Thornton Tomasetti, the international engineering firm, announces that two projects for which it provided structural engineering services – Palazzo Lombardia in Milan, Italy, and the Solar Canopy/EV Dock in Chicago, Ill. – have received the coveted International Architecture Awards. The projects were among 80 chosen for the honor.
The awards, presented by the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture Design, the European Center for Architecture Art Design, and Urban Studies and Metropolitan Arts Press, Ltd., recognize excellence in architecture and urban planning.
The 40-story Palazzo Lombardia is the tallest building in Italy upon its completion in 2011. The building serves as headquarters for the Lombardy Regional Government. Thornton Tomasetti provided structural engineering services to Pei Cobb Freed and Partners.
Palazzo Lombardia includes a nine-story curvilinear podium composed of six independent buildings separated by expansion joints, and a large public plaza enclosed by an arched tubular lamella roof clad with an ETFE pillow membrane.
The Solar Canopy/EV Dock, a prototype structure completed in 2011, is designed to harvest solar energy for powering electric/hybrid vehicles. The dock is used by the City of Chicago to charge its stock of cars.
Thornton Tomasetti was responsible for the structural design and detailing of steel and connections for Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture. The 11-foot tall structure has a steel superstructure and concrete foundation with a 300-SF canopy. Attached photovoltaic panels provide space for two cars. The unit can function singularly or linked with other canopies. +
Related Stories
| Nov 12, 2014
Refocusing the shifted line
A recent trend in the practice of architecture that I’ve been noticing is the blurring of responsibility between design and construction coordination. I’m not sure why this trend began, but the subject is worth exploring, writes FXFOWLE's Mark Nusbaum.
| Nov 12, 2014
Designs by three finalists for new Beethoven concert hall unveiled
David Chipperfield and Valentiny are among the finalists for a new concert hall being built to commemorate Beethoven’s 250th birthday in his hometown of Bonn, Germany.
| Nov 12, 2014
Forbes: Houston is America's #1 construction hotspot
A new list of America's 20 biggest boomtowns shows Houston on top, with New York City close behind, followed by Dallas, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles.
| Nov 11, 2014
Must see: Artist pairs up Hollywood icons with famous modern architecture
In his latest series, Federico Babina illustrated 17 iconic Hollywood personalities, from Marilyn Monroe to Michael Caine, interacting with famous 20th century homes.
| Nov 11, 2014
Renzo Piano's third building at London Bridge Quarter approved, will be built adjacent to the Shard
Renzo Piano Building Workshop has been granted planning approval for its residential building at London Bridge Quarter—a 26-story apartment tower dubbed Feilden House.
| Nov 10, 2014
5 guiding principles for solving airflow issues in open-plenum office spaces
Although architecturally appealing, exposed ceilings can create unwanted drafts and airflow problems if not engineered correctly. McGuire Engineers' Bill Stangeland offers tips for avoiding airflow issues on these projects.
| Nov 10, 2014
Clemson, Parsons architecture education programs honored for innovation, long-term impact
The architecture programs at Parsons The New School for Design and Clemson University have been selected as 2014 NCARB Award recipients for developing innovative curricula that merge practice and education.
| Nov 10, 2014
Herzog & De Meuron unveils plan for National Library of Israel
The library’s new home will be a completely new building in Jerusalem, and will combine the functions of a central research center, a venue for indoor and outdoor cultural and educational activities, and a place for digital experience.
| Nov 10, 2014
Hotel construction pipeline hits five-year high
The hotel construction pipeline hit a five-year high in the third quarter, clocking in at 3,516 projects and 443,936 rooms, Lodging Econometrics reports.
| Nov 7, 2014
Arts college uses creative financing to build 493-bed student housing
Many states have cut back funding for higher education in recent years, and securing money for new housing has been tougher than ever for many colleges and universities. A recent residence hall project in Boston involving three colleges provides an inspiring example of how necessity can spawn invention in financing strategies.
