The City of Boca Raton has officially approved the development of Glass House Boca Raton, an intimate luxury residence poised to become the first modern glass building in the city’s downtown area. This groundbreaking project marks a significant shift in Boca Raton’s architectural landscape, introducing contemporary design elements that blend sophistication with urban living.

Envisioned as a boutique luxury development, Glass House Boca Raton will offer residents an exclusive living experience with state-of-the-art amenities. The building’s modern glass façade is designed to maximize natural light and provide panoramic views of the city, setting a new standard for elegance and innovation in the region.

The approval of this project reflects the city’s commitment to embracing modern architecture while enhancing the vibrancy of the downtown area. Glass House Boca Raton is expected to attract those seeking a harmonious blend of luxury, privacy, and cutting-edge design.

Construction is slated to begin soon, with developers expressing enthusiasm about contributing to Boca Raton’s evolving skyline. As the first of its kind, Glass House Boca Raton is more than a residence—it’s a statement of the city’s progressive vision and a beacon for future architectural endeavors.

Venkat

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St. Louis, Missouri, has a rich architectural history that combines modern inventions with historically significant buildings. St. Louis, which is well-known for having influenced architectural trends in the Midwest, is home to a diverse range of architectural types, including sleek modernism and classic French Colonial and Gothic Revival buildings.

The city’s intact 19th-century structures and innovative urban schemes, together with their architecture, convey the story of the city’s industrial past and cultural evolution. This dynamic atmosphere is enhanced by companies such as CannonDesign, JEMA, and Studio Lark, which design everything from sustainable, forward-thinking developments to public spaces.

Notable Architectural Firms, Building Designers in St. Louis,MO

1.CannonDesign

CannonDesign is a global architecture and design firm that specializes in creating innovative and functional spaces for the healthcare, education, and commercial sectors. With a focus on sustainability and user-centric design, CannonDesign has established itself as a leader in the industry, delivering exceptional results for its clients.
Website: cannondesign.com

1100 Clark Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63102

I found this video interesting

2.JEMA

JEMA is a renowned architecture firm based in St. Louis, MO, known for its expertise in municipal, educational, and civic projects. With a commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of the local community, JEMA has consistently delivered high-quality designs that enhance the built environment and improve the lives of those who use its spaces.

Website: jemastl.com

JEMA HEADQUARTERS
2823 Olive St.
St. Louis, MO 63103

3.Studio Lark

In the St. Louis area, Studio Lark is renowned for its unique, innovative, and contemporary design projects. They support the development of strong working relationships between the builder, architect, and client.

Website: studiolark.us

12205 Old Big Bend Road
Kirkwood, Missouri 63122

4.Donna F. Boxx, Architect, P.C.

Donna Boxx excels at residential design. Donna Boxx, with her eye for architectural refinement and 40 years of experience, can complete the new building, expansion, or restoration you’ve been dreaming of from start to finish.

Her design process emphasizes customer participation and collaboration with engineers, consultants, and contractors, resulting in a finished product that is always unique to the client. Her goal is to give the most cost-effective solutions possible by implementing an optimal design strategy that balances goals, aesthetics, and money. Hiring an architect is a need, not a luxury.

Website: boxxarchitect.com

160 Marine Lane, St. Louis, MO 63146

5.Killeen Studio Architects

Killeen Studio Architects was founded in February 2000 by the husband and wife team of Michael and Anne Killeen.

Killeen Studio Architects is a full service firm that serves the residential and commercial markets. High quality architectural drawings mean fewer problems and mistakes on-site and better budget control.

Website: killeenstudio.com

Killeen Studio Architects 3015 Salena St. Saint Louis, MO 63118

6.Cohen Hilberry Architects

Cohen Hilberry Architects, Inc. (CHA) was founded in 1993 when Gina Hilberry partnered with John Mike Cohen in the firm where she had spent a decade building her architectural knowledge. When John retired to sunny California, Gina kept the company name and continued the tradition of providing personalized architectural solutions.

Website: cohenhilberry.com

4 9 4 1 .McPherson Avenue, Saint Louis, Missouri 6 3 1 0 8

7.AAIC Inc.

AAIC inc. is a privately held firm offering architectural and planning services in the Midwest market. Founded in 1963, we have built our business on the personalized service and attention of a small firm while also providing the technical expertise and resources of a larger firm.

Website: aaicinc.com

St. Louis Office 707 N. Second Street, Ste 415 St. Louis, MO 63102

8.Arbolope Studio

Arbolope Studio is a renowned landscape architecture and urban planning firm that specializes in creating outdoor spaces that are both beautiful and functional.

Website: arbolope.com

St. Louis Office
1219 S Boyle Ave
St. Louis, MO, USA

9.Duncan Architecture

Founded in 2006 by Anthony Duncan, AIA, LEED, Harvard GSD ’97, AD:ARCH is committed to the idea that architecture, and the essence of professional services and creative design solutions, should be available to everyone.

Website: duncanarchitecture.com

Anthony Duncan Architect LLC
4527 Virginia Ave, St. Louis, MO 63111

10.Mackey Mitchell Architects

Mackey Mitchell Architects is a firm that specializes in higher education, civic, and community projects.

Website: mackeymitchell.com

11.Fox Architects

At Fox Architects, we know design has the power to change people’s lives for the better.Our expertise in corporate, healthcare, higher education, institutional and industrial facilities leverages our people-centered focus to create spaces enhancing our clients ability to collaborate, innovate and excel.

Website: fox-arch.com

1 Memorial Drive, Suite 1800 Saint Louis, Missouri 63102

12.Trivers Associates

In 1975, Trivers was founded on values that still characterize the firm today: creating architecture of lasting positive consequence.In a city renowned for its historic architecture, but in severe need of restoration and fresh ideas, we established a reputation for thoughtful design that responded to context. 

Website: trivers.com

St. Louis Office 380 North 18th Street, Suite 100 St. Louis, Missouri 63103

13.Fougeron Architecture

Fougeron Architecture is a firm that specializes in designing contemporary and sustainable structures. With a focus on creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional, Fougeron Architecture has consistently delivered exceptional results for its clients, establishing itself as a leader in the industry.
Website: fougeron.com

14.Christner Architects

As a single-office firm, based in St. Louis, we have devoted our practice to doing exceptional work locally. Doing work for iconic local institutions such as the Missouri Botanical Garden and Washington University in St. Louis, brings a deep sense of fulfillment to our team members and generates unwavering commitment to the success of the project.

Website: christnerarchitects.com

621 N. Skinker Blvd., Suite 220 St. Louis, MO 63130

15.CORE10 Architecture

CORE10 Architecture is a firm that focuses on modern architecture and sustainability.

Website: core10architecture.com

CORE10 Architecture, 4501 Lindell Blvd, 1a, St Louis, MO, 63108, United States

16.The Lawrence Group

As a nationally renowned design firm, our philosophy is centered around our core values and allowing them to lead us to greater impacts on every project, client and community nationwide. 

Website: thelawrencegroup.com

319 N. 4th Street, Suite 1000
St. Louis, MO 63102

17.Fendler & Associates

Fendler + Associates, Inc. is an award-winning and published architectural design firm in Saint Louis, Missouri. Founded in 1989 by Paul Fendler, a graduate of the Washington University School of Architecture, Fendler + Associates, Inc. provides design services tailored specifically to meet the unique resources and requirements of our clients. 

Website: fendlerworld.com

5201 Pattison Avenue
Saint Louis, Missouri 63110

18.Antique Architectural Decor

Since 1981, we have specialized in interior/exterior design on every scale. We have created custom environments & installations through the use of glass, murals, signage, water features, wood, tile, metal, stone, faux finishes, lighting, and neon, just to name a few.

Website: antiquearchitecturaldecor.com

1112 Olive St.Saint Louis, MO 63101

19.Hellmuth + Bicknese Architects

The firm’s staff combines a wealth of experience in a wide range of progressive bright-green projects regionally and throughout the U.S. including interpretive and environmental education centers; pre-K through 12 and higher education facilities centered on art, science and laboratory, sports and recreation, and food service facilities- in addition to educational facility, campus and community planning.

Website: hellmuth-bicknese.com

Venkat

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The Portland International Airport (PDX) main terminal expansion opened to passengers on August 14. Designed by ZGF for the Port of Portland, the one million square foot (93,000m²) project doubles the capacity of PDX and enables the airport to welcome 35 million passengers annually by 2045.

Featuring a 9-acre (37,000m²) mass timber roof, the new terminal evokes the feeling of walking through a Pacific Northwest forest. Views to the airfield, abundant natural light, and interior landscapes that reflect the natural beauty of the region are present throughout the passenger journey.

“The new main terminal is a testament to the vision of our incredible client, the Port of Portland.” said Sharron van der Meulen, ZGF Managing Partner.

“The design evokes the best of our region yet offers other airports a new model for how to expand and renovate in place to meet the travel demands of the future generations.”

The expanded terminal is the largest mass timber project of its kind, and it is designed with people and place at its heart. Intimate plazas with tree-lined retail concessions recall Portland’s pedestrian-friendly streets. Urban furniture and plant-filled gathering places at various scales invite travelers to relax and enjoy their surroundings in a sanctuary of well-being.

Instead of building an entirely new terminal, the Port of Portland and ZGF decided to renovate and expand in place, keeping the airport fully operational throughout five years of phased construction while realizing schedule, time and carbon savings. The strategy was made possible, in part, by a prefabricated wood roof that spans the expanded lobby, check-in, and security areas.

An engineering marvel, the mass timber roof is the centerpiece of the expansion. It celebrates the state of Oregon’s history of forest product innovation while showcasing what is possible for the future of mass timber design and sustainable wood sourcing. All of the 3.5 million board feet (8,250 m³) of wood for the roof is sourced from within a 300 mile (480km) radius of the Portland Airport and includes wood from small family-owned forests, non-profits, and tribal nations.

The project’s sustainable design sets a new standard for airports worldwide. The main terminal achieves a 50% reduction in energy use per square foot with a highly efficient, all-electric ground-source heat pump while doubling terminal capacity. A second phase of the project is underway now and will complete in early 2026.

Venkat

The post Portland International Airport shines with Natural Light and Organic Architecture appeared first on Good Architecture News.

Get featured on top

1. TSP, Inc.

About: TSP, Inc. is a multidisciplinary design firm offering architecture, engineering, and planning services.

History: In 1930, Harold ‘Spitz’ Spitznagel started his architectural firm with a working capital of $20 and rented an office for $15 per month. In the past, people valued their promises and a simple handshake was considered as reliable as a formal agreement.

The local media praised his initial significant endeavor, a new City Hall in Sioux Falls costing $425,000, as a “masterpiece of beauty and utility.” During the 1930’s and 40’s, a variety of projects were undertaken, including the construction of a resort hotel, movie theater, multiple churches, a radio station, an apartment complex, a department store, a country club, and other mansions that received awards. Over time, Spitz gained notable acclaim for his artistic and architectural contributions to religious establishments.

Address: 1112 N West Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Website: teamtsp.com

2. Architecture Incorporated

Address: 415 S Main Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104

About: Architecture Incorporated was founded in 1976 and has offices in Sioux Falls and Rapid City.  It provides services to clients throughout South Dakota and the Midwest, managing projects for  both public and private clients.

Website: architectureinc.com

3. VanDeWalle Architects, LLC

About: VanDeWalle Architects offers a comprehensive range of services, including architectural design, planning, interior design, sustainable design, and project management.

Address: 210 S. Phillips Ave,Sioux Falls, SD 57104-6320
Website: vandewallearchitects.com

4. CO-OP Architecture

About: CO-OP Architecture has worked on a diverse array of projects, including educational facilities, community buildings, healthcare centers, and commercial spaces.

Address: 440 East 8th Street, Suite 221, Sioux Falls, SD 57103

Website: co-oparch.com

5. Stone Group Architects

About: Stone Group Architects, Inc., founded in 2012, provides exceptional architectural and planning services to discriminating US clientele. A modest team in Sioux Falls, South Dakota has grown to 30 dedicated experts in five offices with 270 years of architectural experience and 250 years of construction experience.

Address: 600 East 7th Street Sioux Falls, SD 57103

Website: stonegrouparchitects.com

7. JLG Architects

About: JLG Architects, a two-person design practice founded in 1989, continues to construct places that serve people, not surround them. Design for Life energizes communities, promotes wellness, and conserves resources.

Address: 230 South Main Avenue Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Website: jlgarchitects.com

8. Perspective, Inc.

Intro: The Perspective team has helped clients realize their projects since 2007. We’ve worked on Midwest health care, hospitality, education, and business building projects. We give projects and clients the personal attention and understanding they need as a smaller organization.

Address: 525 N Weber Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57103

Website: perspective-inc.com

Promote your Architecture Business

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Today, CareOregon and Columbia Pacific Coordinated Care Organization (CCO) celebrated the grand opening of the Hawk’s Eye Apartments, a milestone in a collaborative effort to address the housing crisis impacting the health and well-being of people living in Northwest Oregon.

The apartment building was formerly a Red Lion Inn & Suites and has now been converted into a mix of workforce housing for Columbia Pacific’s contracted network of providers – including social service providers and health care workers – as well as permanent supportive housing, which will be managed by Clatsop Behavioral Health. CareOregon and Columbia Pacific leaders gathered with elected officials, community partners and others to commemorate the grand opening at an onsite ribbon-cutting event.

“I am proud and excited for the grand opening of the Hawk’s Eye apartments today,” said Mimi Haley, executive director of Columbia Pacific. “This project has been an amazing example of organizations, leaders and community members coming together to find creative solutions and collaborating with one another to make them a reality. That’s what this building embodies.”

The completion of the Hawk’s Eye Apartments adds 55 new units (mostly studio apartments) at market rate to Clatsop County, which has Oregon’s highest rate of per-capita houselessness. Nearly 23 out of every 1,000 Clatsop County residents are unhoused, according to 2023 state data. The region’s affordable-housing shortage not only impacts existing community members but also makes it difficult for local health care employers to attract and retain workers, exacerbating access challenges.

From hotel to home

CareOregon, Columbia Pacific’s parent organization, purchased the former hotel in early 2023. The organizations broke ground on the conversion project in November 2023. Two Oregon-based firms – Bremik Construction and CIDA Architecture (a woman-owned firm) – served as the design-build contractor. Converting an existing structure allowed CareOregon and Columbia Pacific to complete the project relatively quickly while keeping costs down.

Columbia Pacific has contracted with Pinehurst Management to provide onsite property management. Clatsop Behavioral Health, a longtime Columbia Pacific clinical partner, will provide services to future residents needing support to retain and manage their housing units. All units are equipped with a private bathroom and kitchenette. The property has a community room for use by residents and the public.

“This project will make a significant difference in many people’s lives,” said Amy Baker, executive director of Clatsop Behavioral Health. “It addresses one of the most critical aspects to well-being – especially for people living with behavioral health challenges – which is safe, affordable and supportive housing.”

The housing-health connection 

CareOregon and Columbia Pacific’s housing work is rooted in a firm belief in the connection between safe, affordable housing and health. 

Research shows that people experiencing houselessness are at greater risk of poor health outcomes and more likely to be hospitalized and die younger than the general population.

Children who experience housing instability are more likely to engage in early drug use and suffer from depression. What is more, the excessive cost of housing may force people to choose between paying for rent and getting timely medical care, resulting in unnecessary emergency room visits. Affordability issues can also exacerbate food insecurity and other health-related social issues. In addition, housing has been a top issue identified by the local communities for Columbia Pacific to address in both its 2020 – 2024 and 2025 – 2029 community health improvement plans. 

Long-term focus on housing

While the grand opening of the Hawk’s Eye Apartments is an exciting milestone for CareOregon and Columbia Pacific, it is just one of many housing investments that Columbia Pacific has made over the last four years.

Since 2020, Columbia Pacific, together with some of its largest clinical partners, has invested nearly $6 million to address housing needs in Northwest Oregon, where the proliferation of short-term rentals and a limited supply of developable land have led to a severe shortage of affordable housing. These investments add up to roughly 350 new affordable housing units in the region.

With the Hawk’s Eye Apartments, Columbia Pacific has taken a slightly different approach to its housing work. In general, the coordinated care organization works to increase the supply of affordable housing by providing crucial financial support for projects undertaken by developers and community-based organizations. Through its Regional Housing Impact Fund, Columbia Pacific also provides critical financial support to local nonprofits serving community members experiencing houselessness

Venkat

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This event, organized by Iceland Design and Architecture and Blue Lagoon Iceland, looks to be an  engaging discussion about how design processes may adapt to natural disasters and changing global  conditions.

Date & Time:
September 05, 2024
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location:
Scandinavia House, 58 Park Ave, New York, NY 10016, United States

Event Title:
Designing with Nature: Can We Design Our Relationship with Nature?

Event Description:
Join us for an engaging panel discussion titled “Designing with Nature,” where experts in architecture and design will explore how we can foster a healthy relationship with the environment in an era where the natural world presents both opportunities and challenges.

Organized by Iceland Design and Architecture and Blue Lagoon Iceland, this event promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of how design processes can adapt to natural disasters and changing global conditions.

Taste of Iceland New York – Architecture Event

The talk will focus on the advancements in emergency design in the face of global uncertainties such as the worldwide pandemic, climate change, and Iceland’s ongoing seismic activity. The discussion will highlight how Icelanders have continuously innovated, adapted, and responded to these challenges.

Moderator:
Halla Helgadóttir, Managing Director of Iceland Design and Architecture, will moderate the discussion. With extensive expertise in leading design projects that prioritize environmental responsibility and sustainability, Halla will guide the conversation toward meaningful insights.

Speakers:

• Robert Kirkbride, Ph.D., Parsons School of Design
• Arnhildur Pálmadóttir, Owner of s.ap Architects and Lendager in Iceland
• Sigurður Þorsteinsson, Head of Brand, Marketing, Design, and Construction at Blue Lagoon Iceland

Each speaker will offer their unique perspective on utilizing design and architecture to create systems and structures resilient to natural disasters.

Why Attend?
This event is an essential forum for those interested in sustainable architecture and design. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with leading figures in the field and explore new ways to design our built environment in harmony with nature.

Venkat

The post Blue Lagoon Iceland and Iceland Design and Architecture to Host Panel on Designing with Nature appeared first on Good Architecture News.

+ Pool brings back river swimming to New York

+ Pool, named after its unusual plus-shaped design, is more than just a pool; it’s a public space that encourages New Yorkers and visitors to reconnect with the city’s waterways. Plus Pool, the creation of designers Dong-Ping Wong and Archie Lee Coates IV, was created in response to a scarcity of accessible, clean swimming pools in New York City. The concept was simple but revolutionary: a pool that not only floats but also filters the river water, making it safe to swim.

Architectural Innovation

Plus Pool’s architecture is both functional and visually appealing. Its plus-shaped design accommodates four unique swimming zones: a lap pool, a sports pool, a children’s pool, and a lounge pool. This design guarantees that the space accommodates a variety of activities and age groups, promoting inclusivity and community involvement.

What distinguishes Plus Pool from regular swimming pools is its integrated filtration system. The pool’s sides are built of a multilayered filtration membrane that purifies the river water as it flows through, removing impurities and pollutants. This technique not only ensures that swimmers have clean water, but it also adds to the river’s general health by gradually improving water quality.

Sustainability at the Core

Plus Pool represents the emerging trend of sustainable building and urban design. The project’s main concept, which uses natural filtration to cleanse the East River’s water, demonstrates its dedication to environmental responsibility. Plus Pool tackles a significant issue in urban water management while also providing a sustainable recreational solution via the use of technology and design.

Furthermore, Plus Pool serves as a public showcase of the possibilities for future urban infrastructure initiatives. It defies preconceived preconceptions about what a swimming pool may be, pushing design boundaries to create a space that is not only useful and beautiful, but also environmentally responsible.

Public Engagement and Community Impact.

Plus Pool has been a community-driven enterprise from its inception. The design team has aggressively engaged the public in the creation process, through crowdfunding campaigns and collaborative design workshops. This engagement has instilled a strong sense of ownership in New Yorkers, making Plus Pool a symbol of what can be accomplished when a community band together to support creative ideas.

Plus Pool is intended to serve as both a recreational facility and an educational platform. The project’s goal is to increase awareness about the value of water quality, environmental care, and the possibilities of sustainable urban architecture. Plus Pool will engage with local schools, environmental organizations, and cultural institutions to provide educational programs and events that will inspire the future generation of architects, designers, and environmentalists.

Challenges and Future Prospects.

While Plus Pool’s premise is clearly intriguing, the initiative has experienced a number of hurdles. Regulatory constraints, environmental concerns, and funding have all provided significant challenges. However, the design team’s dedication and enormous public support have kept the project on track.

When open for public this summer, it will be a tribute to the power of inventive design, public participation, and environmental stewardship. It will not only give New Yorkers with a one-of-a-kind recreational place, but it will also serve as a model for future urban developments worldwide.

Plus Pool is a daring reinvention of urban space, combining architecture, sustainability, and community engagement in a way that few other projects have. It represents the spirit of New York City: inventive, resilient, and forward-thinking. As the project approaches opening, it aims to change the city’s connection with its waterways, creating a floating paradise that is both invigorating and visionary.

Venkat

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In a landmark transaction that underscores the enduring appeal of Seattle’s historic architecture and optimism for the future of downtown, Smith Tower and Butler Garage have been acquired by a group of local investors led by Seattle-based GT Capital. The new ownership group also includes prominent Seattle families and local investment firms Freestone Capital Management and Evergreen Ventures (alternative investment arm of Evergreen Gavekal).

Smith Tower, the vision of industrialist L.C. Smith, has been standing proudly since 1914 as Seattle’s first skyscraper. The 42-story building, known for its distinctive neoclassical design and stunning views from the renowned Observatory, has long been a symbol of Seattle’s innovative spirit.

The Butler Garage, a key component of the transaction, provides essential safe and secure parking in the Pioneer Square neighborhood.

GT Capital and its partners bring a wealth of experience in revitalizing commercial and residential properties throughout the Pacific Northwest. Their vision for the Smith Tower includes preserving the unique charm of Smith Tower while building market-ready modern office spaces, providing additional security services, and reimagining the retail, culinary and tourist experience that celebrates Seattle’s dynamic history.

“This investment is a testament to our core belief that the future of the City of Seattle, along with the people who live and work here is very bright,” said Joe Razore, Founding Principal, GT Capital.

“Over the past few months, we’ve witnessed a positive shift in leasing momentum and believe it will continue as business leaders encourage in-person employee collaboration and the City officials prioritize public safety as a critical component to downtown Seattle’s recovery.”

“As a firm with deep roots in Seattle, we are incredibly excited to add one of the city’s most iconic buildings to the Freestone Real Estate Fund,” said Gary Furukawa, Freestone Capital’s founder and Chief Investment Officer.

“We believe this acquisition will be an incredible opportunity and look forward to leveraging GT Capital’s deep domain expertise to enhance Smith Tower’s operations and development.”

“Our new cost basis gives us the ability to offer tenants the most competitive terms in the city,” added Razore. “Smith Tower is a pillar of the Seattle skyline with incredible views and all the modern-day conveniences. We’re fortunate to take over a building that already has an extensive amenity package, including a 22nd floor tenant lounge and roof deck, the state-of-the-art fitness center and cardio studio, and the full-time security and concierge. We’re open for business and are committed to providing “best in class” experience with very attractive terms for our tenants.”

Damon McCartney and Lauren Hallgrimson with Broderick Group will handle the office leasing for Smith Tower.

Venkat

Featured photograph courtesy of Smith Tower.

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Modernist Marvels: How Saarinen, Pei, and Meier Shaped Columbus, Indiana

A small Midwestern city called Columbus, Indiana, may not seem like the most likely location to find some of the most important examples of modern American architecture. Nevertheless, this modest hamlet has emerged as a symbol of American modernism, presenting an astounding array of architectural wonders that have made it known as a destination for design enthusiasts. Columbus, sometimes called the “Athens of the Prairie,” is a living example of the strength of forward-thinking leadership, the value of community involvement, and the long-lasting influence of modernist architectural design.

Note – Copyright of the videos embeded in this blog belongs to respetive filmmakers and the channels. I might remove them if asked to in future.

The Origins of a Modernist Center

The local engine manufacturer, Cummins Inc., was directed by philanthropist and businessman J. Irwin Miller, who initiated the process of transforming Columbus into an architectural icon.

Miller thought that great architecture could improve the standard of living in his hometown and make the people there feel a feeling of pride and community.

The foundation for an ambitious architectural program that would draw some of the most well-known architects of the 20th century was laid by this belief.

Miller and his spouse, Xenia Simons Miller, established the architectural program at the Cummins Foundation in 1957. If the designs for public buildings in Columbus came from a list of architects the foundation had authorized, the foundation offered to pay the architectural fees for those buildings. Prominent figures who helped shape the city’s skyline, including Richard Meier, I.M. Pei, Robert Venturi, and Eero Saarinen, were drawn to this endeavor.

The First Christian Church by Eero Saarinen

When the First Christian Church was finished in 1942, Eero Saarinen’s design became one of the city’s most recognizable and early additions to its architectural environment. The church broke with traditional ecclesiastical architecture with its bold, clean lines and use of contemporary materials including brick, glass, and steel. Saarinen’s design established the standard for upcoming modernist construction in the city by emphasizing utility, simplicity, and a sense of community.

The First Christian Church was a testament to modernism’s ability to change not just buildings but the urban landscape overall with its asymmetrical tower and horizontal lines. It continues to be a focal point of Columbus’ architectural history, exemplifying the creativity, order, and clarity that characterize contemporary design.

Cleo Rogers Memorial Library by I.M. Pei

The Cleo Rogers Memorial Library in Columbus, which I.M. Pei designed and finished in 1969, is another important piece of architecture. Pei, who is renowned for his exacting geometric designs and careful blending of buildings into their environments, built a library that functions as a facility and a symbol of local pride.

Huge glass sections, a dramatic use of red brick, and a grandiose attitude that encourages community involvement are all hallmarks of the library’s architecture. Henry Moore’s “Large Arch” sculpture is part of the nearby public plaza, which Pei also built. Together, they create a dynamic public area that blurs the lines between art, architecture, and community life.

Pei’s work in Columbus is a prime example of the modernist idea that architecture has the power to influence municipal identity and social interaction. The Cleo Rogers Memorial Library is a testament to the community’s dedication to both superior architectural design and cultural enrichment.

Architectural Continuity in Columbus

Columbus’ commitment to modernist architecture extended beyond Pei and Saarinen’s achievements. Other notable architects contributed to the city’s architectural development with projects like Robert Venturi’s 1971 design for Fire Station No. 4 and Richard Meier’s 1973 design for the Cummins Corporate Office Building.

Meier’s Cummins Corporate Office Building, with its white, rectilinear shape and generous use of glass producing a sense of openness and connectedness, is a study in light and transparency. Contrarily, Venturi’s Fire Station No. 4 is a whimsical yet practical structure that defies modernity and fire station design norms, illustrating Venturi’s conviction in the “complexity and contradiction” of architecture.

These structures, like a lot of other ones in Columbus, add to a unified urban fabric that is both unmistakably modern and firmly anchored in the neighborhood. Because of the city’s architectural continuity, modernist concepts can be found in a living laboratory where buildings interact with one another to create a dialogue that crosses decades and architectural styles.

Miller House and Garden

The Miller House and Garden, created by Eero Saarinen and including interior design by Alexander Girard and landscape architecture by Dan Kiley, is a key piece of architecture in Columbus. One of the most well-known examples of modern residential architecture in the US is this private home, which was finished in 1957.

The modernist principles of openness, simplicity, and harmony with nature are personified in the Miller House. The open floor layout of Saarinen’s design blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor areas, and it has a flat roof and large glass walls. Together with Kiley’s carefully planned gardens, Girard’s colorful interior design offers a peaceful space that honors the Millers’ refined taste and modernist values.

The Miller House and Garden is a representation of the Millers’ continuing influence in Columbus as well as a monument to the cooperation of some of the most significant designers of the 20th century. It continues to be an important architectural and cultural landmark, providing a window into the creative and personal vision that created the city’s architectural identity.

Columbus’s Modernist Heritage Columbus, Indiana, is still a global hub for modernist architecture today, drawing in visitors from academia, the architectural community, and fans of the style. Modernist architects like Deborah Berke, who created the Irwin Conference Center, and Kevin Roche, whose design for the Cummins Columbus Engine Plant exemplifies the development of modernist concepts in the twenty-first century, have contributed to the city’s architectural landscape.

Columbus’ dedication to high-quality architecture has also served as an inspiration for continuous initiatives to highlight and conserve its modernist past. The city’s 2000 designation as a National Historic Landmark District emphasizes how important it is to preserve this special legacy for future generations as well as the value of its architectural contributions.

Architects of Columbus, Indiana

Kindly email us if you find the data is wrong.

Columbus, Indiana, an architectural innovation model

One amazing example of how a small American community can become a global hub for architectural innovation is Columbus, Indiana. Columbus, by virtue of the visionary leadership of individuals such as J. Irwin Miller and the talents of internationally recognized architects, has embodied the principles of American modernism and created an urban environment that is both inspiring and useful.

Columbus is a shining example of how design can improve communities, instill civic pride, and have a long-lasting influence on the cultural landscape as we look to the future. Columbus, a city in the Midwest, continues to serve as a live example of the transformational potential of modernist architecture, providing guidance and motivation for other communities globally.

Venkat

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