January 21, 2016 at 4:50 PM
When it comes to the buildings we occupy at work each day, usually we don’t think about how the design came to be. How it functions and the feelings of efficiency and productivity the buildings can either generate or deplete.
But it’s worth noting that architects play a vital role in creating the environments where we spend the most amount of time. Aside from office buildings, architects also take on many recreational, educational or nonprofit work, paying the same close attention to detail, functionality and creativity.
Recently, local architectural firms earned recognition for their efforts from the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. The national organization named its 2015 design award recipients at its annual president’s night dinner.
The competition had 17 entries representing 11 firms in eastern Pennsylvania. Five of the 17 entries earned awards.
Award levels included special citation, award of merit and award of excellence.
The organization presented awards for projects that demonstrate noteworthy design attributes and/or a “best practice” in architecture.
The projects included:
• Spillman Farmer Architects of Bethlehem earned an award in the category of commercial/institutional – award of excellence for the Cetronia Ambulance Corps Joint Operations Building in South Whitehall Township, a $10.6 million project.
• Howard Kulp Architects of Allentown earned the commercial institution – special citation award for its work on the Blue Mountain SlopeSide Pub & Grill in Palmerton.
• MKSD Architects of South Whitehall Township earned the eclectic – special citation award for the Krupp Park Amphitheater in Quakertown.
• Breslin Ridyard Fadero Architects of Allentown earned the special initiative/unbuilt – special citation award for its work on the Salesian Center for DeSales University in Center Valley.
• Nikolov Architecture and Design of Bethlehem earned the community service/pro bono award of excellence for its Weihnacht Huts in Bethlehem.
Congrats to the winners. The entries serve as a reminder of the impact architecture has on our daily lives and the spaces we inhabit.