Tuesday, May 22, 2012

The last time I wrote about this project I mentioned that the right architectural photographer captures images that help architects sell their talent and obtain further work. Let me now add they also help architects win awards. The driver service center has just received its first award - an Honor Award from the AIA Gulf States Region, the highest award it can be given. Of about 140 entries, 20 projects were recognized. The jurors consisted of well accomplished design professionals including Frank Harmon, FAIA (Frank Harmon Architect, PA), Ellen Weinstein, AIA (Weinstein-Friedlein Architects, PA), Anna Wu, FAIA (UNC-CH University Architect), Kenneth Luker, AIA (senior designer at FREELON), Eddie Belk, FAIA (Belk Architecture), and Kevin Montgomery, FAIA (Director of Architecture at O’Brien/Atkins Associates).

Some of the juror's comments for this project spoke well to the function of good design. "This design elevates a mundane, unpleasant chore to a rich and rewarding experience. The architect has taken a classic, simple shed and transformed it into a work of architecture by using the roof as the formal organizer and by contrasting open and opaque building elements. The building is responsibly sited towards the street to make the most of the community aspect of the program. Who would think a visit to the DMV could be so pleasant! This is a fine example of public money well spent."