The Columbus Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Columbus) hosted their annual juried design awards competition on Wednesday, which recognized the work of five projects designed by local firms. The five winners were distilled from 49 entries, 38 of which have been constructed in Central Ohio.
“As in previous years, the submissions reveal that AIA Columbus members, in addition to creating a wide variety of projects, are engaged in a wide diversity of work – including adaptive re-use, additions and new-build – covering a wide geographic area,” said Gwen Berlekamp, AIA Columbus executive director. “Sustainability is a key feature of the projects as many have either received or are pursing some level of LEED certification.”
The five winning projects and their respective firms include:
- Edamame Sushi + Grill – Designed by Bass Studio Architects
- WLVT PBS 39 New Broadcast Center in Bethlehem, PA – Designed by URS Corporation
- The Ohio State University South High Rise Addition – Designed by Schooley Caldwell Associates
- The Jack – Designed by WSA Studio
- The Livingston Park Pavilion – Designed by Meyers + Associates
The award ceremony was held in the main hall of the Knowlton School of Architecture at OSU. The competition’s lead juror Sebastian Schmaling presented the five awards while offering a lengthy personal critique of each project’s positive aspects, perceived flaws and other random thoughts about pet peeves related to the jury review process. Hailing from Milwaukee, Schmaling stated that he felt a connection to Columbus as a place where he feels architects are likely stifled by clients with a lack of big-city vision or big-city budgets. This was one reason (among others) that his jury team decided to only recognize winners with merit awards and not honor awards this year.
Representatives from each Columbus firm graciously accepted their merit awards.
More information can be found online at www.aiacolumbus.org.
Photography by Brian Bass, James Maguire, Brad Feinknopf and Randall Schieber.