AIA Kentucky honored five projects for design excellence during the component’s annual convention in Lexington in November. A jury of Iowa architects—Rod Kruse, FAIA; Katherine L. Schwennsen, FAIA; and Jason Alread, AIA—selected the diverse group of buildings. The chapter also presented seven Awards of Recognition to honor outstanding individual contributions to the profession of architecture in Kentucky.

Honor Award

Ralph G. Anderson Engineering Building, University of Kentucky, Lexington, by Anshen+Allen Architects with associate architect Taylor-Whitney Architects, for the University of Kentucky
The building provides 115,000 square feet of research, classroom, auditorium, computing, and study facilities for engineering students as well as offices for the college’s administration and support service groups. Designed to complement the surrounding historic district of campus and provide a new and uplifted image for the College of Engineering, the new building is to be sited within the heart of the main campus quad and connected to adjacent campus sites through a network of basement level facilities.
Jury comments: “This higher-education facility is a sophisticated interpretation of a traditional campus building with a timeless character. The building’s intelligent planning and siting have provided attractive and important exterior space for the campus. The building’s diagram is clear, appropriate, and responsive to the program. The materials, massing, and composition complement the surrounding existing buildings in a sound and time-enduring way.”
Photo © Timothy Hursley.

Merit Award

Whitley Central Intermediate School, Williamsburg, Ky., by Ross-Tarrant Architects, for the Whitley County Board of Education
The 64,000-square-foot educational facility for up to 600 students, grades 4–6, caught the jury’s attention.
Jury comments: “Although limited by a modest budget, this project successfully provides an exciting and stimulating environment for elementary-school students. The intelligent siting and crafted plan allow daylight to the interior, articulated massing, and creation of delightful exterior spaces that are so important to grade-school children. This is a wonderful environment for children to learn.”
Photo © moberlyphotgraphy.com.

Citations

Patel-Capoor Residence, Richmond, Ky., by Guyon Architects Incorporated, for Ashish Patel & Seema Capoor
This linear plan is taken from the “run-in” sheds used in horse country, the architect notes. The program is arranged around and between two rock-fence walls typical of the Bluegrass region. The fireplace is set at the intersection of the living room, conservatory, and kitchen. The sleeping rooms, including the master suite, are oriented toward the opposite direction with a view toward the western sunset.
Jury comments: “The use of rural materials and building forms makes this residence an elegant element on the landscape. Through careful and thoughtful assembling of materials and the arrangement of space, this residence serves as a bridge between the exterior and interior. This is a delightful retreat.”
Photo courtesy of the architect.

Jackson-Vance Residence, Georgetown, Ky., by Guyon Architects Incorporated, for Richard Jackson and Ron Vance
The sharply rolling landscape of northern Kentucky provides the backdrop for this house, the architect reports. “The house was designed for two retired friends, so the program requires two of everything—two gardens, two garage stalls, two offices, two master suites, and two belvederes at the front porch that create a balance and equality for both owners. I have sought to make a small and quiet universe in and around this house, and, in so doing, move again toward the essence of naturalness that allows the building and gardens to rest easily on the top of this ridge.”
Jury comments: “This residence provides an interesting solution in response to a unique program. The building diagram is clear and the execution held true to the diagram. This project is carefully and delightfully detailed and is sited elegantly.”
Photo courtesy of the architect.

Special Award for Historic Restoration/Adaptive Reuse

Draper Hall Renovation, Berea College, Berea, Ky., by Steed Hammond Paul Inc., with associate architect VanDerRyn Architects, for Berea College
Located in an unconventional campus, the Draper Building’s original classic floor plan no longer appropriately served Berea College, which promotes an open and integrated learning environment. The architects embarked on the total interior renovation of a 52,000-square-foot, three-story academic building with new classroom/meeting spaces, faculty offices, large computer and language labs, and integrated technology. The architects left the historic character untouched, including terrazzo flooring in the preserved main entranceway. Clerestory windows in the upper portions of classrooms and corridors allow light to filter throughout the building. A skylighted atrium opens up at the main entrance, providing an important source of light and functioning as a stack ventilation cool tower.
Jury comments: “This project demonstrates the careful and sensitive conversion of a historic structure while preserving the original historical character of the building. Technology and green building concepts have been carefully and successfully incorporated, allowing the extended life of an architectural treasure.”
Photo © Brad Simmons.

Copyright 2004 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved. Home Page