Neglected gem

While in Washington DC last week for the AIA National Convention I visited the M.L. King Public Library. This is one of Mies van der Rohe's last buildings and it was plagued with ill-advised "value engineering" from the outset. Because of it's poor condition there is a debate regarding demolishing the building and replacing it with a new structure. Mies' buildings are indeed difficult to maintain in pristine form, but clearly if it was restored properly this structure could take it's rightful place among DC's architectural treasures. Krueck + Sexton's masterful restorations of Crown Hall and 860-880 Lakeshore Drive show the potential beauty of this neglected gem.

AIA National Convention

Next week marks the 2012 AIA National Convention in Washington, D.C., during which those architects elevated to the College of Fellows this year will be honored in an investiture ceremony at the Washington National Cathedral. I am thrilled and honored to be one of these professionals.  The impressive neogothic cathedral seems an especially fitting locale to celebrate the power of architecture in the community, and I look forward to celebrating the occasion at this historic landmark with friends and family.

Amphibian leaps into the adventure

I am proud to announce my pro-bono participation in the renovation of Amphibian Stage Productions’ new home on South Main Street in Fort Worth’s Near Southside neighborhood.  A former nightclub, the building will be transformed into Amphibian’s performance space and offices, including a flexible black box theater, an open lobby, dressing rooms, a green room, and a set construction shop. 

The new space will allow this adventurous theatre company, now in its 13^th season, to expand their staffing and programming, and as their supporter I look forward to seeing the company continue to grow by leaps and bounds.

SILO takes shape

This week took me to Nashville, Tennessee for a site visit to SILO, a Southern-influenced bistro in the city’s historic Germantown neighborhood. Led by Chef Clay Greenberg and Co-owner Paul Cercone, SILO will serve up sophisticated farm-to-table food in a lively, welcoming setting.  The restaurant will be open for business in July.

A productive trip to the site included approving samples of various materials, including paint, concrete stain, and vintage Red Cedar for the walls.  A prominent feature of the space is a Birch basket-weave cladding on the curved wall (seen above), which is lit from below by continuous LED cove lighting.  The lighting in the restaurant is designed by Curtis Liberda of 2c lighting in Dallas, who I have had the pleasure of working with on a number of projects.

To learn more about SILO’s innovative menu, visit their website or Facebook page.

What Happens in Vegas...

Earlier this week I made a site visit to the Club @ LAS, an airport lounge I designed for the International Terminal of the McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas.  The Club will provide an upscale respite for international travelers flying with British Airways, Virgin Airlines, Korean Air, and other carriers.  

The Club @ LAS is inspired by both the desert setting and the architectural heritage of Las Vegas.  While the aesthetic is undeniably sleek and contemporary, it acknowledges the enduring appeal of the mid-century modern material and color palette.  Upon entering, travelers will find a variety of settings - social spaces for dining or a cocktail, places to attend to business matters, and quiet areas for reading and relaxing.

Above is an image of the Club’s setting within the International Terminal. The light-colored box on the right-hand wall is the construction entrance to the Club.  I look forward to seeing the finished product early next month.

"A House for..." exhibit

I urge you to visit the Fort Worth Center for Architecture (CfA) to view the current exhibit titled "A House for...". The pieces, in a uniform 11 x 14 format addressing the theme, are contributed by AIAFW members and range from photos to whimsical paintings. In addition, there are "guest" pieces: a beautiful signed original sketch by Renzo Piano showing his Kimbell Museum addition, a signed limited edition print by the late Ricardo Legorreta, and a book of photographs of Kahn's Dhakha complex by photographer Raymond Meier, signed by both the photographer and Nathaniel Kahn (who also provided a signed DVD copy of "My Architect"). All of the work is available for purchase via a silent auction, which will end at the Closing Reception on Monday April 30th from 6-9pm. All proceeds benefit the CfA (a non-profit, so you also get a nice deduction). Above is my entry- "A House for Luna (with a view)".

Atlanta Lounge

We've just kicked off another multi-carrier airline lounge, this one in the new international terminal at Hartsfield Airport in Atlanta. The lounge has excellent visibility from the concourse, which is reflected in this initial concept sketch.