New England Region of the American Institute of Architects 2009 Design Awards Winners
Four
Honor Awards, eleven Merit Awards, and three Special Mentions were
announced October 3 for the 2009 AIA New England Regional Design
Awards (American Institute of Architects New England Region), hosted
this year by AIA New Hampshire. The presentations were made at the
annual AIANE Regional Conference. 271 Entries were submitted, and an
additional 57 entries were made for the separate People's Choice
Awards. Submissions to the competition were accepted from New
England firms for projects located anywhere in the world, and from
firms outside New England for buildings located in the region.
Architecture firms from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, and
Vermont were among the winners. Winning projects are represented in
all six New England states, and one is located in Arizona.
The
jury, consisting of chair Patrick J, Quinn FAIA, Professor of
Architecture, Emeritus, Loudonville, NY; Mark Mistur AIA, Associate
Professor of Architecture, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy
NY; and Brett Balzer AIA, Balzer Hodge Tuck Architecture PLLC,
Saratoga Springs, NY, commented that the "quality of the work
entered was significantly good, indicating a return to the
importance of well thought out schemes. There was almost no evidence
of the gratuitous whimsicality and self-indulgent fantasy, which
seemed to have become de rigueur in the late 20th century. Yet it
was clear from this selection that that very whimsicality has
engendered new ways of dealing with modern exigencies. The issue of
sustainability, including energy conservation, orientation, site
preservation and prudent use of materials has energized a maturity
of spatial and formal investigation in imaginative and livable
buildings."
Honor
Awards went to
two dramatically different private houses and two utterly
contrasting public buildings of some complexity.
•
SF Residence, 44 PL, Greenwich, CT, by Joeb + Partners, Architects,
Greenwich, CT
A
unanimous choice for an honor award, this project was a pleasure to
examine in detail after the first delightful impact had registered
upon us.
The
entire site organization quietly makes one aware that the
disciplined order of the interior continues subtly throughout the
whole. Water is integral but unobtrusive.
The
"second skin" of cedar screens on the upper storey is a strong
yet gentle modifier, consistent with the almost relentless geometric
order of subtly detailed concrete walls below. Particularly
lightsome is the swath of light, water and circulation, which cuts
through between the intersecting, wings and emphasizes the reaching
out into the landscape. Light, both natural and artificial is
carefully shaped to allow for subtle shifts in the spatial
experience throughout the day and through the seasons.
The
landscape design is a serene complement to the house. One is tempted
to cite Kahn, Wright, Barragan, even Sverre Fehn but, suffice it to
say that the presentation, from text to plans to model to
photographs is lucid, serene and beautiful, just like the house
itself.
•
MEDITECH - Medical Information Technology Computer Science Building,
Fall River, MA, by Payette, Boston, MA.
This
work appealed to the jurors for its excellent site organization,
capitalizing on great views, and the purity of its form. Located
near 19th Century mill structures, the public entrance façade with
its modest mimicry of the former's window openings, forms a screen
and closed-in gateway to the surprising landscape which opens up in
beautiful views from the relative privacy of the offices on the
north side. The midpoint break in the south façade, where major
circulation, cafeteria, and public spaces meet, and the smoothly
curvilinear glass façade of the south combine beautifully to
articulate a long structure which might otherwise be merely
monotonous. As with the other three honor awards the drawings,
diagrams, photographs, and particularly the use of jargon-free,
unpretentious language reveal the complexity of thought underlying a
readable work of architecture.
•
Kroon Hall, School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, Yale
University, New Haven, CT; Hopkins Architects, London/Centerbrook
Architects, Centerbrook, CT
That
such a project should lead the way in campus sustainability goes
almost without saying, and the architect places the issue front and
center both in design philosophy and in presentation. The result is
a powerful combination of the strange and the familiar…the strange
in the soft roof geometry, evoking barns, mansards, etc. among a
context of angular gables and steeply pitched slate surfaces …the
familiar in the deeply recessed openings in strong masonry
walls…the strange in the dramatic articulation of photovoltaic
panels by bright aluminum rib-like pipes…the familiar in what
appears to be more conventional metal roofing on the north side. The
Jury was struck by the ingenuity and subtlety of the landscape
design, which offers a traditional grassy quad placed over an
extensive service node and connected to a well shaded cortile at
first floor level, resulting in a beautiful indoor-outdoor
relationship. The site planning in general indicates design maturity
and restraint, which is admirable.
No
less powerful are the interiors, which not only offer comfortable
consistency in material details but also introduce visual drama in
the soaring contrast of the upper level spaces and the effective
modulation of the central corridors.
The
conscious effort at relentless "greening" and adaptation to the
traditional context shows how far campus architecture has come since
the overt self-consciousness of the nearby Ingalls hockey rink and
the adjacent Biology Tower.
The
jurors noted that this presentation was a model of clarity and
graphic accessibility.
•
Tanglewood 2 House, The Berkshires, MA by Schwartz/Silver
Architects, Boston, MA
Jurors
cited the "dramatic impact on the hillside site, the daring
character of the structure, the integration of structure and spatial
concepts, the roof terrace, and the pool. The tight organization of
spaces within such a restrictive and elongated geometry was carried
out with such conviction, cohesion, and élan that the design
integrity shines through. There is no compromise here in the
realization of the strong vision."
In
the Jury's discussion, references were made to Simon Unger's
Tee-House, Libera's Casa Malaparte, etc. as other, singular
interventions in the landscape. For this house is nothing if not
singular. It appears to have been designed for a very special and
indeed courageous client.
The
lightsome interiors, the stepped interior descent onto the long,
calm, cantilevered living area, and the dramatic views of the house
at night are all worthy of close attention.
Philosophically
the house seems to manifest ideological modernism at its most
assertive.
Eleven Merit
Awards were
given as follows:
•
Stone Industrial Storage Structure, Washington, CT by Gray Organschi
Architecture, New Haven, CT
Seldom
does one encounter such an inventive, ingenious design solution for
a mere utility building. Traditionally characterized by messy yards
and structures, the storage of stone and sand is seldom thought of
as a worthy design challenge. This architect has not only risen to
the challenge but imaginatively incorporated equipment storage,
energy efficiency and geothermal as well as solar power. The readily
accessible masonry palettes present a constantly changing wall and
thus a visual delight. Behind them is a well-considered second wall
of translucent light controlling panels.
The
jury members all smiled with pleasure at this unique and beautiful
work.
•
Renovation and Expansion, Currier Museum of Art, Manchester, NH, by
Ann Beha Architects, Boston, MA
The
Jury felt that this was a sophisticated addition to a neo-classical
building of strength resulting in both an excellent arrangement of
site spaces and welcome clarity between the new and the old.
Especially attractive is the good use of light, both natural and
artificial. The proportions, too, of the new work harmonize with the
existing in a way that makes for easy transitions.
•
Weekend house in Kent, CT, Halper Owens Architects LLC, Washington
Depot, CT
The
sheer airiness and lofty spatiality of this complex building make
for a wonderful family place, both inside and out. This is made
possible by two strong gestures.
1:
In adapting the materials of a relocated cow barn the architects
have created an interesting integration of rusticity and modernity.
This is noticeable especially in the strong clarity and openness of
the kitchen and related spaces, in the tamed brutality of the
masonry fireplaces & chimney breasts, in the contrast between
the generous bright stairwell and the weathered underside of the
roof timbers.
2:
In carefully considering all aspects of site planning,… approach,
plain character, location of courtyard and pool….the architects
have made an interesting and serene landscape. The facades shift
from quiet planarity at North and East to a complex west side worthy
of a multi-storey Athonite monastery. Yet this same façade, viewed
from the pool presents an almost classical, formal elegance.
• Fred
and Fay Haas Memorial Interfaith Chapel at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
University, Prescott, AZ, by Kane Architecture, East Hardwick, VT
Some
controversy over this project greatly enlivened the Jury. As
elemental in program as Anschen & Allen's dramatic 1956 Chapel
of the Holy Cross in Sedona, AZ, or Lloyd Wright's 1951
Wayfarer's Chapel in Palos Verdes, CA, and with an almost equally
spectacular site, the work modestly conveys the notion that the
building should take second place to the landscape while yet calling
attention to the latter's great beauty.
The
resulting project has a diagrammatic clarity and simplicity of
expression. A long gently sloping roof is the organizing element
whose broad overhang extends the interior, connecting it to the
sweeping valley, yet shades and cozily shelters the occupants.
The
winding approach along the hillside enters to form a clear
divider/connector between the private (meditation, office, etc.) and
the expansive, open sanctuary.
Controversy
arose concerning the seemingly rigid interior arrangement, which
pointed to a conventional "liturgical" order rather than the
interactive and less formal possibilities of interfaith dialogue
and/or services. Disputed also was the articulation of the great
view window by horizontal and diagonal structural members, which of
course were necessary to withstand strong wind forces but yet seemed
to counter the architect's intention of simple clarity.
Nevertheless
the project was thought of as refreshingly modest yet powerful.
•
UMASS Integrated Sciences Building, Amherst, MA, by Payette, Boston,
MA
A
crystal cathedral of learning with additional sectional facades of
brick and interior articulation by boxy wooden containers, this
complex offers highly skillful consistency of detailing throughout,
although the entrance facade was considered "problematic." The
generous atrium and circulation were considered very good for
interaction, a goal of the program. The site planning makes much
sense, giving closure to an otherwise fragmented route through the
campus. The completion of the planned future phase will strengthen
the newly created outdoor gathering space even further.
• Carl
J. Shapiro Science Center, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, by
Payette, Boston, MA
The
Jury liked this successful organization of a very large and complex
building into a comprehensive and articulated sequence of places,
spaces and forms.
The
plan configuration in particular allows for circulation, which,
while fostering continuous movement, also provides spatial surprises
and places to pause. The building recognizes the existing campus
structure, changes it dramatically and makes for a new and exciting
order. This is nicely and sensibly planned in logical phases and it
is thus from the overall concept down to the details of the cladding
and rainscreen.
•
New Research Building, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, by
ARC/Architectural Resources Cambridge, Cambridge, MA
A
difficult problem of trying to make a 730, 000 sq, foot complex of
offices, labs, lecture theatre, cafeteria, parking garage, etc.,
maintain the scale and character of an existing urban context
without submitting to its dull character, is here solved
urbanistically and architecturally. The Jury was impressed by the
manner in which the stepped and juxtaposed masses created urban
spaces appropriate to the locality and enhance the approach to an
existing private medical School.
•
Water Sheds, SF Residence, Coastal, RI, by Roger Ferris +
Partners, Westport, CT
Almost
platonic in its simple massing and elegant detailing, this unique
project employs a material palette consistent with its geometric
clarity. The architects take pains to point out how consistently the
building addresses sustainability issues.
•
Penn Lofts, multi-family housing, Quincy, MA, by Merge Architects,
Inc., Boston, MA
Disciplined
imagination is the driving force behind this six-unit urban living
complex.
Conventional
space allocation presented problems so the architects invented a
scheme of interlocking volumes that balance nicely the issues of
privacy and public presence. This gives life both to the interiors
and to the street façade, which is cleverly modulated.
•
High Rise Residential condominium building 45 Province St., Boston,
MA, by Bruner/Cott & Assoc., Cambridge, MA
The
Jury liked the clever modulation of this tall slender urban
structure and was impressed by the good scalar relationships at
street level. Fascinating, too was the balanced composition of
well-proportioned vertical and horizontal elements. One juror found
an uncanny echo of the renowned and beautifully proportioned PSFS
building (by Howe & Lescaze) in Philadelphia, even though there
is no actual resemblance. The handling of the parking problem was
noted as "impressive," as also was the intelligent use of
materials, masonry "green" walls, and glass.
•
Rethinking an Historic Campus Building: Pierce Hall, Kenyon College,
Gambier, OH, by GUND Partnership, Boston, MA
A
1929 dining hall and commons subjected to many changes over the
years has been subjected to subtraction, renovation, addition and
restoration in this lively project. The addition, both adopting and
challenging the existing neo-gothic language, is a superbly lit
setting for the new servery, which is beautifully detailed inside
and out. The atrium, linking the new space with the Great Hall, is
well conceived but the tubular steel trusses seem too low to do
justice to the graceful spacing of old and new. Restoration of the
wood and stone in the Great hall is sensitive. The daring, even
"funky", light fixtures throughout offer a whimsical contrast
within this dignified ambience. The whole has a refreshing spirit.
Six
projects were considered deserving of Special
Mention Awards.
•
Cottage, Guilford, CT, by Gray Organschi Architecture, New Haven, CT
The
Jury praised the interesting experiments with space, the élan of
the general concept, the fine relationship to the site, the response
to restrictive conditions, and the gentle serenity of the whole.
•
Student Recreation and Fitness Center, University of Maine, Orono,
ME, by Cannon Design, Boston, MA
This
competently planned building, LEED Silver certified, was noted for
its thoughtful sectional arrangement, the light and openness of both
the gymnasium and natatorium, and its rational use of materials.
•
Blue Rock House, Austerlitz, NY, by Anmahian Winton Architects,
Cambridge, MA
Beautifully
readable drawings echo the deceptive simplicity of this composition
of three small buildings on a rural site. Sustainability was a
keynote not only in designing the buildings but in relating them
integrally to the restoration and planning of the site. The
consistency of character, cool and unpretentious, carries from
exterior to interior and back again.
•
A Single Family House on Casco Bay, ME, by Elliott Elliott Norelius
Architecture, Blue Hill, ME
As
the Blue Rock House seemed to fit well in the countryside of
Austerlitz, so too does this project in its Coastal setting. The
traditional forms, the open plan and covered atrium offer a clever
twist on the New England vernacular.
• House
on Penobscot Bay, ME, by Elliott Elliott Norelius Architecture, Blue Hill, ME
Yet
another, well designed house, this one is uncompromising in its
modernism. It is a built essay on light and site. The creative use
of daylight throughout is most attractive and the recognition of the
power of the rugged coastline is clear in orientation. Shades of
Neutra and Breuer, who worked on different coasts seem to energize
the clarity of circulation and geometry.
•
Research, Center for Life Science, Boston, MA, by Tsoi/Kobus &
Associates, Cambridge, MA
More
echoes of the past, but, as with the others, all good. This time
there is a hint of constructivist geometry in the sophisticated
planar interplay of large volumes and materials, which might
otherwise be ditchwater dull. The introductory sketches, too, are
conceptually strong and convincing. The single interior photograph
is insufficient to convince us that the rest is worth exploring but
the wonderful play of mass and light at night gives some
indication
of experiential variety within.
The
People's Choice Award submissions were on exhibit at the Discover
Portsmouth Center the week before the AIANE Regional Conference and
were posted online. Visitors to the center and to the AIANE website
voted for their favorite projects in four different categories. The
four winners are:
•
the house in which I'd most like to live: Lakeside Manor, TMS
Architects, Portsmouth, NH;
•
the space in which I'd most like to work: Boston Museum of Science
Sophia & Bernard Gordon Wing , LDa Architects, Cambridge, MA;
•
the place in which I'd most like to play: Manhattan Media Room ,
David Scott Parker Architects, LLC, Southport, CT;
•
and the space in which I'd most like to study: City on a Hill
Charter Public School, by Arrowstreet, Somerville, MA.
Photos
of the award winners are on the AIA New
England website.