The Brick Industry Association’s 2012 Brick in Architecture Awards put the spotlight on new projects that make creative use of one of humankind’s oldest and most beloved building materials. On these pages are several of the “Best in Class Winners” from this year’s BIA competition.
Wylie Civic Complex
The Wylie (Texas) Civic Complex weaves three public uses—city hall, recreation center, and public library—within a single tight design concept. The 137,000-sf complex, best in the municipal/government/civic category, attained LEED Silver certification. Architect: Holzman Moss Bottino Architecture, in association with Architexas. Mason contractor: DMG Masonry Ltd.
Bud Clark Commons
In the multifamily category, the award goes to Bud Clark Commons, which is described as a “centerpiece of the Portland’s plan to end homelessness.” The LEED Platinum apartment complex provides housing and comprehensive social services to the Oregon city’s homeless population. Architect: Holst Architecture. Mason contractor: J&S Masonry.
VIP Community Services, Men’s Residences
Honors in healthcare facilities go to the Men’s Residences facility in the East Tremont section of the Bronx, N.Y., a project of the Bronx-based nonprofit housing group VIP Community Services. This five-story, 30,000-sf facility provides housing, dining facilitiies, vocational training, and therapy for 80 men in addiction recovery. Architect/landscape architect: WASA/Studio A. Mason contractor: Procida Construction.
DuPage A.M.E. Chapel and Administrative Wing
The DuPage A.M.E. Chapel, the winner among houses of worship, provides a second chapel for this fast-growing congregation in Lisle, Ill., as well as a children’s church, classrooms, administrative offices, and a fellowship room. Architect: Harding Partners. Contractor: Moreton Construction. Mason contractor: J and E Duff.
Ogden International School of Chicago
Located on the site of an aging and overcrowded Chicago Public Schools building, the 110,000-sf K-8 school varies in design from the CPS prototype to reflect the uniqueness of Ogden’s international baccalaureate program. Architect: Nagle Hartray Architecture. Associate architect: Schroeder Murchie Niemiec Gazda-Auskalnis. Landscape architect: Terry Guen Design Associates. Contractor: Turner Construction Co. Mason contractor: Illinois Masonry Corp. +
Related Stories
Museums | Jun 6, 2023
New wing of Natural History Museums of Los Angeles to be a destination and portal
NHM Commons, a new wing and community hub under construction at The Natural History Museums (NHM) of Los Angeles County, was designed to be both a destination and a portal into the building and to the surrounding grounds.
Performing Arts Centers | Jun 6, 2023
Mumbai, India’s new Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre has three performing arts venues
In Mumbai, India, the recently completed Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) will showcase music, theater, and fine arts from India and from across the globe. Atlanta’s TVS Design served as the principal architect and interior designer of both the cultural center and the larger, adjacent Jio World Centre.
Architects | Jun 6, 2023
Taking storytelling to a new level in building design, with Gensler's Bob Weis and Andy Cohen
Bob Weis, formerly the head of Disney Imagineering, was recently hired by Gensler as its Global Immersive Experience Design Leader. He joins the firm's co-CEO Andy Cohen to discuss how Gensler will focus on storytelling to connect people to its projects.
Codes and Standards | Jun 6, 2023
California’s new power grid modernization plan furthers ambitious climate goals
California’s new $7.3 billion grid modernization plan is a crucial step in furthering its ambitious climate goals. The board of governors for the California Independent System Operator (CAISO), the state’s grid operator, recently approved a strategy to build thousands of miles of new high-voltage transmission lines.
Mixed-Use | Jun 6, 2023
Public-private partnerships crucial to central business district revitalization
Central Business Districts are under pressure to keep themselves relevant as they face competition from new, vibrant mixed-use neighborhoods emerging across the world’s largest cities.
Multifamily Housing | Jun 6, 2023
Minnesota expected to adopt building code that would cut energy use by 80%
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is expected to soon sign a bill that would change the state’s commercial building code so that new structures would use 80% less energy when compared to a 2004 baseline standard. The legislation aims for full implementation of the new code by 2036.
Healthcare Facilities | Jun 5, 2023
Modernizing mental health care in emergency departments: Improving patient outcomes
In today’s mental health crisis, there is a widespread shortage of beds to handle certain populations. Patients may languish in the ED for hours or days before they can be linked to an appropriate inpatient program.
Student Housing | Jun 5, 2023
The power of student engagement: How on-campus student housing can increase enrollment
Studies have confirmed that students are more likely to graduate when they live on campus, particularly when the on-campus experience encourages student learning and engagement, writes Design Collaborative's Nathan Woods, AIA.
Engineers | Jun 5, 2023
How to properly assess structural wind damage
Properly assessing wind damage can identify vulnerabilities in a building's design or construction, which could lead to future damage or loss, writes Matt Wagner, SE, Principal and Managing Director with Walter P Moore.
Cladding and Facade Systems | Jun 5, 2023
27 important questions about façade leakage
Walter P Moore’s Darek Brandt discusses the key questions building owners and property managers should be asking to determine the health of their building's façade.
