AIA LA ’19 Conference on Architecture
SEPT 11-13
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Hello
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The 2019 design awards were given at the Awards Luncheon at the AIA LA ’19 Conference on Architecture in Baton Rouge on September 13. A nationally recognized panel of judges selected the 11 winning projects for 2019 from 69 entries in seven categories, submitted by architects across the state.
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Palmisano Headquarters
Eskew + Dumez + Ripple
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Program Statement:
This new office building, situated in an industrial stretch of New Orleans’ Tchoupitoulas street, nimbly responds to its surroundings in both scale and context. The building is set back from the neighboring properties, providing an expansive entry courtyard and amenity
space for its occupants. An outdoor covered terrace, tied to the open common areas, extends this amenity space and provides occupants with opportunities for socialization, while simultaneously providing expansive views of the nearby Mississippi River.
Within, 30,000 square feet provides an open work flow concept with minimal offices, multiple small and large conference rooms, and in-house gym and yoga studios. The large, open work spaces, in contrast to the traditional closed-door office layout, provide opportunities for the company’s cross-functional teams to work across borders in a flexible, collaborative environment. The office layout is arranged to support both the client’s program needs and office culture, all while taking advantage of ample natural daylight
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Jury Comments
This office was impressive on a number of levels. We applaud the team for pushing for higher-level thinking in an industrial neighborhood, and for a general contractor - two conditions that wouldn’t typically experience sensitivity to design. There is a wonderful illusion of utilitarian perception from a distance that reveals itself as a more subtly detailed and well-crafted structure upon closer inspection. There is also thoughtful attention to sustainability and beautifully restrained interiors, creating a complete project deserving of recognition.
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Goldring/Woldenberg Complex, Tulane University - Addition and Renovations
Manning Architects in partnership with Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects
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Program Statement:
Prior to the project, the school occupied two existing buildings (1985 and 2003) which separated undergraduate and graduate programs.
Based on current growth and the need to stay progressive in the current education and technology trends, a 46,000 sq.ft. addition was created to tie the two buildings together and unify the school into a cohesive learning complex. The new addition and renovations within the existing building tie-ins include a variety of classrooms, offices, and multi-use spaces to provide ample space for informal meetings, studies and collaboration. The main façade is comprised of a 4-story, 215’-0” long undulating glass curtainwall that faces a major pedestrian thoroughfare in the heart of the campus. This connection to campus is the most obvious example of the primary design concept–learning on display.
A major design challenge was maintaining the openness and transparency of the “learning on display” concept with the strict
requirements of LEED certification. The use of innovative concepts, such as a custom 40% bird frit pattern, sunshades, and high-efficiency glazing, accompanied by green strategies, including a reflective cool roof, occupancy sensors, and renewable materials, propelled the building to LEED Gold certification.
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Jury Comments:
We were taken by the designer’s sensitivity to the existing landscape. The serpentine wall shaped around the beautiful old-growth trees, composed entirely of glass for the occupants to experience even when inside, is a bold, yet sensitive and elegant solution to a complex condition. This is especially true when considering this project was actually sandwiched between 2 existing structures. We would have appreciated exterior images of how the new structure meets the existing buildings. We also believe the submission was missing diagrams and further graphic explanation of the conditions and design approach/concept. But we could understand it enough to recognize the caliber of design and thoughtful execution that went into this very nice project.
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Rouquette Library at Saint Joseph Abbey & Seminary College
VergesRome Architects, APAC
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Program Statement:
The library is the latest new construction on a Seminary College campus in St. Benedict, Louisiana. Founded in 1908, the Seminary College recently implemented a new strategic plan which resulted in a considerable increase in enrollment and consequential demand for updates to the existing housing and academic facilities built in the 1950s and 1960s. The Seminary College’s campus buildings were
listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007, citing their significance as examples of the clean aesthetic of Mid-Century Modern design as well as the Romanesque Abbey church.
Over half a century later, the library skews the Mid-Century Modernism of the original campus towards the twenty-first century while reinforcing the pillars of their priestly formation program – Humanity, Intellect, Spirituality, and Pastoral Formation – by means of accessibility, landscaping, and a new consideration of communal and private space. Three stories tall, the new library serves not only to support the legacy of the Seminary College by reiterating mid-century motifs and framing views outwards to the Abbey church, but also to accommodate the library’s burgeoning main collection (50,000 volumes) and provide mitigation against catastrophic floods which engulfed the campus as recently as 2016.
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Jury Comments:
The original master plan for this campus was beautifully simple and clear. This new structure respectfully inserts itself with grace, especially at the loggia level. The interiors successfully pay homage to the mid-century campus without pure replication. The bay window carrels are a nice touch and very well done, creating interesting reading nooks on the interior and a striking detail on the exterior facade. We appreciated the many thoughtful references to the original campus, yet this still stands on its own as a striking piece of architecture.
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The Shop at the CAC
EskewDumezRipple
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Program Statement:
A comprehensive coworking development at the nexus of numerous downtown cultural institutions. Targeting technology, arts, and cultural-based businesses; the project serves as a hub of entrepreneurship in the developing Downtown innovation corridor.
It occupies the third and fourth floors of the CAC, connected by an open architectural staircase and featuring an extensive amenity and commons area, varied meeting and office space, and a roof deck.
This renovation preserves the classic Warehouse District architecture of the existing building while incorporating modern elements. The light-filled space features high ceilings with exposed beams, large windows, a contemporary art collection, and a flowing, open floor plan. The heart of the coworking space is the commons area designed to facilitate conversation and connection. It boasts a full kitchen, seating options, coffee station, and communal and recreational space. All of The Shop’s amenities offer small businesses, entrepreneurs, and arts-based professionals the resources they need to grow.
With its proximity to acclaimed museums and galleries, new developments like the nearby South Market District and Ace Hotel, and some of the best restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and residences in New Orleans, this space is primed to become a catalyst for innovative thinking and strategic partnerships that will continue to transform Downtown into a thriving urban center.
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Jury Comments:
There was a fair amount of discussion regarding the category for this project. Perhaps it should have been entered as Interior Architecture. Or, perhaps it could have benefitted from more explanation about the original building, the overall renovation, and the relationship to the museum on the ground floor. Regardless, this is a beautiful space with clear sensitivity to the original building, striking an aesthetic balance between the expression of the old with the more contemporary moments found within. The result is a clearly articulated space, lacking the fussiness and current trends found in adaptive reuse projects of older warehouse buildings. We were especially taken by the stair/ceiling move as a dynamic device to unite the 2 levels.
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The Betty and Edward Marcus Sculpture Park at Laguna Gloria - Arrival Garden and Moody Pavilions
Trahan Architects
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Program Statement:
As the first phase of a much larger and broader Master Plan, the new Arrival Garden with its Moody Pavilions establishes a new public face for the institution and clarifies a dedicated pedestrian entry from West 35th Street just south of the historic gate.
Here, architecture and landscape are conceived as an integrated and unified experience. A series of vertical steel planes and steel and glass pavilions draw visitors into the park through a sequence of
shady outdoor spaces. The composition of structures, walls, and gardens are organized along a central walk covered by shade canopies. Concrete site walls, stonedust paving, and lush plantings further enclose two outdoor courts for patrons to gather and linger while taking in views of the property’s mature live oak canopy, 100-year old Italianate villa, and compelling works of art.
The Pavilions house a welcome center, an outdoor cafe, and a museum retail shop —
amenities that never existed on site before. A modern material palette of weathered steel, plate glass, and concrete is carefully detailed and scaled to defer to the site’s landscape and existing historic structures
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Jury Comments:
Austin’s own Barcelona Pavilion! The concept and inspiration were thoughtful and clearly presented. This was elegantly carried throughout, especially the delicacy of the Corten resolution at the panel ends. The majority of our discussion was centered around the shade canopies: the color, the detailing, the distance off of the vertical planes, etc. However, we all agreed the project was quite nice and well deserving of a design award.
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St. Michael Special School Restoration and Addition
Holly and Smith Architects, APAC
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Program Statement:
This school for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities had been operating from its disjointed campus of several disparate buildings in the Lower Garden District of New Orleans since 1965. The school was desperately in need of additional classroom space, a dignified worship space, a more cohesive sense of place, and a better connection to the surrounding community. The
project brief required the following:
- The restoration of the only truly historic building on campus, a former Greek Revival residence called the “Convent.” The interior of the Convent would be renovated and adapted to create unique teaching spaces, including a music classroom, a technology laboratory, and a transition academy for young adults.
- The addition of a dedicated student -chapel for the weekly celebration of mass and other school gatherings.
- The renovation of the front of the 1960’s era school administration building to provide a more inviting and clearly defined entrance to the campus
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Jury Comments:
This is a high-level restoration project with a sensitive, well-executed, addition. We appreciated the new structure’s form and detailing, and how it acknowledges the context and original architecture without being repetitive nor cartoonish in its approach. The restraint of the addition’s interior is compelling, especially the use of indirect natural light. This was a tightrope of a project, gracefully balancing old and new.
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David E. Roberts Center for Economic Development
WHLC Architecture
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Program Statement:
VISION:
The overall vision for the building was a modern, light-filled office and conference center reminiscent of the original design. The goal was to create a space that provided an inspiring and creative environment for the staff and visitors, as well as an impressive meeting space in the existing building footprint. The challenge was to create this atmosphere in a building constructed in the 1950s with several subsequent renovations that left the space dark, enclosed, and outdated.
STRATEGY:
The design team applied several techniques to reconnect the building with the streetscape/community and uncover/update the modern, progressive design. Clear, floor-to-ceiling windows provide ample natural light. A repurposed parking lot adds square footage, an
additional entry, and strengthens the presence. An exposed ceiling adds height. Thoughtful integration of technology and AV equipment communicates innovation.
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Jury Comments:
This is an amazing transformation from the dark, 1990’s renovation. It’s a very dramatic change from the black reflective glass to lighter colors and greater transparency. There is a wonderful blend of inspiration drawn from the original architecture and the recognition of this building’s position in the present day. The interior is also interesting, expressing the original bones in a simple, raw state, with strategic pops of color interrupting the field of white. It’s a successful restoration AND modernization of a gem of a building, after what appeared to be a regrettable intervention that could have sealed its fate. Thank you for saving this structure and doing it well!
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Program Statement:
A bold and innovative addition and renovation of a university’s first dormitory building into a student success center, Merging a historic 15,100 square foot building with a new addition that totals 7,900 square feet.
The angular geometry of the addition is a direct and contextual response to two adjacent historic buildings and a majestic 100-year old live oak tree.
Prominently sited on the university’s historic quad, the design team was tasked
with protecting an iconic 100+ year old live oak tree living directly adjacent to the site. The skewed form of the new addition is angled away from the canopy
of the tree to avoid disturbance of the tree’s roots during and after construction.
The shifting floor plates of the addition creates a partially protected second
floor terrace and a cantilevered volume at the third story.
Housing most of the building’s public spaces, the new addition is clad largely in
storefront to take advantage of views out to the serene and verdant quad.
The building contains 60 private offices, making maximizing natural light a
critical priority to occupant health. As a response to this condition original
stairwells are repurposed into lightwells that flood the historic building with
natural light and create unique break-out flex spaces.
Custom planters at the terrace and a deep rain garden near the main entry are
part of a robust stormwater management strategy. The project is certified LEED
Gold.
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Jury Comments:
We were instantly interested in this project. It’s a very complex challenge to be faced with the restoration of an old building while contemplating a new addition. We agree with the architect’s choice to employ a hyphen to minimize the contact between the 2 structures. We also appreciated the individual form, orientation, detailing and material choices. We did, however, debate if it was too independent and devoid of any relationship to the original structure. This is a challenge many of us face, but it appears your state grapples with this condition more than most. We recognize that the approaches are wide ranging and debatably subjective, but whatever the approach, it must be well executed with complete commitment to the direction. This project was certainly that.
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The Alliance Theater Transformation at the Woodruff Arts Center
Trahan Architects
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Program Statement:
The Theatre, founded in 1968, is a Tony award-winning regional theatre
located within the celebrated Woodruff Arts Center campus. The initial phase of work focused on the chamber, its lobby and artistic support facilities which were gutted to the original concrete enclosing walls. The transformation pulled the 650 seat chamber 10’ closer to stage. The
planning of the chamber optimized site lines, utilized ramping in lieu of lifts and integrated stairs to provide access to all levels. Each surface was tuned acoustically to deliver world class theatre to its patrons.
The design team felt a responsibility to remove the separation between
balcony and orchestra – challenging historic notions of segregation and
discrimination. All seating zones can be accessed from every entrance
within the chamber – a unifying planning feature of the Alliance Theatre
Transformation.
The Firm assembled a world class team to implement handcrafted steam bending techniques and artistry on an architectural scale. From concept to construction the project demonstrates innovation through collaboration between Artist, Architect, & Fabricator. The result is a series of beautiful steam bent millwork guardrails and balconies that merge hand craft with mass production. The synthesis of acoustic performance, hand driven artistry, and sophisticated laser positioning are all carefully choreographed to execute the complex steam bent millwork without the need for wasteful CNC molds. Delivered for $330/sf, the product has proven to be both
economical and stunning.
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Jury Comments:
We were completely enamored with the steam bent plywood! It is innovative, gorgeous, extremely well-crafted, and a bold choice to project as not just a detail, but THE detail that is essentially the only move in the space. Besides the performers, it’s truly the star of the show, especially as the rest of the space recedes into darkness letting the wood project as THE design moment. It’s also well captured with stunning photography. We were so curious about the other spaces within the project that we decided that this makes more sense in the Small Project category, recognizing the wood detail specifically. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have made it into the Honors category due to lack of information about the complete project. Were the other spaces incomplete at the time of submission? Are they simply background spaces without much investment in order to allow for commitment to the auditorium detail? We’re very curious, but the detail is so rich and the process to design, detail and execute this wood is too special to pass up!
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Emerald Street Residence
studioWTA
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Program Statement:
Originally designed by renowned architects Curtis and Davis, and built in 1952,
this project required a full rehabilitation after decades of neglect and modification. A key design feature restored to the residence was a deep mono-pitched roof overhang at the south façade of the building, extending the year-round livable area on the backyard patio. Restoring the overhang proved complicated, due to the 1990s renovation which fully enclosed the original covered space. Re-incorporating the overhang required that a completely new roof be designed and built, with a new steel structural system interwoven and
concealed into the design. The south façade—water damaged beyond repair
—was redesigned and composed entirely of floor-to-ceiling 7’ X 9’ sliding glass
panels floating independent from columns or supporting walls. Interiors — including a fully custom kitchen and built-in furniture
— are contemporary with clean, minimalist detailing trending towards mid century modernism.
Backyard patios were added to connect all major rooms below the rebuilt extended roof. These patios are divided for privacy by large, walnut-clad wing walls, treated with the Weldtex process originally used to striate plywood in the 1950s. Originally used on plywood panels in the residence, the process was re-imagined as an extra layer of texturing for the solid walnut siding. The patios connect directly to a combined saltwater pool, hot tub, and freshwater pond. The remainder of the backyard has been redesigned to include a private
garden with outdoor shower and bath, and a cocktail fruit orchard.
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Jury Comments:
What a respectful renovation of a wonderful house that had suffered an insensitive renovation in its past. The design beautifully inserts new components in a way that elevates the project even from its original intent. We appreciated the research devoted to the original design and how it was presented in conjunction with the new work. It’s worth recognizing the owners as well, acknowledging they were faced with the challenge of renovating a home by a celebrated firm. They could have insisted on a full restoration to its original state, or possibly a complete tear-down. Whether they or the architects pushed for the partial restoration with a fair amount of modernization, they were willing to commit to the idea, which could have resulted in something not as successful as it turned out to be. (Thankfully!). We all agreed this was a home we would love to live in, which is saying a lot for three very opinionated architects!
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The Schoolhouse
Rome Office
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Program Statement:
Originally constructed in 1894, the building served as a primary school for the Third Ward of New Orleans, a function it held for
nearly half a century. In the late 1980s it was purchased by New Orleans’ first African American radio station and converted into offices, recording studios, and event space. Over the years the
building’s late Victorian style façade was removed and the interior underwent significant architectural changes. For nearly 20 years, the building sat vacant and blighted, in various states of deterioration.
The design calls for the restoration of the building to its original 1894 exterior appearance and schoolhouse plan, including the classrooms, central corridors and grand staircase. The classrooms
are transformed into twelve, ideal-sized, 1-bedroom apartments by placing a nuanced “Box for Living” in the center of each space. These Boxes contain the essential components for modern day living
including: a kitchen, bathroom, wardrobe, entertainment unit, laundry, mechanical closet, and lofted bonus room. In addition, the ground and attic floors of the building are utilized for new program. Low ceiling heights and base flood elevation challenges are overcome on the ground floor, transforming the above ground
basement into revenue generating commercial space. In the capacious attic, creative design solutions provide natural light and views for two additional apartments.
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Jury Comments:
We were instantly and unanimously crazy about this project. It’s one of those rare projects that successfully navigates the challenging conditions of precise restoration and contemporary additions comprised of new components that hold their own. What a fascinating dance between an additive need (i.e. recreating the lost detailing) and a reductive want (i.e. the interior intervention) to achieve the resulting adaptive reuse. We appreciated the respect given to the original building, including difficult pro-forma decisions such as maintaining the existing wide corridors. Simultaneously, we were taken by the innovative and gorgeously executed surprise inside. The cube is quite clever and executed at the highest degree. Consolidating all functions into a single, well-crafted object is a respectful solution that allows the original building to breathe while providing a more contemporary aesthetic for the new residents. We were also Impressed with how much was accomplished within a relatively modest budget. This project is simple sublime.
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Members' Choice - It's a Tie!
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Peregrine Zip Line & Tree House
ARCH 335 Louisiana Tech University Design
Build, Robert Brooks, AIA Brad Deal, AIA
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Program Statement:
This 712 foot zip line and support structures at a camp for children with special needs encourages participants to embrace the thrilling experience of flight.
At the “launch”, dramatic steel walls gesture skyward, visually obscuring and revealing the zip-line. The varied deck facilitates safe loading, and a pivoting swing-arm allows wheelchair bound campers to be hoisted up, swiveled into position, and transferred onto the zip
line. Riders unload at the “tree house” which extends horizontally as the land falls away. Campers then find themselves on an elevated perch overlooking a stream where they can observe a multitude of flora and fauna. A floor hatch provides access to the ground below, reinforcing the feeling of “tree house”. A 50’ tall steel tower signifies
flight and offers an accessible ropes course challenge. The brave are rewarded with a dramatic view of the horizon from the treetops.
The project is inspired by a parable in which two peregrine falcons are gifted to a king who admired the birds for their speed, power and grace. One of the falcons, however, simply would not fly. After many
unsuccessful attempts by experts to remedy this, the king was visited by a peasant who claimed she could get the falcon to fly. Upon seeing the second falcon high in the air, the king implored “How?!”
“Simply by cutting the branch the bird was resting on. Some souls,” she said, “need to be reminded they have wings.”
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The Betty and Edward Marcus Sculpture Park at Laguna Gloria - Arrival Garden and Moody Pavilions
Trahan Architects
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Program Statement:
As the first phase of a much larger and broader Master Plan, the new Arrival Garden with its Moody Pavilions establishes a new public face for the institution and clarifies a dedicated pedestrian entry from West 35th Street just south of the historic gate.
Here, architecture and landscape are conceived as an integrated and unified experience. A series of vertical steel planes and steel and glass pavilions draw visitors into the park through a sequence of
shady outdoor spaces. The composition of structures, walls, and gardens are organized along a central walk covered by shade canopies. Concrete site walls, stonedust paving, and lush plantings further enclose two outdoor courts for patrons to gather and linger while taking in views of the property’s mature live oak canopy, 100-year old Italianate villa, and compelling works of art.
The Pavilions house a welcome center, an outdoor cafe, and a museum retail shop —
amenities that never existed on site before. A modern material palette of weathered steel, plate glass, and concrete is carefully detailed and scaled to defer to the site’s landscape and existing historic structures
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