AIA Eastern Pennsylvania 2008 Design Awards Program

Award of Excellence
Category: Educational Under $18,000,000
Academy of the New Church Dining Hall,
Bryn Athyn, PA
Architect: Spillman Farmer Architects
Project Architect: Joseph N. Biondo, AIA
Photographer: Steve Wolfe, Steven Wolfe Photography; Sierra Krause
www.spillmanfarmer.com
Phone: 610-865-2621

Juror Gregory K. Hunt, FAIA:
An elegant merger of old and new in which buildings from two very different time periods are wedded with consummate design skill. The interiors are beautifully detailed, and the steel and wood are poetically combined with tectonic clarity and architectural grace.

Juror Carl J. Handman, AIA:
Project execution lives up to project description! A simple "parti" with wonderful details and materials, both interior and exterior.

Juror John C. Cowder, AIA:
Perfect integration of old and new with well defined details. Money well spent.

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Award of Excellence
Category: Commercial
1209 Hausman Road/MKSD Architects Office, Allentown, PA
Architect: MKSD Architects
Project Architect: Silvia Hoffman, AIA, LEED AP
Photographer: Steve Wolfe, Steven Wolfe Photography
www.mksdarchitects.com
Phone: 610-366-2081

Juror Gregory K. Hunt, FAIA:
The remarkable transformation of the existing building is achieved through simple but eloquent means- especially in the light-filled and spatially generous central space that has been inserted. The nighttime photos are particularly beguiling and reveal the architect's thoughtful attention to the nocturnal role of lighting and color in the landscape.

Juror Carl J. Handman, AIA:
Everything in this renovation was well done from massing to light fixture selection.

Juror John C. Cowder, AIA:
Clean, crisp interiors. Incredible transformation of a previously ordinary building.

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Award of Merit
Category: Educational Over $18,000,000
Freedom High School Gymnasium & Classroom Addition, Bethlehem, PA
Architect: Architecture Furst, PC
Project Architect: Robert A. Furst AIA, LEED AP, CDT
Photographer: Steve Wolfe, Steven Wolfe Photography
www.afurst.com
Phone: 610-332-3600

Juror Gregory K. Hunt, FAIA:
The spatial composition and tectonics of the new gym entry makes a major contribution to the building’s main façade. The gym itself is well-proportioned and the contrast of the dark ceiling with the yellow steel structural frames adds visual interest to the gym’s interior. The new entry space that has been inserted into the former entry court is a brilliant architectural move, forming as it does a beautifully-detailed, light-filled and well-proportioned spatial portal to the building.

Juror Carl J. Handman, AIA:
The infill at the main entry is a wonderful use of formerly wasted space. Retaining natural light is a plus! Massing of gym exterior and colors of gym interior well done!

Juror John C. Cowder, AIA:
I think we all agreed that creating a new entry from an old courtyard was a masterful plan that works well and a great improvement providing a well-lit, pleasant entry with very clean and simple lines. This is a building with a sense of permanence, strength and integrity and the new elements work very well and seamlessly with the old.

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Award of Merit
Category: Educational Over $18,000,000
Southern Lehigh High School Expansion
Center Valley, PA
Architect: Breslin Ridyard Fadero Architects
Project Architect: Michael K. Ackerman, AIA
Photographer: Steve Wolfe, Steven Wolfe Photography
www.breslinarchitects.com
Phone: 610-437-9626

Juror Gregory K. Hunt, FAIA:
The entry alongside the new gymnasium addition is very well done - particularly the inclusion of the metal skin on the exterior portion of the upper wall, which offers welcome aesthetic contrast to the abundant brick used throughout the building. By continuing the main internal circulation spine, new and existing are unified by a clearly defined and well-illuminated spatial axis.

Juror Carl J. Handman, AIA:
A well organized circulation plan with abundant natural light over interior streets. Massing, proportions, and materials at main entrance work well.

Juror John C. Cowder, AIA:
The plan works exceptionally well with the site, with good thought for future expansion. The transformation of the old gym to cafeteria is excellent.

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Award of Merit
Category: Educational Under $18,000,000
Central Columbia Middle School, Bloomsburg, PA
Architect: The Architectural Studio
Project Architect: Barry L. Brobst, AIA
Photographer: Steve Wolfe, Steven Wolfe Photography
www.architecturalstudio.com
Phone: 610-437-1737

Juror Gregory K. Hunt, FAIA:
A very well-researched design that utilizes “brain-based” learning theory. The exterior elevations are deftly composed and delightfully reinforce the idea of the new school being perceived as a village of learning spaces appended to the existing building. The deployment of metal siding on the exterior adds appropriate scale, color and texture to this visually engaging ensemble of forms.

Juror Carl J. Handman, AIA:
Circulation plan is a major improvement. Simple, straightforward detailing is well handled.

Juror John C. Cowder, AIA:
An incredibly nice project for such a limited budget. Simple, uncluttered, clean, and still an exciting space for children.

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Award of Merit
Category: Educational Under $18,000,000
Conference Center, DeSales University, Center Valley, PA
Architect: Breslin Ridyard Fadero Architects
Project Architect: Michael R. Bell, AIA, LEED AP
Photographer: Steve Wolfe, Steven Wolfe Photography
www.breslinarchitects.com
Phone: 610-437-9626

Juror Gregory K. Hunt, FAIA:
The new arcade and adjacent sunscreen becomes a strong mediating device between inside and outside. The naturally-illuminated concourse joins the new and the old with architectural dexterity and spatial richness.

Juror Carl J. Handman, AIA:
Completion of phase 2 reinforces the good decisions made for phase 1. Quality of light over circulation spine works.

Juror John C. Cowder, AIA:
The additions meld perfectly and improve upon the original as if these had all occurred at the same time. Clear, nicely lit paths through the building.

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Award of Merit
Category: Eclectic
Victory Firehouse, Bethlehem, PA
Architect: MKSD Architects
Project Architect: Silvia Hoffman, AIA, LEED AP
Photographer: Edward Mendez, TKO Photography
www.mksdarchitects.com
Phone: 610-366-2081

Juror Gregory K. Hunt, FAIA:
A beautiful example of successful architectural transformation. The red metal skin with yellow accents contrasts well with the primary exterior materials of the existing building to highlight the difference between new and existing. A street corner has now gained a handsome landmark building that accommodates new and very different uses in a fresh and well-executed design. Historic fragments are well integrated in the new interior spaces.

Juror Carl J. Handman, AIA:
Honest expression of what is new and what is old. Our cities would be better if more projects like this were undertaken.

Juror John C. Cowder, AIA:
A great before-and-after transformation with beautiful interior details with just the right hint of the old fire station – I would love to work there.

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Special Citation
Category: Eclectic
Historic Preservation Information Database, Washington, D.C.
Architect: Entech Engineering, Inc. / Entech Architectural Services
Project Architect: Scott J. Compton, AIA, NCARB
Photographer: N/A
www.entecheng.com
Phone: 610-373-6667

Juror Gregory K. Hunt, FAIA:
We wish to commend the architect for the formation of this important database as a pre-design tool. At the same time, we are anxious to learn more about the next step in this process- such as how does one now proceed to use this inventory to produce appropriate design strategies based on the information that has been gathered?

Juror Carl J. Handman, AIA:
This is a vital pre-design planning service / exercise that should be required before any historical preservation design phase begins.

Juror John C. Cowder, AIA:
This submission sends a strong signal for the need for pre-preservation analyses. Might have been better had it actually been tested.

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Special Citation
Category: Educational Under $18,000,000
Lamberton Hall, Lehigh University Bethlehem, PA
Architect: USA Architects Planners + Interior Designers
Project Architect: Armand T. Christopher, AIA
Photographer: Robert Faulkner
www.usaarchitects.com
Phone: 610-559-6000

Juror Gregory K. Hunt, FAIA:
We applaud the fact – and wish to recognize - that the Frank Furness space in the building has been honored and respected by the architects.

Juror Carl J. Handman, AIA:
The architects and client are to be commended on the restoration of the Frank Furness original.

Juror John C. Cowder, AIA:
Without such sensitivity, this project could have gone terribly wrong. The strengths of Frank Furness’ original design have been preserved with intelligent care.