The Brick Industry Association’s 2012 Brick in Architecture Awards put the spotlight on new projects that make creative use of one of humankind’s oldest and most beloved building materials. On these pages are several of the “Best in Class Winners” from this year’s BIA competition.
Wylie Civic Complex
The Wylie (Texas) Civic Complex weaves three public uses—city hall, recreation center, and public library—within a single tight design concept. The 137,000-sf complex, best in the municipal/government/civic category, attained LEED Silver certification. Architect: Holzman Moss Bottino Architecture, in association with Architexas. Mason contractor: DMG Masonry Ltd.
Bud Clark Commons
In the multifamily category, the award goes to Bud Clark Commons, which is described as a “centerpiece of the Portland’s plan to end homelessness.” The LEED Platinum apartment complex provides housing and comprehensive social services to the Oregon city’s homeless population. Architect: Holst Architecture. Mason contractor: J&S Masonry.
VIP Community Services, Men’s Residences
Honors in healthcare facilities go to the Men’s Residences facility in the East Tremont section of the Bronx, N.Y., a project of the Bronx-based nonprofit housing group VIP Community Services. This five-story, 30,000-sf facility provides housing, dining facilitiies, vocational training, and therapy for 80 men in addiction recovery. Architect/landscape architect: WASA/Studio A. Mason contractor: Procida Construction.
DuPage A.M.E. Chapel and Administrative Wing
The DuPage A.M.E. Chapel, the winner among houses of worship, provides a second chapel for this fast-growing congregation in Lisle, Ill., as well as a children’s church, classrooms, administrative offices, and a fellowship room. Architect: Harding Partners. Contractor: Moreton Construction. Mason contractor: J and E Duff.
Ogden International School of Chicago
Located on the site of an aging and overcrowded Chicago Public Schools building, the 110,000-sf K-8 school varies in design from the CPS prototype to reflect the uniqueness of Ogden’s international baccalaureate program. Architect: Nagle Hartray Architecture. Associate architect: Schroeder Murchie Niemiec Gazda-Auskalnis. Landscape architect: Terry Guen Design Associates. Contractor: Turner Construction Co. Mason contractor: Illinois Masonry Corp. +
Related Stories
| Mar 10, 2014
5 rugged mobile devices geared for construction pros
BD+C readers share their most trusted smartphone and tablet cases. The editors select some of their faves, too.
| Mar 7, 2014
Thom Mayne's high-tech Emerson College LA campus opens in Hollywood [slideshow]
The $85 million, 10-story vertical campus takes the shape of a massive, shimmering aircraft hangar, housing a sculptural, glass-and-aluminum base building.
| Mar 7, 2014
Learning from common leadership errors
As a leader in the AEC world, you’ll likely find yourself making certain mistakes over the course of your career. Here are a few common leadership errors that can easily be avoided.
| Mar 6, 2014
BD+C wants to hear about your breakthrough ideas and projects for the Giants 300 report
BD+C's 2014 Giants 300 survey form is now available. But completing the survey is just one way to participate in the July Giants issue.
| Mar 6, 2014
Must see: Tour Seinfeld's apartment with virtual reality headset
Fans of the show can now explore a virtual 3D model of the iconic New York residence, thanks to one Web designer's painstaking effort.
| Mar 5, 2014
5 tile design trends for 2014
Beveled, geometric, and high-tech patterns are among the hot ceramic tile trends, say tile design experts.
| Mar 4, 2014
How EIFS came to America
Design experts from Hoffmann Architects offer a brief history of exterior insulation and finish systems in the U.S.
| Mar 4, 2014
If there’s no ‘STEM crisis,’ why build more STEM schools?
Before you get your shorts in a knot, I have nothing against science, technology, engineering, or even mathematics; to the contrary, I love all four “STEM” disciplines (I’m lying about the math). But I question whether we need to be building K-12 schools that overly emphasize or are totally devoted to STEM.
| Mar 3, 2014
Negotiate your way to success
There are few business skills as important as negotiation. Many successful businesspeople pride themselves on their ability to turn a deal in their favor. Here are a few key negotiation principles to ensure you’re generally getting a good deal.
| Mar 3, 2014
5 ways to gain clients you actually like
Gaining more clients is one thing. Gaining more clients that you actually like is something else entirely. Here are some tips to perfect the art of attracting and retaining clients that you enjoy working with.