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The Celebration of Architecture Gala and Chapter awards presentation
The Celebration of Architecture Gala and Chapter awards presentation took place at the Fisher Center at Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson last month. Almost two hundred architects, engineers, and patrons made the pilgrimage to share in honoring seventeen built and one unbuilt pieces of architecture in a very unique building. Many of us undoubtedly traveled to see first hand what AIA gold medal winner, Frank Gehry’s local stainless steel sculptural performing arts center actually looked like as the sun set on its chameleon-like skin and hear how a musician could transform a concrete walled room with twisted wooden acoustical battens. Nobody left disappointed. Even if his work doesn’t impress you as great architecture, the mere ability to document and construct such forms must.
Over the past couple of years, the chapter board and design awards committee has been interested in having the design awards event in architecturally significant buildings which highlight the importance of ‘good design’ and inspire all of us to continue to find creative and intelligent solutions for all of our work. We should all strive to transform the often mundane boxes that we live our lives into more enriching environments and experiences. The Fisher Center not only takes those steps, but celebrates them. We should all take note.
The event commenced with an early evening tour of the Center. Led by three leaders of the project team, everyone listened to the making of the building while gazing at the reflection of the ever changing sky on the exterior façade. The tour guides discussed the process, fabrication, and green building principles while leading multiple groups through both primary and ‘back of house’ spaces. Dance studios and green rooms were mixed in with an extended stop in the geothermal heat pump room before finally opening the door to the 850 seat concert hall. The concert hall consisted of multiple balconies and boasted a three-story movable wood paneled steel framed acoustic shell that fit together seamlessly thanks to the expertise of five workers dedicating five hours to assemble.
When it was time to dim the lights, the acoustics were tested by two very special performances from three Bard college student musicians. The quality of the sound and the energy of the performances was a real treat, and quickly illustrated that the building was more than just a series of folded stainless steel sheets. It is truly a wonderful resource for the college and community.
The main event celebrated the best recent work by chapter members and project built in the area. It also had a few very memorable moments. Fred Schwartz, the architect for Westchester’s 9/11 memorial, ‘The Rising’ gave an emotional speech upon receiving his award about the process, product, and the people both involved and for which it memorialized. Another great moment occurred when Rick Bell, the Director of the Center of Architecture in NYC and chairman of this year’s design awards jury showed signs of his late night comic ability by announcing his rendition of the infamous top ten list of insightful speech comments by the awards recipients.
Ultimately, eighteen awards were presented from eight different categories with every project demonstrating the depth and quality of the work currently being achieved in the Westchester Mid-Hudson area. Rising to the top were three projects receiving first honor recognition. Bet Torah Synagogue by Perkins Eastman highlighted a ‘luminous’ and elegantly detailed sanctuary, John Jay High School by KG&D Architects used a steel bridge to powerfully connect the addition to the existing building, and Longchamp SOHO by Atmosphere Design Group used an undulating grand stair to encourage movement.
From the Westchester Mid-Hudson Chapter Board and the Design Awards Committee we wish to congratulate all award winners and thank everyone for supporting the 2006 Celebration of Architecture program.
Erik A. Kaeyer, AIA Co-Chair Design Awards Committee
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