News
Nov 17, 2020 _ news
Three AIA Cincinnati Design Awards for GBBN
GBBN recently received three awards from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Cincinnati, sweeping the large scale building architecture category at this year’s Cincinnati Design Awards (CDA).
The Lake West Five Clubhouse, which turned a former car dealership into a community clubhouse, retail space, and entrance to a new, urban residential development in Tianjin, China took home its second AIA Honor Award (following a recent win at AIA Ohio’s Design Awards).
According to Steve Dumez, FAIA, who presented the awards, the jury was impressed by “the complete transformation of an existing, utilitarian structure” into a “magical, atmospheric space.” “Unanimous in their view of this project,” he reported, “the jury was particularly impressed with the way in which the project choreographs a journey, organizing a sequence of spaces that lead from the seemingly chaotic urban condition of the city to a serene and tranquil private realm.”
Cincinnati Union Terminal also took home an AIA Merit Award. The first comprehensive restoration of the iconic, Cincinnati landmark in its 85-year history, the renovation not only ensures the longevity of the beloved building but it reorganizes its galleries, labs, dining options, and classrooms to transform the way that visitors experience the space. While “success” in this kind of restoration is “often represented by how little of the architect’s hand one actually sees,” according to the jury, they still wanted to acknowledge that this is “a truly transformational project…(that will) ensure that this icon will be around for future generations.”
The Vanke Flagship Building in Bazhou, China won an AIA Merit Award. A showroom for one of the world’s largest housing developers, the building contains model housing units, retail, and an inviting urban plaza all under one roof. Impressed with the “thoughtfulness” of the design, the jury “loved the way the geometry of the design created a dynamic urban condition, where the push and pull of the serrated glass wall creates a powerful dialogue between the project interior and the public realm.”
Learn more about these award-winning projects by viewing the case studies for Lake West Five, the Vanke Flagship Building, or Cincinnati Union Terminal.
You can also learn more about the Cincinnati Design Awards by visiting their homepage or view this year’s award ceremony here.
