic gives a public lecture, co-directs a design studio, interfaces with students and faculty, and participates in reviews and juries. In addition to its enduring impact in the life of the school, this program also brings national and international visibility to CUArch.

This annual experience is sponsored by the Clarence Walton Fund for Catholic Architecture, in honor and remembrance of the late Clarence C. Walton who served as The Catholic University of America's first lay president from 1969 to 1978. The Walton Family also includes his son, Thomas Walton (B.S. Arch. 1974, M.Arch. 1976) who was a former CUA architecture faculty member whose expertise is Catholic architecture.

The Walton critic program, a central part of the Sacred Space and Cultural Studies graduate concentration offered at the CUA School of Architecture and Planning, started in 2008 and has hosted the remarkable list of individuals listed on the right.

In October 2018, a symposium was organized in celebration of the 10 years anniversary of this unique program that brough six of the 10 Walton critic to campus. A book entitled "Spirituality in Architectural Education" edited by Retired Professor Julio Bermudez (who directed this program from 2010 to 2013) that covers the first twelve Years of the Walton Progran at The Catholic University of America" was published in Feburary 2023 by the CUA Press.

For more information, contact Clinical Associate Professor Ana Roman Andrino, director of the Walton Critic Program and the Sacred Space and Cultural Studies graduate concentration at romanandrino@cua.edu