Designers of 12 Utah buildings have won coveted awards in this year's "Excellence in Architecture" competition, held during the spring conference of the Utah Society of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Utah).
The society invited three out-of-state architects to jury the 34 entries submitted from across the state. They were Henrik Bull of Bull, Volkman and Stockwell, San Francisco; George C. Pearl of Stevens, Mallory, Pearl & Campbell, Albuquerque, N.M.; and David L. Kenyon of Kenyon Jackson Architects, Phoenix.Before making their selections, jurors relied heavily on detailed information sheets, project data and eight-to-16 slides submitted by the entrants, and other materials. When questions arose about some of the buildings, jurors traveled to the sites.
AIA Utah's top award - the Honor Award - was captured by Astle/Ericson & Associates for the Wheeler Historic Farm Activity Barn. Neil Astle was both principal and design architect.
The jurors indicated that the barn design was clearly a winner from the very first round of judging. They said, "We felt it was complete in thought and execution. There is a remarkable harmony of form, structure, space and lighting. It fits beautifully in its surroundings." They agreed that this outstanding entry seemed to have no faults.
Seven buildings receiving merit awards were:
- The Lilypond Pavilion and Dock, Red Butte Gardens and Arboretum, University of Utah (Astle/Ericson & Associates) - The jurors fell in love the design. "It has a beautiful concept and handsome detailing. . . ," they said.
- One Utah Center, downtown Salt Lake City (Valentiner Architects) - The jury praised the granite cladding that helped make up the pedestrian level. They also liked the triangles and "pyramid" on the top of the building, stating that they created a distinctive sky-line.
- Employment Security South County Office (Valentiner Architects) - The jurors felt that the plan was beautifully organized and flexible, the materials and colors were well-chosen and the detailing expertly handled.
- Bullfrog Visitors Center (Valentiner Architects) - The jury was impressed with the design's forms, colors and texture, which harmonized beautifully with the surrounding environment. "The forms are strong but do not compete with the soft, natural background," they said.
- Park Library, 4870 S. 2700 West (Brixen & Christopher Architects) - The jury was attracted to this unpretentious, appropriate design in the park setting, especially the gazebolike forms and trellises, the variety of space, and the natural and artificial lighting.
- Eccles Institute, University of Utah (FFKR Architecture/Planning/Interior Design). "This is an example of wrapping a skin around an exceptionally powerful concept - the idea that effective scientific research is enhanced by promoting interaction among the scientists," the jurors said. They pointed out that this concept was achieved by the strong diagonal staircase that has lounges on each floor.
- Inn at Temple Square Hotel (CCDR Architects Inc.) - This renovation was a real "silk purse from a sow's ear" project. The jurors remarked that everything that was added is fresh, yet in sympathy with the original architecture. "The designers, project principal and consultants were successful in achieving the stated intent: to create a small, quiet, homey inn like you find in Europe - and used to find in America."
Two citation awards went to Astle/Ericson & Associates for the Animal Resources Facility, University of Utah, and the interior design in the expansion of the Salt Lake Community College. Two more were presented to Brixen & Christopher Architects for the Sprague Library renovation in Salt Lake and Nelson Johnson & Partners for the William Nelson residence in Bountiful.
In addition, Scott, Louie & Browning received a special citation award for the Steiner Corporate Headquarters (built in 1967) for its enduring design quality.
A "Special Award For Delight" was presented to Valentiner Architects for a snow sculpture that won the Park City snow sculpture contest last February.
AIA Utah also honored Obert C. Tanner with the first Award of Distinction, an award designed to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the quality of the environment.
During a brief speech during the Utah awards program, AIA chairman Wayne Bingham said, "Obert C. Tanner has touched the lives of all in Utah by the many singular contributions he has made. Specifically this evening we honor the fountains he has donated to institutions, which by their public nature, are donations to each person who can see, hear and touch them."