Honor Award For Renovations

Gothic Chapel at
Crown Hill Cemetery

Indianapolis, IN

CSO Architects

Indianapolis, IN

Project Description:
The Gothic Chapel was built in 1875 and used regularly for funeral services from that time forward. The secondary function of the structure was temporary storage of the deceased during the winter months when burials were impossible. The chapel was added to in 1917 and remodeled in 1970. Since 1970 the structure has experienced significant accumulation of grime on the limestone skin, some stone distress and building systems had deteriorated, becoming obsolete.

Crown Hill desired to rehabilitate the structure to serve multiple uses. These include funeral rites, musical performance, church services and private and public meetings. In addition, the Owner also directed the design team to upgrade the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems to current standards. Based on the Owner’s desire to provide additional seating, we proposed the addition of a new vestibule on the east, approximately 20’ x 20’ in plan. The addition is intended to perfectly mimic the existing vocabulary of the building

The interior of each transept was completely gutted. On the north, accessible toilets were built along with a transitional space to ensure acoustic isolation between toilets and nave. At the southern transept, the space was opened up to provide a flexible area for seating or tables. Using the nave, southern transept and vestibule, the chapel now seats over 100.

The Forensic/Restoration Engineer for the project was Arsee [pronounced R-C] Engineers.  The Construction Manager was Shiel Sexton.

Jury Comments:
"This restoration/addition is a very successful example of how additions can be delicately designed. The proportion, scale and details for the addition merits praise. The project allows the celebration of the history of the existing building, while accommodating modern needs.”

Return To Top

Honor Award For New Projects

Indianapolis Museum of Art

Indianapolis, IN

Browning Day Mullins Dierdorf

Indianapolis, IN

Project Description:
The IMA expansion and addition enhances visitor latitude and broadens community involvement by providing improved facilities for both the experience of art and art education for the public. Principal to the design solution was responding to the vision of the institution to become more open and inviting to visitors, guests and patrons while significantly increasing the dedicated space for exhibition and providing and increased flexibility to serve the public. The completed project weaves the heritage of the site into the fabric of the building solution to knit together a seamless coordination of informal and formal landscapes and gardens with the buildings. The structures themselves take on a triptych of entry pavilion; gallery pavilion and events pavilion all responding to the original Sutphin Fountain.

The General Contractor and Construction Manager for the project was F.A. Wilhelm Construction Company.

Jury Comments:
“This project embodied the best combination of thoughtful site planning and a well executed building design solution. We were impressed by the sensitivity and attention to the site planning, landscape, and building approach. The challenge of designing a building to blend harmoniously, yet still have various programmed spaces stand individually was elegantly executed in this design. Attention to natural daylight and connection details contributed to this poetic balance of spaces.”

Return To Top

Merit Award For New Buildings

studioMIDWEST

Indianapolis, IN

A2SO4

Indianapolis, IN

Project Description:
This project is located on the ridge of a heavily wooded and hilly site near Fort Benjamin Harrison. The client’s program called for an exposed structure and mechanical system, minimizing ceiling materials and highlighting the mechanical systems exposed to view. A clear span of 50 feet by 50 feet with a floor to bottom of structure clear height of 25 feet was required to handle photography shoots with multiple, large vehicles during a single shoot. This was accomplished with pre-cast concrete panels and heavy steel roof and structure.

The client required an iconic building early in the project. The structure also helped curb costs and create opportunities for expression. The bold, expressive panels are used as a strong ‘pop art’ super-graphic façade. The main entry façade, painted in shades of earth, features a sloping, galvanized steel brise-soliel (pronounced breeze-soh-lay) supported with two structural, ‘fallen trees’. These expressive features combined to give the client the spectacular entry and studio they desired.

The Owner of the project is Third Day Investments and the General Contractor was Catalyst Construction Management. Specialty Consultants were Marika Designs and SDI.

Jury Comments:
“From the joyful preliminary sketches to the creative end result, this project exudes confidence and a fresh approach in a very cost effective manner. The creative use of standard materials signaled the ideas from creative minds and most likely an innovative open minded client."

Return To Top

Merit Award For Renovation & Interior Architechture

Exact Target Corporate HQ

Indianapolis, IN

Axis Architecture + Interiors

Indianapolis, IN

Project Description:
Located in the Guarantee Building on Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis, Exact Target’s new office space has become the home of a thriving email software company.

Exact Target’s presence on the circle and the impression it exudes to clientele and the public alike is critical to the success of the company’s flagship office. A naturally dynamic palette of materials evolved from exposing portions of the building’s original architectural features such as the fluted concrete ceilings and aged wood flooring. Supplementing these previously underutilized elements became an exercise in restraint and simplicity. Floor to ceiling screen walls of laminated glass, simple free-standing millwork and understated lighting help to define the entrance lobby, while the view onto Monument Circle becomes the backdrop for this ‘first impression’.

Skewed walls define the intimate elevator lobbies and become identifying elements on each floor; as they are treated independently with Mondrian-like reveals and painted surfaces of varying colors and sheens

The General Contractor for this project was Mansur Construction.

Jury Comments:
“We were impressed by the clean lines, and the zen like feel to this serene design and space. Everything from the organized layout, the details, the glass partitions and the furniture selection showed a clear cohesive vision."

Return To Top

Merit Award Winner For Small Projects

Monopoly House

Indianapolis, IN

Demerly Architects

Indianapolis, IN

Project Description:
The house was conceptualized as three separate elements comprised of two living units and an interstitial space tying them together. A clear division exists in plan, elevation and section separating the active portions of the house from the inactive. The clients have two grown children who will not live in the house, but need their own rooms. Those rooms are separated from the master bedroom by a bridge on the second floor. This portion of the house becomes active only when the children or guests are in the house. Thus, the basic living pattern of the family becomes manifest in the form of the house.

The simple massing of the house presents a gable form that is clearly part of the vernacular of the historic neighborhood in which it is located. Rather than add additional elements to the house, the simple mass is instead carved away to let the negative space create a covered front entry and back porch.

The palette of the house is kept deliberately simple. Trim is eliminated not only on the outside of the house, but also on the interior where the typical base trim is replaced by a reveal at the bottom of the gypsum, allowing the walls to feel weightless in the space. The roof is standing seam metal, which compliments the patina and color of the cementious panels that create the front and rear façade.

The Contractor for this project was ReDevelopment Group.

Jury Comments:
“We were intrigued by the innovative approach to this housing problem. Alternative family structures were explored, analyzed and realized. The ideas bind the academic idea and practice, bringing hope to future creative architectural solutions. The simple materials used in innovative ways are pleasing to the eye and embark on a brave idea.”

Return To Top

Citation Award For New Buildings

Forum Credit Union HQ

Indianapolis, IN

Browning Day Mullins Dierdorf

Indianapolis, IN

Project Description:
The architecture is arranged as a ‘campus’ by expressing the multi-faceted, layered and ever adjusting aspects of FORUM’s services. Major components are separated yet connected and arranged around an exterior forecourt. A new main entrance and atrium is now accessed from the forecourt with a tower used architecturally as a hinge connecting to the existing building.

Impromptu work and meeting spaces are provided in various locations on each level. Floor to ceiling glass allows views to the outdoors from the entire work area and conveys a connection and openness with the community. The conference center is a component that has its own entrance from the exterior forecourt and from a major connecting corridor on the interior. This area has a large lobby that serves as a pre-function space for events and includes a registration desk and serving room.

The site design was approached by identifying circulation paths through the parking areas to separate vehicles from pedestrians in a dignified way. A winding, well-lit and fully landscaped path moves people through the parking areas, enhancing the pedestrian experience by softening vehicular views.

The General Contractor for this project was F.A. Wilhelm Construction Co.

Jury Comments:
“Select views of this building allowed us to visualize the possibilities for this building type. Sections without ornamentation created an array of interesting combinations of masonry and glazing, and appropriately placed landscape. The rigor and restraint is to be applauded.”

Return To Top

Citation Award For New Buildings

Hansen Center

Indianapolis, IN

BSA LifeStructures

Indianapolis, IN

Project Description:
The healing environment of the Hansen Center begins when patients access the site. It is easily accessible and separate entries for the different services help patients easily navigate the facility.

The Brazil, Indiana brown sandstone exterior texture suggests the grids of the area’s farmland terrain. The stone work is carried to interior spaces to reinforce the theme. Throughout the entire facility, the details appeal to the senses, with four indoor water features, corridors covered in textured Venetian plaster, smooth, recycled glass tiles and leather-like, upholstered furniture. Floating wood ceilings and curved corridors enhance the restorative and non-clinical feel of the environment.

Designers used information from patient focus groups to create a nurturing facility in all aspects of care as well as involving the staff throughout the design process. Patients can fulfill a variety of needs from a dedicated lab and pharmacy, to a boutique, resource library and ‘healing kitchen’.

The General Contractor for this project was Bruns-Gutzwiller.

Jury Comments:
“This design allowed texture and a material palette to create a handsome inviting design, for what is typically a very difficult building type. The juxtaposition of modern materials and angles played against the warmth of the larger proportion of stone created an exciting result.”

Return To Top

Citation Award For Interior Architecture

The Asian Gallery

Indianapolis, IN

J.W. McQuiston Architecture + Interior Design

Indianapolis, IN

Project Description:
This project encompasses the design and installation of approximately 22,000 sq ft of new and renovated gallery space in the recently expanded Indianapolis Museum of Art. The collection spanned a period of over 5,000 years and included artifacts from a variety of locations throughout Asia.

A series of smaller ‘rooms’ inside the existing gallery space were envisioned, with casework employed in the manner of furnishings. Depending on the nature of the objects displayed, a variety of spaces have been designed, utilizing lowered ceiling planes, elevated viewing areas and a wide range of illumination levels.

When originally built, the galleries had banks of north facing windows, always a troublesome aspect with light sensitive artifacts. Over the years, the typical solution was to build drywall partitions directly in front of the window wall, saving the artwork, but losing the view. As an alternate the designers proposed moving the wall back and creating new spaces for education and display of modern works less sensitive to light.

The Owner, Contractor & Construction Manager was the Indianapolis Museum of Art.

Jury Comments:
“This gallery design showed exuberance and reverence. Color framed the spaces while still allowing the artwork to speak individually. This lively interior captured the energy of the artwork it exhibits.”

Return To Top