The Boston Society For Architects presents the 2013 and 2015 Design Award Winners. These architects have been recognized for their impressive designs and innovative ideas. We are excited to share with you some of their award-winning projects and hope to provide some inspiration and ideas for your future designs.
2013 Design Award Winners
Dearborn STEM Academy
The Dearborn STEM Academy was designed by Jonathan Levi Architects in Boston. The Academy aims to provide an excellent education in science, technology, engineering, and math. The architects used sustainable materials and incorporated green roofs to showcase how eco-friendly designs can be both functional and beautiful.
Private Residence in the Berkshires
The Private Residence in the Berkshires was designed by Touloukian Touloukian Inc. in Boston. The architects aimed to create a sustainable and energy-efficient home while maintaining a modern design. The house has radiant heating and cooling, LED lighting, and a geothermal heating system. The materials used in the construction of the house were sourced locally, further adding to its sustainability.
Menino Park
The Menino Park was designed by Landing Studio in Boston. It is a public park that the architects transformed from a brownfield site to a beautiful green space that doubles as a stormwater management area. The park is known for its unique water filtration system that cleans the contaminated runoff before it is discharged into the adjacent river. The filtration system is designed to educate visitors about water treatment and management.
2015 Design Award Winners
Fuller Craft Museum
The Fuller Craft Museum was designed by Schwartz/Silver Architects in Boston. The architects aimed to create a timeless and functional design that would enhance the visitor's experience at the museum. The interior of the museum is filled with natural light, thanks to the building's design, and the open and flexible layout allows for easy modifications and rearrangements of exhibits. The architects also incorporated sustainable features into the building, including reflective roofing and low-energy mechanical systems.
The Furniture Archive at the Tyler School of Art
The Furniture Archive at the Tyler School of Art was designed by Kevin Daly Architects in Los Angeles. The architects aimed to create a space that celebrated the history of furniture design while providing a functional and usable research area. The architects used sustainable materials and designed the building to be highly efficient in energy usage. The building is completely illuminated with natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for researchers and visitors alike.
Tips, Ideas and How-To
These award-winning designs showcase innovation, sustainability, and efficiency. Here are some tips and ideas that you can take from these projects:
1. Use Sustainable Materials
As we continue to grapple with the issue of climate change, using sustainable materials is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. Consider using materials that have been recycled or are locally sourced to reduce the environmental impact of your building projects.
2. Incorporate Green Features
Green features such as green roofs, rainwater harvesting systems or green walls not only look beautiful but also serve a practical purpose. These features can reduce the carbon footprint of your building while providing fresh air, shade or insulation.
3. Create Flexible Spaces
Design your spaces to be flexible and adaptable for different uses. This can save you time and money in the long run by avoiding costly renovations, and it can also create a space that is enjoyable and easy to use.
4. Focus on Functionality
A building's functionality is just as important as its aesthetics. Focus on creating spaces that are functional and intuitive. If the design is too complicated, it can be difficult for users to navigate.
5. Take Advantage of Natural Light
Natural light is essential for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The use of daylighting techniques can improve the efficiency of a building while providing the user with a comfortable and productive environment.
In conclusion, the Boston Society For Architects presents the 2013 and 2015 Design Award Winners, who are leading the way in innovative and sustainable design. These projects showcase the latest trends in eco-friendly design, functionality, and adaptability. We hope these projects and tips have provided you with some inspiration and ideas for your future designs.
