|
small (250x250 max)
medium (500x500 max)
Large
Extra Large
large ( > 500x500)
Full Resolution
|
|
Fall 1995 Volume VI Issue I $2.50 '. 51 a ama THE PUBLIC FORUM FOR DESIGN IN ALABAMA Design Alabama, Inc. Board of Directors: Rip Weaver, Chairman Sherlock Smith Adams Birmingham Joseph R. Donolro, Vice Chairman Donotro & Associaies Dothan Sue M. Parker, Secretary University of Alabama Tuscaloosa Lloyd Philpo't, Treasurer Phi/po 't Design Decatur Robert Allen, P.C., Attorney Robert HAllen Mobile Faye DeMassimo Federa/ Highway Administration Montgomery Nancy Mims Hartslield Auburn University Visual Communications Auburn Major Holland Major Holland Architecture Tuskegee Carl M. Hunt The Pinnacle Group, Inc. Birmingham Henry Hughes Shades Va/ley Forestn;, Inc. Birmingham SamW. Kates Wiregrass Museum of Art Dothan Mark C. McDonald Mobile Historic Development Commission Mobile Tom Mason Mason Communications Mobile Kenneth M. Penuel Southern Company Services Birmingham Charles W. Raine David Jones Jr. & Associates, Inc. Birmingham Michael Tillman, AlA, 180 K/P/S Group, Inc. Birmingham Sheri Schumacher Auburn University Auburn Franklin Setzer, Executive Director laura Quenelle, Administrative Director Philip A. Morris, Director Emeritus Sout:78m Progress Corporation Birmingham Volume VI, Issue I Cover: The new Central Park Elementary School has made a significant impact on both its students and its community. Photograph by Gary Knight. From the Chairman: DesignAlabama has made some significant changes within the last few months which should bringfuture benefits to the organization. 1 am pleased to announce that our new chairman will be Rip Weaver, a landscape architect from Birmingham. Rip's enthusiasm and support as a board member has been exemplary. Beginning in September, DesignAlabama entered into a partnership with the Auburn University Center for Architecture and Urban Studies in Birmingham. The partnership was forged after our Executive Director Sheila Wright, whose vision and energy revitalized the program, resigned to pursue a Ph.d. in North Carolina. We wish her well. This new partnership maintains the support of the State Arts Council and the DesignAlabama Board. Please welcome Franklin Setzer as our executive director and Laura Quenelle as our administrative director. The offices ofDesignAlabama are now merged within the Auburn Center on Twentieth Street in Birmingham, and we are "open for bUSiness, " both literally and figuratively. We are confident that "business" is where our emphasis should be placed to ensure the future viability of good design. We must make design part of the equation that defines the economic development and growth of our state. Both DesignAlabama and the Center are committed to support this principle. (.~ Ken Penuel Editor: Tomie D. Dugas Art Director: Nancy Hartsfield Associate Art Director: Ross Heck Electronic Illustrations: John Morgan Contributing Writers: Rob Barranco, Tomie D. Dugas, Marty Eilis. Mark C. McDonald. Philip Morris, Ken Penuel, Franklin Setzer, Shelia Wright This publication is made possible through funding by the National Endowment fDr the Arts, a federal agency, and the Alabama State COIJDCiJ on the Arts, a state agency. DesignAiabama a/so receives (or has in ihe past received) funding from the folfowing corporations: Blount Foundation Alabama Power Company Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs Southern Company Services A Specjaf Thanks to Philip Morris, editor-in-chief of Southern Progress Corporation, for his on-going assistance and advice with this ,DublicaHon; members and stalf of the Alabama State Council on the Arts; faculty members at Auburn University and to a/I others who diligently support OesignA/abama and helped with this issue. We appreciate your support! Members are asked to contact us immediately if they fail 10 receive a copy. Design Alabama, Inc. Franklin Setzer, Execuiive Director 204 Norih 20th Street Birmingham, AL 35203 205-254-8545 1-800-849-9543 FAX 205-323-8385 Submission Informalion DesignAlabama encourages submissions from its readers. Articles about work from ali design disciplines are requested, as well as copy related to historic preservation. For the spring issue in particular we are seeking material on public spaces/pedestrian environments. Please submit copy along with visuals (photos, slides, drawings, eic). to our managing editor, Tomie Dugas, 425 S. Brookwood Or., Auburn, AL 36830. Copy for Project News and Details 01 Interest should include a paragraph summary detailing the nature of the project. the design firm, principals and associates involved and any other details that may be of interest such as unusual or special design features, completion date, approximate cost, square footage, eic. Also inciude the name, address and phone number 01 the client and an individual wlih the firm thai we may contaci for further information. The deadline for the spring/summer issue Is February 15. Direct inquiries t.o Tomie Dugas at 334-821-9347 or Laura Quenelle at 1-800-849-9543. Innovative school designs: Stimulating environments for learning. p.10 CONTENTS Big Spring Park East: Refreshing renovation of city park. p. 22 Mobile City Hall block: Challenging transformation into museum complex. p. 9 FEATURES "DESIGN IN EDUCATION" INNOVATIVE ALABAMA SCHOOL DESIGNS ADDRESS TODAY'S DEMANDS AND TOMORROW'S DREAMS. 10 ALABAMA SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS: SYNERGY WITH THE CITY ARTICLES ALABAMA DESIGN SUMMIT FOCUSING ON DESIGN'S POSITIVE INFLUENCE. CHILDREN'S WEAR WITH A FLAIR: DESIGNING DISTINCTIVE CHILDREN'S FASHIONS. BIG SPRING PARK EAST: REFRESHING UPGRADE OF URBAN OASIS. DEPARTMENTS ProjectANews Work of statewide significance. ACDP.Update Design Scottsboro. Historicai'i'Perspectives City Hall transformation. DesignlilMakes A Difference Law office. Details+Of Interest Noteworthy observations. DesignA!abama is a pubiication of Design Alabama, Inc. Reader comments and submission of articles and ideas for future issues are encouraged. 18 8 21 22 4 7 9 24 25 Alabama School of Fine Arts: Engaging reflection of its urban setting. p. 18 ProjectANews PrOject News is a regular feature of lJesignAlabama and provides an opportunity to keep up-ta-date on design projects that have an impact on our communities. BEN LOOMIS PRESENTING MIS PROJECT TO ARCHITECT RUNE RAMFELT lOCAL TOWNSPEOPLE AT THE EXHIBIT DesignAlabama 4 STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN THE NORWAY PROGRAM MIKE DECURTINS, DON BOWEN, EVA PERRY,ROBISARKAR,JOE LONGORIA, ASHLEY SUlliVAN, BEN LOOMIS, JOE AlCOCK LOCAL MUSICIANS IN CONCERT PERFORMING TRADITIONAl FOLK MUSIC KPS Group Inc. has been selected to design the Oxmoor Community Education Center (OCEC), a new school complex to serve the Oxmoor community currently being developed by USX Realty and the City of Birmingham. The Birmingham Public Schools Board approved the selection of KPS based on the recommendation of its selection committee, which conducted a three-tiered selection process that included a four-day design competition among three Birmingham architectural firms. The Oxmoor Communip} Education Center will be approximately 220,000 square feet, constructed in phases on a 50-acre site in the East Village Center at Oxmoor. It will include an elementan} school serving approximately 500 students and a middle school serving approximately 750 students. The PNO schools will share a common auditorium and food service, as weil as a library/media center and outdoor recreation facilities for the entire community. A community education component will provide after-school child care and adult educational and recreational opportunities. The new school is conceived as a model school, with an instructional program that will emphasize the interrelated nature of the teaching/learning process and active involvement of students in the learning environment The Birmingham Public Schools and the UAB School of Education will engage in a joint venture to staff the OCEC. it wii! serve as an innovative laboratory for developing and testing teaching strategies and the use of technology as a teaching tool. Successful teaching strategies will be imported into other schools in the Birmingham Public Schools system. PLAINSMAN PARK The third time at bat Auburn University chose Cooke, Douglass, Farr and Lemons of JacKson, Miss., in association with McKee and Associates Architecture and Interior Design of Montgornery to design the new baseball stadium Plainsman The students toured significant architectural, cultural and natural sites throughout southern Norway led by AU professor Susan Silberberg and prominent Norwegian architect Rune Ramiel!. The fourth- and fifth-year students worked co!lectively to survey and document the issues and opportunities in the town. Then they made a proposal for a Cultural Heritage Research Institute as an alternative addition to the economic base of the town and as a balance for tourism. The Institute would create venues for university students, faculty and researchers to study R0ros in the areas of architecture, history, environmental law, ecology, agriculture and archeology. Each student completed a design study for one venue in the proposed Cultural Heritage Institute. The projects presented opportunities for closer analysis of specific questions, issues and dilemmas among the separate aspects of the proposal and how each would integrate and impact the town. The proposal was we!! received by the townspeople, Norwegian architects and educators who were interactive with the group. An exhibit of the work was presented in the College of Architecture galiery October 9th through 18th. JASMINE HILL VISITOR GENTER Construction is underway for the Jasmine Hill Gardens and Outdoor Museum Visitor Center in Wetumpka designed by Barganier Davis Sims Architects ASSOCiated of Montgomery. The 1 O,OOO-square-foot structure, set for comple-tion in the spring of 1996, will recreate the appearance of Olympia'S Temple of ~;e~~!~:~:;;il! ;1 ':··':';;J~"~~1] ~:k~~:~:~~ocu:r~~y tor '~T ,u:f=I,fl] . :1 monies of the 1996 MAIN FLOOR PLAN Park. The first h'JO bid designs submitted by another architectural Olympiad in Atlanta. On the facade, a portico with 17-foot Doric-firm were significantly over budget. style columns will support the roof adorned by an acroterion The CDFLjMcKee team produced a stadium within the copied from the museum in ancient Olympia. agreed budget of $2.4 miliion along traditional design lines with seating for 2,890. With a base bid of $2.217 miilion, which was $180,000 under the architect's estimate, the university was able to accept all alternate options. These include brick wails along the first- and third-base sides, an Auburn dressing room, an enclosed batting cage, meeting rooms, increased field lighting and other items. Construction is underway with completion in time for the 1996 season opener in February. Eight students in architecture at Auburn University spent six weeks this summer in the UNESCO World Heritage Site town of R0ros, Norway They were invited to assist in evaluating opportunities and potential, as well as to help assess how to deal with controlied growth, under-used or vacant buildings and manage a growing tourist industry. The 350-year-old town in north central NorNay grew up around local copper mining until the mines were shut down in 1977. Because of its isolated location, the town remained dormant until recently when its unique character began attracting tourists. While tourism has brought a needed boost to the local economy, Ii also has created change and growth which raises questions about the town's Inherent character and the changes which are rapidly taking place to accommodate tourism. The new structure will feature a visitor reception area, mUltimedia orientation room, offices and a gift shop in addition to an exhibition hall displaying three new copies of ancient Greek statues relating to the Olympics The Visitor Center will serve as the focal point of a new entrance drive and new Olympic Walk, adding additional area to the garden for floral and sculpture displays. SUPERIOR BAR & GRILL With style, Design/orm Inc. has successfully transformed an existing Shoney's restaurant on Hwy. 280 in Birmingham into an authentic Mexican border cantina. the Superior Bar & Grill. Working closely with the owner, the architect incorporated old world materials throughout the renovation of the building and explored opportunities to use neon lighting as an architectural element rather than signage The exterior material palette included antiqued stucco, refurbished brick imported from Mexico and salvaged New Orleans shiplap wood siding. The only new architectural materials used in construction were concrete, ceramic tile and historic reproductions of steel industrial warehouse windows. Part of the challenge faced by the Birmingham-based architectural team of Blayne Rose and Craig Rogers was incorporating the unique materials as they arrived on site to enhance the design and authenticity of the project The complexity of the project required numerous detailed drawings and on-site adaptations to produce the "fun" atmosphere desired by the owner. CORNER SITE BEFORE ALABAMA PEDIATRICS AFTER David & Company Architects Inc. of Birmingham has converted an unsightly abandoned gas station site into the new home of Alabama Pediatrics. The corner property is located on U.s Hwy. 31 and Bonita Drive along the western edge of the h'lstoric Hollywood neighborhood district in Birmingham. For years the property remained unimproved and deteriorating with questionable feasibility of being developed as anything but a convenience store. David & Company challenged the limitations of a less-than- 20,OOO-square-foot site with its inordinate setbacks, environmental issues relating to the gas station, numerous utilities to be removed, retaining walls that could not be removed and its location adjacent to a State right-of-way. Today the new 5,OO0-square-foot brick facility bridges the LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Lorenc Design of Atlanta in collaboration with HOH Associates of Birmingham was commissioned by the City of Birmingham to design a civic sculpture for the Birmingham Airport Lorenc Design previously developed the wayfinding and signage system for the airport A sculptural scheme was created to represent the dynamics of flight along the last half mile of Airport Highway as it approaches the airport terminal. Landscape architect Robbin Gregory, directed the construction of a 50-foot wide berm eight feet tall at the opposite end to buffer rental car lots. The landscape plan is simple-green lawn interspersed with a 20-foot wide swath of monkey grass onto which are located eleven chevron-like wing sculptures. They are mounted or an adjustable coiumn and grouped in one, tvo or three units. The backdrop is a solid cloud-like formation of evergreen trees. Ughting, to be adjusted on site, wili add dramatic eftect The installation will be completed by fall 1995. Nimrod Long and Associates was chosen from a field INTERIOR DESIGN Betty Warnock of Warnock Interiors Inc. in Birmingham is working on a residential project with Carolyn Goldstein Interiors in which the design concept for the interior was built around the owners' art coilection. This design team's influence on the Uberty Park residence of Bill and Dianne Mooney has extended to the exterior as well. Though the architecture is traditional European, the interior is contemporary. Niches were built into the wails to display artwork of experienced planners and landscape architects to develop a and the fireplace was indented in an arch as a backdrop for a master plan and a master landscape design for Birmingham- hand-made paper collage in the living rocm. The convex side of Southern College the entrance wall was textured by wali artist, Jan Roberts, with The campus has outgrown its current facilities, and is in accents in copper to reiterate the tone of the copper sconces need of a thoughtlul master pian to coalesce the collection of 1920s, which adorn the wall. 40s and 60s buildings and planting designs with 20-year projec- Granite countertops, bleached hardwood floors and tile are tions for housing, academic and administrative building needs. NLA used as finishes highlighted by unusual chandeliers, architectural has developed site plans for a student center and plaza addition, wallpapers and both neutral and intense wa!1 colors. charm of a historic neighborhood to its hectiC commercial bound- technology center building, student litness center, student housing ary. The building defines entry and addresses its corner location alternatives and an art center building and plaza expansion. with a pyramidal high-volume lobby/waiting space sculpted by Vehicular and pedestrian circulation systems have been arched dormers. Full-height glass wa!ls wrap the waiting rooms to redesigned to create dramatic views of the hiily campus, and the further enhance the open and airy atmosphere. Outdoor light filters building sites have been chosen to reinforce axial views. The master into other areas of the facility via exam rooms arranged linearly plan creates outdoor rooms and returns the campus geometry back along two exterior walis, each with exterior windows, and continu- to its early 1900s' concepL ous clerestory glass along exam/corridor walls. Wide corridors with The 4000-square-foot home also will feature a hand-craft-large clear stained oak trim create warmth and comfort for patients and staff. Even with minimal area for landscaping, simple planting material provides the finishing touch to the project RICKWOOD FIELD Davis Architects inc., of Birmingham has developed a master plan for restoring Rickwood Field, the oldest baseball park in America. Thetacllity built in 1910 by Birmingham industrialist Rich Woodward is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The renovation plans include provisions for a new roof, old-fashioned scoreboard and unique Vlooden louvers to provide shade for the players and natural air conditioning for the fans. The original press box is to be restored, vintage-style seating will be installed and street improvements to be implemented include landscaping sidewalks and antique lighting. A Museum of Southern Baseball History is part of the project being developed by the Friends of Rickwood, a non-profit organization with authority over the restoration and management of Rickwood through a 50-year lease. The master plan budget is $4.6 mil:ion to restore and preserve Rickwood and an additional $2.6 million to design and construct the museum. A national fund-raiSing program is scheduled for fall 1995. Ecotourism is becoming an increasingly important specialty field in the discipline of environmental design. Brian laHaie, an AU professor in landscape architecture, will spend his professional development leave traveling in Panama, Costa Rica, Belize and other parts of Central America as part of his ongoing research into environmental COSTA RICA planning, ethics and eco-tourism. In September 1994 he visited Panama as a part of a multi-disciplinary team of Auburn faculty led by history professor Michael Conniff to investigate opportunities for collaboration with Panama in the areas ed dining table and specially designed rugs when completed in December 1995. FASHION DESIGN Computerization of American industry has been rapidly evolving over the last several years, but this evolution has been slow to filter down to the apparel and textile industry. The primary reason is that available technology is extremely expensive and difficult to learn and use. Manual design and production methods are timeconsuming, tedious and subject to error. Computer technology of agro-forestry, transportation and eco-tourism. has significant advantages over the manual methods currently in Prior to his departure in January, LaHaie will attend the use. Computer sketching facilitates rapid design and color con- Second International Ecolodge Forum in Costa Rica in October where ceptualization and provides instantaneous style alteration. Pattern he wi!1 meet with developers, environmental planners, architects and design and drafting systems allow designers to move styies to the landscape architects and government officials to discuss the past, production room faster and with improved accuracy. present and future of eco-tourism. The purpose of an Agricultural Experiment Station PANAMA CANAL research project undertaken by Lisa Shanley at Auburn University was to develop 10Vi-cost computer-aided design software for apparel designers. She has developed a computerized drafting system to allow a designer to input an individual's measurements and then draft basic patterns to those exact measurements. She also has automated familiar pattern-making techniques such as slash and spread and dart transfer to allow the designer to quickly incorporate style features. The system also provides for digitizing of a company's existing patterns. These patterns then can be stored and reused or changed to create new styles. Shanley's system also wil', include a module tor determ'in-ing the most efficient layout of patterns on fabric. 5 Volume VI, No. I URBAN DESIGN A number of communities in Alabama are taking advantage of transportation enhancement funding to estabiish bicycle and pedestrian trails. Intermodal Sunace Transportation Efficiency Act (lSTEA) funds have been used to complete bike and/or pedestrian trails in Troy. Arab. Guntersville, Ballyton and Montgomery in the past few years. In addition, trails are under construction in Phenix City, Gulf Shores, Town Creek and Mountain Brook. Nimrod Long and Associates of Birmingham prepared Mountain Brook's grant application and plan for the Village Trail System It consists of a pedestrian walkway loop linking three historic shopping villages and an existing linear park. The walkway system will build on 8.4 miles of existing walkways and trails. adding 5.4 miles of new walkway construction to link major destinations within the community. ISTEA funding is also being used for restoration of the Loveman Building to house the Discovery 2000 Museum in Birmingham An Omnimax Theatre is planned for Second Avenue and 19th Stmet on the site of the old Newberry's department store which will be torn down. A parking garage will be refurbished in conjunction with this project. Lead architect is Lee Nichols Hepler of Charlotte, N.C. Gresham, Smith and Partners of Birrningham has been retained as associate architect and engineering consultant. Auburn University Center for Architecture and Urban Studies in Birmingham has a contract to provide the required photographic and graphic documentation on the buildings affected by the project. Construction is slated to be cornpleted by the end of 1997. MAIN STREET AT CIVIC SQUARE RAILROAD SQUARE "f~ "."-f~-~-~~-t=~:;~::~.~;i~}.'~ ~~l K_~:__]_fJ > "i',' -- CIVIC SQUARE In 1994 the Chamber of Commerce and City of Alexander City, concerned about their downtown area, agreed to undertake a comprehensive plan for the area. With the help of a team of planners and architects from KPS Group Inc. led by Doug Kleppin, director of design, and Larry Watts, project manager, Operation Downtown Alexander City was formed and a planning process initiated. The Downtown Revitalization DesignAlabama 6 Plan is based on an economic analysis of the Alexander City market area (Tallapoosa, southeastern Coosa and eastern Elmore counties) and a physical analysis of Downtown Alexander City proper. The plan is being reviewed by members of Operation Downtown Alexander City. It will be finalized and adopted during fall 1995. A summary of the plan is as follows: The concept or vision for the revitalization of Downtown Alexander City consists of reinstating downtown as the town center-a focal point of the city. This concept is based on unique development districts including 1) a traditional retail center that works well; 2) a retail niche especially suited to downtown; 3) an institutional and office district centered on the courthoUse; 4) a series of community activity centers which reinforce these districts, and 5) new development opportunities which will increase the employment and activity in the town center. INDUSTRIAL DESIGN Where most industrial designers work in the private sector with design teams to create new products for commercial mass markets, Bynum Duren, a senior rehabiliiation technology specialist works in the public • sector to create products for individuals with disabilities. Employed by the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), he works with other rehabilitation team members to identity and provide appropriate technology to enable people with disabiiities to reach their maxirnurn potential. Team members aiways include the client and may include a counselor, social worker, vocational evaluator, physical therapist. occupational therapist, speech therapist or other individuals who can contribute to resolving the technology problem. Duren consults with the team members to solve product problems by: 1) identitying and evaluating the appropriateness of cornmercially available products; 2) modifying these products to "fit" the consumer; 3) or by designing a new product or acces-sory. Although the focus is on solving vocational-related technology problems, teams also address problems in areas that include education. independent living, communication, rehabilitation and recreation. Although rnost team members are from the DRS, expertise and assistance from the private sector may be utilized. Family members, employers, rnanufacturers. vendors, educators and others make significant contributions to solving the technology problern. A current project involves working with interior designer Kellena Deery of Zac Smith/Crawford in Birmingham. Their task was to create a workstation from commercially available modular office systems for adults with a variety of functionallimitations. To address the problem, the workstation needs of one individual were isolated. After consulting with the individual and other tearn rnembers. Duren compiled job task information and completed an ergonomic evaluation. Workstation speCifications were identified and idea sketches completed and provided to Deery. She researched and identified the components of the commercially available, rnodular office systems that rnet the ergonomic and design specs of the client. Then Duren determined what modifications needed to be made for accommodating specific job tasks and identified other special equipment needed for essential and nonessential functions of the job. Finally, recommendations were made for the appropriate commercially available products that would render the work area usable and the individual competitive. Changes in job task, equipment or workstation ergonomics can have a devastating affect on job penormance by a person with disabilities. The modular workstation these two designers have created can be re-configured so that the employee can rernain competitive The designers also anticipate that this system can be customized to "fit" other individuals with different hurnan factors, physicai abilities and job tasks. GRAPHIC DESIGN SlaughterHanson of Birmingham has created a series of flat direct mail pieces and ads for Momentum Textiles of California. The campaign "A Moving Inspiration" features architects and interior designers well known in the field who donate their services to charity or pro-bono organizations. The agency compiled a list of 30 candidates, and Momentum selected the three individuals to feature in 1995. They include the examples shown below of Samuel Mockbee, AU architecture professor and director of the rural studio in Greensboro, and interior designers Helen Carreker of California and Charies Gelber of New York. Three more will be selected for 1996. Marion English is the art director and Liz Von Hoene of Atlanta the photographer. I In conjunction with the effort to renovate Rickwood Field in Birmingham, SlaughterHanson has created a logo and a series of public service ads that deal with different aspects of saving the ballfield. On the ad series Greg McGough is art director and John Huet of Boston, photographer. The five ads feature scenes of players shot with cameras from the 30s and 40s, embuing the photos with a vintage look. A brochure by art director Marion English. a poster and eventually a series of TV spots to air on PBS will be forthcoming in efforts to generate funds for the Friends of Rickwood organization. ACDPtUpdate >,,'''-!" '·L,:>, " .. ~ .. , Gateway, downtown and corridor studies developed for the Scottsboro charrette . • eSI n co s oro he Alabama Community Design Program (ACDP) completed its second community design charrette of 1995 in Scottsboro this past April The charrette, following one held in Hartselle in February, involved five days of intense activity for 10 volunteer design professionals from around the state and included substantial participation from numerous Scottsboro residents throughout the process. The charrette, coordinated by ACDP board member Mike Lamb of Birmingham, focused on issues related to Scottsboro's downtown; linkage to its principal amenity, Guntersville Lake; future development along Hwy. 72 south of downtown, the need for appropr'late entry ways into the city; and problems with managing storm-water runoff, particularly in the area between downtown and the lake. Following one-and-a-half days of reconnaissance, graphic documentation and intensive interviews with local residents, the team settled in to prepare a series of concepts and strategies to address the issues identified. Major recommendations included enhancing downtown as the historic core of the community and a "civic connection" from downtown to Guntersville Lake along Broad Street; focusing anticipated new regional commercial development along a segment of Hwy. 72 while restricting development aiong other segments of the highway; and creating two "gateways" into the city at the intersections which terminate the recommended Hwy. 72 development corridor. The main design feature developed during the charrette was the transformation of Broad Street into a "civic boulevard." The design concept involves making Broad Street the major street along which new community facilities would be tied; the southern terminus would be at the intersection with Hwy. 72. The southern end would include a new city entrance at the intersection and a new park with a pond as a water amenity The pond would also serve as a holding area for excess storm-water runoff during rainy periods. Broad Street itself would be improved with appropriate landscaping, street lighting and provisions for signage that communicate information about the city and the civic events that occur throughout the year. Other specific design recommendations include iandscape improvements in downtown with emphasis on the Broad StreeVCourthouse Square area; new permanent provisions on vacant property for vendors connected with Scottsboro's highly successful monthly "trade days;" a new eastern gateway at the intersection of Hwy 72 and 35, with a new street connection from this gateway into the downtown; and general development guidelines for vacant property along Hwy. 72. The design team feels strongly that these proposed improvements would assist the community in establishing a clearer identity and sense of place for residents as well as visitors. In doing so, the city would benefit economically by virtue of the environmental enhancement, especiaily the potential for tourist dollars associated with cultural and recreational amenities such as Guntersville Lake. The team's report was prepared as the work proceeded, and was published by the Scottsboro Daily Sentinel following presentation to the city council and interested citizens at a public meeting. Design Alabama staff and ACDP board members wili provide follow-up assistance to the community in order to help ensure that local enthusiasm and momentum evidenced during the charrette will continue. This assistance will include located. This proposal includes the location of a new civic staff consultation on specific issues and helping the commu-center, visitors center, the new high school and new recre- nity prepare specific implementation proposals for funding in ational facilities as the focus of the community The northern the future. terminus of Broad Street would be the new city hall location The ACDP design team for the DesignScottsboro charrette adjacent to Courthouse Square where the city was first set- included: Larry Watts, director of planning for KPS Group Inc. by Franklin Setzer of Birmingham, who served as the team leader; Franklin Setzer, associate professor of architecture and director of Auburn University's Center for Architecture and Urban Studies located in Birmingham; Steven Lee Johnson, landscape architect from Grover & Harrison P.C. of Birmingham; Linda Mosch, transportation planner and engineer with Gresham, Smith and Partners of Birmingham; Scott Miller, graphic designer with R. Meadows & Fowler Inc. of Birmingham; Chuck Weber, supervisor of Urban Forestry and Horticulture for the Department of Public Services in Huntsville; Joe Donofro, architect and principal of Donofro & Associates of Dothan; and Jeffrey Brewer and Laura Gavin, Auburn University architecture students and Brad Cordell, landscape architecture student. Executive Director Sheila Wright represented Design Alabama along with Board Chair Ken Penuel and DesignScottsboro Coordinator Mike Lamb. The DesignScottsboro charrette was made possible through the generous and enthusiastic support of the community. The steering committee included: Jeptna Moody, chair; Arelene Grede; Norman Johnson; Mark Scott Skelton; and Chuck Snook. Others providing invaluable assistance and support included: Curtis Davis, Penny Green, Rick Loring, Thomas Norwood, Rick Owen, David Patrick, Stevie Patrick, Glenn Smyth and Carmen Wann. The ACDP/DesignScottsboro team is most grateful to all those citizens of Scottsboro who made our visit so exciting and enjoyable. 0 Franklin Setzer is professor of architecture and director of the Center for Architecture and Urban Studies for Auburn University. He is also the new executive director for DesignAlabama. 7 Volume VI, No. I ARCHITECTURE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE INTERIOR DESIGN URBAN DESIGN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN GRAPHIC DESIGN FASHION DESIGN : "Good design influences positive community development, positive economic development and is basically good for business. " The economic growth and vitality of Alabama is a topic demanding much attention, and it requires participation by all interest groups to ensure success. Input by the design commun'lty, especially a focused and unified design community, can be essential as a catalyst for sustained and quality expansion of our state's economic base. But a key partnership-within the design community itself-has never been forged, nor an interdisciplinary consensus of the contribution that could be made by "design" to economic growth been formalized. Hence the Design Alabama Summit was formed. It provides a process structured to bring together professionals in the design disciplines of architecture, landscape architecture, urban design and planning, graphic design, interior design, industrial design and fashion design with leaders from the "development" community to discuss the relationship between design, community development and economic development. The underlying assumption of the summit process is that good design does in fact translate into good business and has a positive effect on the community and its economic viability. The guiding philosophy for implementation of the summit process is to ensure an interdisciplinary focus and to encourage collaborations and partnerships in using the state's available resources more effectively and efficiently for the good of all. In late 1994 the process began with a series of discipline-specific roundtables. Each focused on questions exploring the influence of design on development. The core questions were: OesignAlabama 8 a 88 n umm By Ken Penuel and Sheila Wright • How does good design in your discipline affect community development and economic development? .. .At both community and state levels. • What strategies would enhance your discipline'S ability to positively influence community development and economic development? ." At both community and state leveis. • What are the implications for policy development? What is the design professional's role in developing these pOlicies? As the profeSSionals began the process, it became important for each discipline to remind itself that these questions were larger than the typical issue of generating more business for the individual disciplines. The scope of thinking had to be widened to include all design areas in exploring the broad concepts and issues which will shape the growth and development and determining how each discipline can contribute. The concepts remained broad by design. These groups were challenged to explore the "what" and "why" and not formulate an answer to the"how" at this point, as again, the summit is a process. Upon completion of the roundtables, several observations could be made concern'lng consensus. First, partiCipants agreed that people innately know what "good" design is when they experience it directly. However, they have diHiculty in translating their feelings and emotions to personal and collective behavior. For example, people may visit a park or a particular city and comment on its amenities and surroundings yet return to their hometowns and fail to recognize and value these same qualities in their own communities. Seemingly, the power of individuals and groups to adapt to their situations far outweighs the ability to shape circumstances and align personal preferences and choices with visionary concepts, i.e. visions aren't reflected in actual behavior. Second, the process of adapting to higher standards while enacting public policies may be negatively perceived, especially in the beginning of the evolution. It must be realized that individuals, families, industries, and businesses make selections based on a variety of reasons, including their perceptions of and experiences in a particular city, state or region Considering this, Alabama's ability to attract new industry and business may also depend on how cities and towns evolve in terms of planning and overall design. The extent to which these places reflect qualities of good design may also determine the state's ability to retain these businesses once they've agreed to relocate to the state. Third, while architecture, landscape architecture, urban design and planning literally play critical roles in the development of a city, industrial deSign, interior design and graphic design also contribute in very constructive ways. The lalier provide a "micro" perspective, often dealing with specific, more focused solutions rather than the "macro" concerns of a site or project. Also discovered during the summit process was that engineering should be a significant contr'lbutor. Engineers play an important "design" role, especially in the built environment, so a roundtable comprised of a multi-disciplinary group of representatives from the eng'lneer'lng communitywas established. Is it time to consider engineering a player in the design arts league? While the obvious connections between design and economic development may not be the most critical factors needed for positive and sustained growth, partiCipating professionals commented that good design maintained 'In simple and practical approaches and conducted in a constructive and well-informed manner can, indeed, cre-a ate the climate and culture needed to sustain a healthy economic environment. This "common sense" approach to design, building cities and to policy making has the power to invigorate once stagnant downtown cores or, thinking more broadly, an entire state. The deSign professionals also reported the need to review current policies and regulations not only at state and local levels, but within the design field as well. They noted a need to look at current curricular practices in deSign education and to revise these to encourage more inter-disciplinary activities as well as private partnerships with design firms and practitioners. Now the process must continue. As an outgrowth of the summit held in August the partiCipants recognized the need for all the design professions to continue to meet, establish consensus and speak as a united front in the economic development process. The professions need a mechanism by which they can share these concerns and speak with ampliiied voices on the contribution design arts can make to Alabama'S economic vitality. Perhaps Design Alabama can champion that effort. The organization anticipates that in 1996 the economic community, governmental and public sector leaders and the design community will meet to engage in meaningful dialogue and develop strategies to support a development initiative. This on-going dialogue could build better relationships between clients of deSign, economic policy makers and development communities. Design Alabama encourages th'ts concept. II Ken Penuel is the outgoing chairman 01 Design Alabama. He based this article on his observations of the August Design Summit and overview material of the design descipline roundtables provided by Sheila Wright. As former excutive director of DesignAlabama. Wright initiated the Design Summit process. The development of a single citv block in downtown MobIle has the potentJal to transform the port city's tourism effolt into a major industly. Two nonprofit organizations--111e Exploreum of Mobile and the Mobile City Museum-are planning large museum projects for a highprofile site bordered by the city's 1110St pron1inent streets. 111ese projecls offer the challenge of building two dynamic museums on a relatively small site, Equally challenging tasks have been given to the project architects who have been asked to design technically demanding new buildings which are COl11- patible with Mobile's National Historic Landmark City HalL In addition, this museum complex will require separate loading docks, entrances and tour-bus drop-off points for the two institutions, The Museum of the City of Mobile's architect, Hayes, Seay, Mattern & Mattem, are rehabilitating the City Hall and Southern Market Building which was constructed in 1856-57. 111is museum will be the largest history museum in the state and will incorporate the existing National Historic Landmark City Hall building, as well as a 20,OOO-squarefoot addition. 111is addition will serve as the museum's main gallery space for display of permanent and changing exhibitions. 111e design of this addition has been the subject of much discussion with federal, state and local historic preservation officials. At controversy is the philosophy taken by the National Park Service that neVi additions should "be differentiated from the old and shall be compatible with the massing, size, scale and architectural features to protect the histolic integrity Historical'i'Perspectives by Mark C. McDonald of the property and the environ- contemporary interpretations of the men1." The City Museum's architects, brackets, pilasters and other City after much consultation with the Hall features. The Exploreum/ National Park Service, decided that Omnimax complex project also fea-the least objectionable site for the tures restoration of a 1925 fire station addition would be in an interior which is located on the eastem por-courtyard space, rather than tion of the block. 111is building, obscuring the exterior facades of known as the Matt Sloan Fire City Hall. The architectural design Station, will be rehabilitated with a of the addition has not been decid- $2 million ISTEA grant and used as a ed yet but the architects from "hands-on'· science museum. Hayes, Seay, Mattern & Mattern Architects, museum board mem-have preferred a contemporary bers and staff of both institutions design which is dearly distinguish- have worked collaboratively to fit able from the old building. the many needs of the respective HammeL Green and Abrahamson museums on this single city block. of Minneapolis and Holmes & The results of these large projects Holmes of Mobile are the architects should be a dramatic symbiosis for for the Exploreum/Science Museum downtown Mobile. ~ and Omnimax Theatre and have moved in a more traditional direction. The massing and roof forms are velY like City Hall and the architectural details will be Simplified Mark C McDonald is director of the Mobile Historic Development Commission and a member of the Design Alabama Board of Directors. 9 Volume VI. No. I Innovative Alabama School ~igns Address i"":' and uee-:011:wpractically a household in discussions >i\, ,F"~:N(fJ;; t()'f;>i!vnpro~i(]dsef.?Qo'I/JC)USI?S, stricter discipline and higher a,caa!enJi~ ~ta1/l,--;lav'd" P"'OLbtFsi?VeratAlabama communities, a when he that society car~ ,0'_. '"J'.-" abOut the conditions in Stan Go.dwin, Demtt~tiMJligh School. The primary goals for Demopolis were to create a welcoming exterior reminiscent of the town's traditional architecture, to effectively intJ'grate e~ucational a~~recr~ationaA\funq\i':~s and prep~re foputure expa~s1on qrd tec~~0109iq,?1 reform has tran:jormed the 11().QLS, {:J:r;ea!tt)Jnf!, n~I'A/ life into education. J Dllvr'.t-J communities, Alabama architects have ~ttif2c'eJil/bt 'iSCI'JOC)LS that tfl/fRt{J0rate the aesthetics a11:d > . .[I?ctm.c1tof:!zes apptfJjJltate to their efJJltg}J!§nrfilents. While specific . ···.det~ilsm0y. vary, the design goal remai1L)'4?7Y(] same: to create si~d~t~Genl;~d~~ttingithUltstimu1(lte learn;~g,.at every turn: ···Ase;amptesofv;rlatiQrt's·~:nair.a.?j.itie~an7:z~e,-·· "--~ /-. '. _. ---"-. - -"-.~ '.-. -.-."-.,,----,,. -... ---._----- ,- Demopolis High Schoqlby Sbertock8~lllja.1ZdA4qifi§.of ' Montgomery and theizbq School complex by MCKeeana. . Associates of Montgomery njlect the classical brick architecture ".-----".~ OjsmalltQ:;mswhileincorporating the latest in technology. Both -"-"-." "_ .. _-.-.- .. "-- serve as comm~~itygathering;P~t~ana,inElba:sQA§e, the rebuilding of th~t~rJ/),EJ~q'Pllovided a f~~~lP~i~t7ar.rarrting tragedy into triumph after the disastrous jlwd of 1990- Still other schwl$ have engaged architects who drew on ! contemporary design expression to interpret their vif;ion. &. Regardless of approach, these Alabama schwls are creating visually stimulating environments for learning to take place. theflrrifE '/fJ{Z"ti(ilrVn Montf5cfNX'!iJi, which provides fi'tf!t1feting communication services Hoover HighSchool Hoover, Alabatna Arcbitect: Giattina Fld1er Aycock A rcbitects Inc. Binninghaml Alabanza It wasn·t an easy task for the City of Hoover. but in only 15 months, architects and builders constructed the massive 530 million Hoover High School complex, finishing just days before the stal1 of classes in 1994. Early on. the 60-acre site posed environn1ental challenges because citizens ,,-vere concerned about stripping the rural area for construction and creating runoff that \vo1..Jld flow into the Cahaba River. In consultation with landscape architects Nimrod Long and Associates, Giattina Fisher Aycock heid a number of meetings with members of the Cahaba River Society and other concerned citizens. "As a result. the finished project incorporates settlement ponds and care-fully designed site drainage. The runoff goes to controlled areas for deposit. I believe we were able to satisfy everyone concerned,.· says Project Architect Ty Cole. Hoover High School. The general classroom building welcomes students with its limestone facade surmounted by a builtin clock. To minimize the impact of parking for 1,300 students, two separate lots were developed. Each was then subdivided with broad isiands of loblolly pines. Islands of willow oaks and tree diamonds with zelkovas further soften the paving 11,e 372,OOO-square-foot campus vvhich serves more than 2,000 students consists of [\vo buildings with an outdoor cOUltyard and amphitheatre between them. The brick and limestone exterior, along with a metal pitched roo[ offers the traditional schoolhouse look. Limestone columns and an arched colonnade with a buiit-in clock at the face create a wel-cOIning entrance. Inside, deSigners aimed to "establish a sense of rhythn1 and order in a vast environment," says Cole. '·Each classroom core consists of four classroom doors in a pod arrangement with columns of individual, defining colors at the entrances." Large hallways and single- tier lockers allow traffic patterns to proceed without interruption. But aesthetics are just pan of the st01Y at Hoover. The school's performance capabilities are even n10re striking. "Our prilnary goal \vas to ensure they had state-of-rl1e-an equipment to serve the programs they already had in place and to provide facilities that would dramatically enhance those programs," Cole says. As a result, the high school includes such progressive additions as driving simulation rooms, desktop publishing equipment in the writing center, video and cable capabilities in each classroom via a hookup with a local cable company, top-quality theatre production facilities, e-mail and even a greenhouse for fioraculture studies. The first building includes 120 classrooms, the administrative area, a computerized media center and science and home economics labs. The business classrooms each have 20 computers and the drafting rooms are ready for CADD capabilities. A special facility for mildly mentally retarded students offers a separate, covered entrance. The MMR classroom includes a fully accessible kitchen and other facilities designed to teach daily living skills to the men��tally and physically challenged. The second building sits on the open side of the lJ and includes spons, performance and dining facilities. These recreational areas are accessible '\vithout entering the 111ain schoolhouse. Included is a 285-seat theatre, the drama depaIt1nent with dreSSing rooms, projection and sound booth equipment and large Elba School Complex. The cost-effective solution for Elba was to develop an educational complex which resembles a smail college campus with upper and lower schools built on a single site. The brick exterior used throughout the complex is in keeping with Elba's traditional architecture, but exposed structural steel was added to promote a sense of strength and progress. 11 Volume VI. No. I The landscape plan for Hoover High School won an ASLA Merit Award in 1994 for Nimrod Long and Associates. band and choral rooms. The school has cleared a site for a larger theatre which will offer joint productions with the City of Hoover. Basketball games are played in the "pit' of the top-f1ight competition gym and retractable seats increase the building'S f1exibility. Also included is a second gym with locker rooms for physical education classes and a fully-equipped weight room. A two-level dining hall that seats 660 students overlooks the courtyard and open-air recreational basketball courts. "Sports are big at Hoover to say the least," observes Cole. "So this school has it all. The site includes two softball fields, five tennis COUles, a football practice field, a soccer field, an auxilialY field, a band and drill field, a football field with outdoor track around it and separate fields for varsity and junior varsity baseball. They even have a 7,000-square-foot athletic storage bUilding." The biggest challenge at Hoover according to Cole \vas lnaintaining clarity. "With a school this big we had to make sure we had clear travel paths. \Ve needed spacious relationships ~vith character and clear intent in Hoover High School. An open courtyard between the two buildings is detailed with sandstone walks, zoysia lawns, decorative lighting and limestone benches. An axis shaped with London pavers splits the space with the western half containing an amphitheatre and the eastern half, a dining plaza and a basketball court. DesignAlabama 12 design ... and I think that's just what we got.' Clarity of expression outside the building GUlle under the purvie\v of Ninlfod Long and Associates of Birnlinghanl. An integral part of this project beginning with site selection, NLA provided planning for circulation routes, layout design, athletic facilities and planting design to enhance the overall enviromnent. Below. Hoover High School emerges at the end of a boulevard of oak trees. Low hedges screen parked cars from the visitor's entry experience. Above. The gently sloped lawn amphitheatre and sandstone stage is shaded by ginkgo trees. Tarrant Middle School. Above. Multi-colored brick patterns and dormered residential roof forms soften the scale where the school addresses the neighboring residentia! streets. Right. The entry to the school is through a pavilion of banded brick columns, bracketed timbers and a shingle roof indicative of traditional neighborhood housing forms. It is flanked by bus canopies with exposed concrete columns and steel roof forms and a natural finish metal rool. Tarrant Middle School Tarrant City, Alabama Architects: Crauford Mc Williams Hatcher Architects Inc., Birmingham, Alabama Feelings ran strong in Tarrant City, a cOlun1unity just north of Birminghan1 International Airpolt, concerning ib beloved W1'A-built school. In use as a middle school, the structure was inefficient, outdated and due to the building's condition and its stucco-on-masonry decorative elemenl" unfeasible for rehabilitation. So Crawford McWilliams Hatcher approached designing the successor structure as an interpretation of the elements that give the surrounding neighborhood its character. That area is comprised of well-kept bungalows built during the first two decades of this centUlY for employees of nearby steel and mining-related industries. The new 42,OOO-square-foot classroom building constructed adjacent to the original structure it replaced, houses 25 classrooms, an art studio, science laboratory, adlninistrative offices and cafeteria and food service areas. Plans also included renovation of a small classroom annex built in 1982 for use as a media center, home management laboratolY and other special function classrooms. According to Thomas Goodman, design architect with CMH, "We felt strongly that the school should relate directly to the sUlTounding houses. A contextual non-institutional interpretation of the traditional neighborhood forms has been realized through a playful use of bracketed timbers on masonry columns, roof forms and multi-colored brick patterns. The effect has been a softening of scale and presence and a dramatic blend of home and school," he adds. The $3 million project was finished in time for the 600 kids in grddes five through eight to begin this school year in their new facility. Central Park Elementary School Birmingham, Alabama- Arcbitects: Gresbam, Smitb and Pa/'tner:, Birmingbam, Alabama A new and improved Central Park Elementary opened its doors to students in grades K through five in April of 1994, replac, ing the old school originally located next door. The structure was planned around a central 111a11 or spine ·with shared spaces such as adll1inistrativc, library, cafeteria and gyn1 on one side and claSSr00111 wings on the other. The 80,OOO,square,foot faCility is situat, ed on an urban site \"'v1th hOUSing on t\VO sides and a park on another. The classrooll1 \vings are on the side adjacent to the houses and are designed to relate to the scale of the neighborhood, \vhile the C01111110I1 areas are on the side adjacent to the city park and \\'ill have access to that facility. The classro()iu \\rings plug into the street to create a schoolhouse for each grade level. According to Project Architect Wayne Carr, this arrangen1ent has several advantages. "It keeps the age groups separ~1ted, reduces travel distances and noise levels, improves con, trol and security and gives each grade its O\V11 identifiable space·· This has translated into a much S11100ther lTIorning routine confirms fifth grade teacher, Joy Doering. noting that the design layout makes it possible for the children to come directly into their classrooms. To assist \vith orientation each classro()In vv"ing has its own color scheme and floor pattern. The library, gym and cafeteria are with, in easy reach of all classrooms. The plan arrangen1ent also offers the option of public access to the g;.71D and cafeteria during off hours \\'ithout opening the entire school. The exterior combines brick v/ith split, faced concrete block and \vindov,/ openings to create a colonnade sin1ilar to the interior. The con1bination of these 111<1teriais is designed to be interesting while also prOViding visual lessons in color, texture. pattern, rhythm, scale and proportion. Citing convenience, effiCiency and spaciousness, Doering is enthusiastic about the new faCility. "And the aesthetic appeal is obvi, ous-it is a beautiful school,.· she relates. The students love it and regard the inner,city school as a refuge she observes vv"hiIe pointing out, "How they feel-if they're comfol1ableiI11pacts their vv'illingness to learn." Central Park Elementary School. Right. The spiral staircase is an orientation "landmark·· for students as wei! as the central circulation element Its visibility helps the children feel comfortable in their new environment. Abm!£!. Entry to school is designed to be distinctive and inviting to students and residents of the community 13 Volume VI. No. ! Central Park Elementary School Birmingham, Alabama Above. "The exterior of the school was designed on a scale to work well with the surrounding community," says Senior Design Principal, Vvilliam Jordan AlA, Below. The library's color and distinctive forms rein-force its position as a center of exploration and learning Above."The use of patterns, colors, forms and shapes make the school itself a learning experience, We designed " the school to be 'readable' for its students," says architect, ! William Jordan. ~ ~ ~ Classrooms are comfortable and efficient with a more subdued color scheme. The cafeteria continues the theme of colorful, chiid-friendly environments found throughout the school. OesignAlabama 14 ~ecial1:Y UnitS Baldwin County High School. The traditional facade uses formal entry areas with columns and gables to break up the long length of walls and provide depth. To lower the perceived roof line, two roof slopes were used. Baldwin County HighSchool Bay Minette, Alabama Architects; David Vol/eel? and Associates Mobile, Alabama Wl1ile the administrative, classroom and library areas are situated tmvard the front of the school, noisier cOlnponents including the gym, bandrOOlTI and cafeteria are in back Security is enhanced by fewer entrances and windows. The C0111pact design also ll1cans cheaper heating and air-conditioning and easier ll1aintenance. In Baldwin County where school officials Architects considered the students" needs ,vere ailning for stronger security Ineasures and operational economy, architects introduced a design concept that placed all the classrooms in a compact grouping under one roof. Though by creating an entrance at the student camlDons area toward the rear. 111ere students enjoy an open-air courtyard \vith seating areas and a snack bar. Nearby are the gym and the cafeteria interpreted in traditional vernacular, the move which is all glass and overlooks the commons. broke away from school design traditions that "just because the classrooms are com-called for sprawling corridors and plenty of win- pact doesn't mean that there are no \vindows," dows. It met with some resistance at first but has relates Skocdopole. "We've implemented \vin-proven effective at four new Baldwin County dows whenever possible, like in the cafeteria, high schools. library and throughout the corridors that touch It is an unusual concept, according to outside walls." Project Architect Finley Skocdopole, because In the corridors, architects chose indirect design priorities traditionally focus on natural lighting for an informal, calming effect. "Instead lighting and ventilation. \'V11en those priorities take a lesser role in favor of security and maintenance considerations, it allows for architectural freedoms that aren't found in traditional school deSigns. 111e Bay Minette school completed in 1991 is one of four high schools David Volken and Associates has deSigned in Baldwin County. The others are located in Daphne, Fairhope and Foley. Although tvw schools feature traditional facades and two contemporary exteriors, the schools have similar floorplans and interior design concepts. This arrangement offered the county greater economy of scale and kept costs for each school at around $6.5 million. 111e idea has piqued the interest of school administrators across the nation who frequently visit the Baldwin County sites. of lights down the center of the corridors, which v,;ould accentuate the length, \ve placed lighting behind the tops of the lockers which is reflected off the walls and into the space. We also placed lights over the recessed alcove entry area to each classroom, which helps break up the hall\ vays," Although the innovative compact design had detractors at first. just one group remains dissatisfied according to Skocdopole. "Only the students who don't find it nearly as easy to skip class anymore don't seem to like it," he says. TIle 130,OOO-square-foot Baldwin County High School stretches across an 87 -acre site. Above. In step with the latest advances the library at Baldwin County is stocked with plenty of CD-ROM capability Above right. The main entrance lobby at the Bay Minette school. 15 Volume VI, No. I Auburn Early Education Center Auburn Early Education Center. The classrooms are located in the center building puntuated by the three towers. The administrative wing housing the reception area. principal's office, conference and nurse's office is on the right and the motor skills wing is on the left Auburn, Alabama Architects: Barganier Davis Sims Architects Associated, Montgomery, Alabama The Auburn Early Education Center is a mUltipurpose facility designed to capture the spirit of a complete learning environment for small children. The building completed in 1991 now serves 380 kindergarten students in 21 classrooms. In addition it houses special education preschoolers. students and parents in a year-round Even Start program and offers daycare services for faculty and staff of the Auburn City School System. This innovative concept has stirred interest across the COUntry and is serving as a model for other school systems. The design goal, according to Barbara regarding form, materials, colors and scale of spaces has been made with small children in mind," says Culpepper. The building is organized into three classroom pods or 'communities" with a central common group activity space for each pod. 'Each community has six to eight classrooms, ,. explains Principal Suzanne Freeman. 'They have a C01111110n area just like a living r00111 in your house for any group gatherings such as guest speakers, choral readings, sing-a longs, storytellers, speCial progralTIS and s111a11 group work." The area also incudes wall space for displaying artwork, shelves for hOUSing books, a stove for cooking activities, cabinets and a teacher workroom. The colors blue. pink or green identify the separate communities and are visible in each Culpepper of Barganier Davis Sims was to create tower area and commons area to aid children in a scale that would relate to small children and locating their classrooms. provide architectural excitement as paIt of the A central gallery lined with colorful sam-learning experience. 'Each design decision pies of the students' creativity stretches the Plans for Leinkauf School, below, by Holmes & Holmes of Mobile Alabama. OesignAlabama 16 length of the filCility. proViding the nucleus that connects the COlnnltmities, day-care center and lTIotor skills \'ling. Three towers, which Visually organize the building internally and externally, mark the classrooms, day-care center and administrative \ving. Lo\>/ eaves and shingled roo[" provide a scale in keeping with the adjacent residential neighborhood. Above. An impressive galiery runs the length of the school with large picture windows on one side and a tackable wail surtace to display student work on the other. I ~~IJ LeinkauJ School LeillKauf School. Construction crews toiied through the summer heat on a tight schedule to complete reconstruction of the original structure for fail occupancy. Mobile, Alabama Renovation Arcbitects: Holmes & Holmes. Arcbitecis. Afobile. Alabama In addition) plans for a nc\v building to house a 111edia center and adnlinistration offices plus a t\"\-'-o-story cJassr00111 annex \vere deenlcd too costly \,\rhen originally subnlitted. entil lightning struck in April 1993, Howeycr, a second more feasible proposal Leinkauf School \vas one of the oldest school that took advantage of an adjacent property buildings in continuous use as a school in the acquisition, was presented in May 1995. The state. First occupied in 1903, the Mobile school 52 million plus project was awarded recently is listed on the National Register of Historic to Lee Saad Construction of Mobile for occu- Places and is the centerpiece of the Leinkauf pancy in fall 1996. Historic District. Despite extensive fire-related The architects rehabilitated the existing danlage to the original structure: the lVIobile historic structure by rebuilding its exterior to a County Board of School Commissioners, recog- condition which, though not an exact restora-nizing Leinkaufs outstanding tradition of educa- !ion, does recall its original appearance. "For tiona 1 excellence and role in revitaliZing the city example, the earliest section of the building-center, committed to rebuilding the school. that pC111ion vvith the cupola-vvas originally In July 1994 a S3 million plus contract constructed of wood and had a slate roof. This was signed \vith Coastal Builders of Mobile to is the portion that v,,-as most grievously dam-rehabilitate the original structure with Holmes aged by the fire," explains Project Architect & Holmes serving as architectural consultants. Nicholas Holmes Jf. "For structural and code- This phase was completed in September allow- mandated reasons we have rebuilt it with steel ing some of the older students among the 600 and covered it with a slate grey metal roof." children enrolled in kindergarten through fjfth He notes that the intelior was brought up grade at Leinkauf to begin the school year in to code with enclosed fire stairs. fll-e-rated coni-their "new" old school. elors, an elevator for the handicapped and air con-ditioning. Technological updates \,\Tere incOlVorated in the plans to support TV and computer specifications. With the addition of public toilets and projection faCilities, the cafetoriu111 ,'vas transformed to acconl1110date public events and ensure that the school \'\,ill continue to serve the C0I11111unit")t for many years. In designing the ne\\' 20-dassroorTI addition to be built across a side street, HolInes & Holmes has attempted to create structures subordinate to the older historic building that will blend in with the one-story residences of the surrounding area. The single-story design incorporates exterior colonnaded circulation to help diminish an "institutional appearance" in the neighborhood. This sensitivity to the neighborhood and protection of the school's historic integrity is born of mutual respect. Mark McDonald of the Mobile Historic Development Commission explains. Teinkauf School is not only an important historic building, it embodies the whole spirit of its surrounding historic neighborhood. It is really inlpossible to iInagine this neighborhood without Leinkaufs dramatic presence." 0 This vintage photo shows the original school and on the left a two-story 1911 addition Aerial photo shows damage to the historic Leinkauf School The original building on the right was the most severly damaged 17 Volume VI. No. Addressing the Urban Issue Left. An expressed concrete frame structure orders syncopated window and wall patterns at the 19th Street North end. Public access to ground-level performance spaces occurs here. Classrooms occupy the second level, dormitories the third. Right. Completed in 1993, the first phase of Alabama School of Fine Arts designed by Rennecker-Tichansky creates an urban wall for the northern edge of Birmingham's downtown core, screening out elevated 1-20/59 just beyond. Simple, tough materials reflect the urban location. The double-gabled roof sheathed in white-painted metal panels takes into account that the building is highly visible from nearby high-rise office buildings DesignAlabama 18 Alabama School of Fine Photography: John O'Hagan The new campusfor the Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASFA) occupies a city block on the northern edge of Birmingham's tradi-tional downtown core, and it does so with considerable urban syn-ergy: the school's presence adds dimension to the city, while the city gives much in return. Until 1993 when the new buildings opened, the school was just one block to the west but virtually invisible in a ramble of low, make-do disconnected structures. The administration of Mayor Richard Arrington, which has aggressively and iInaginatively pursued urban redevelopment on many fronts, traded the school's existing site for the new one. One block made all the difference, giving the new faCility great visibility and a direct linkage to the city's cultural district. A.lier developing several schemes which \'\lould have reused an existing I110tel bisecting the site (none of which appealed to a major donor who had made commitments to help fund the new faCility), architects Rennecker-Tichansky began from scratch. The result is an exceptional piece of design that serves ASFA students and visiting public well and defines an important edge for the city. lind with the first phase built for less than $53 per square foot, it is a triumph of architectural ilnagination over constraints. "A major goal was to integrate our design into the urban fabric," explains Alan Tichansky, AlA "We set out to reinforce the urban structure, respond both to the city streets and the elevated freeway (I-20/59) and manipulate a rather small building 000,000 square feet) so it would have a strong sense of presence." To do this, the core of the design became a threestory bar, 60 feet wide and approximately 360 feet long, stretching along Eighth Avenue Nonh from the sidewalk on 19th Street NOlth to the one on 18th Street. The building became, in effect, a city wall with the elevated freeway beyond. FUlther, Rennecker-Tichansky knew primary views of the building would be from nearby high-rise office buildings. "We took the plane of the roof as another building elevation," notes Tichansky. Its double-gable, executed in metal seam roofing with \vhite baked-on finish, was chosen because it would be more in scale with the structure than a single one. The dual gable also echoes the fact that there is a central corridor below with dorm rooms on either side. (The gabled roof also suggests dwelling to many, appropriate for a dormitory, but Tichansky says such symbolism was not intended.) In addition to its emphasis on ans, the program for ASFA differs greatly from other middle and secondaly-level schools. It serves grades seven through 12, and approximately one-third of the student body lives on campus. 111e long bar layout works well. The first phase The second floor houses classrooms, like the dorms double-loaded along a central corridor. This level also houses the music and creative writing depanments. The most eco-nomical way to structure the bUilding vvas a row of poured-in-place concrete columns down the middle of the bar. The architects played this to full advantage, using the row of columns to modulate what would have been a deadly block-long corridor. On the ground level. the linearity of the plan is opened up to provide larger studio and '~ major goal was to integrate our design into the urbanfabric," explains Alan Tichansky, AlA. ''We setout to reinforce the urban structure, respond both to the city streets and the elevatedfreeway (1-20/59) and manipulate a rather smaO building (100,000 square feet) so it wauld have a strong sense of presence. " o top floor has space for 96 students, and the common spaces. Flanking the core are 60-foot division by sex can be changed based on wide single-stolY structures hOUSing dance stJdemand. Students are up and secure, and rooms dios, a recital hall and a small theatre. Ranged on the city side have stunning skyline views. along the core is school administration, a public lobby, school commons, an studios and other functions. At the request of the client; Rennecker-Tichansky clearly separated public and student entries, the latter placed at the 18th Street end and the public entering off 19th Street. In contrast to its first home, which had all sorts of out-of-view pockets, the simple layout of ASFA's new facility makes supervision of students much easier. At the same time, the layout essentially engages its urban setting. And that old urban vinue, proximity, so often overlooked today, serves ASFA very well. Half a block away is the recently expanded Birmingham Museum of Ans; a block a\vay begins the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center; Linn Park anchors the neighborhood, and students use the Birmingham Public Library main library on the far side of the park as their school library. While he attaches great value to this urban connectedness (in contrast to an early ASFA competition winner which proposed an inward-looking cloister), Alan Tichansky also is pleased at the move that gives ASFA a sense of campus open space. "We cut the sloping site down from the Eighth Avenue side to receive the building," he points out. "This creates a psychological break between the street and the open area fronting the school, \vhich discourages people from \valking into it from outside." This space is a generous expanse of lawn, facing south, and gets much student use, as does a dining terrace outside their C01111TIOns. A lo~;v holly hedge defines the campus/city edge, but loosely placed shade trees provide visual relief from the strict ordering. 19 Volume VI, No. I The public lobby has the same urban loft character as the rest of the building interior, with exposed concrete frame and split-face block walls. Students painted the 'rug' for the concrete floor. A second phase for ASE;, completed just in time for fall 1995 session, houses math and science depanmems and dorm space for 16 additional students in a three-story, 16,000- square-foot building added at the northwest corner of the existing structure. A future phase calls for a t\vo-story building to be erected over school, repol1s the facility serves both students and public as intended. Public spaces are hea viiy used by outside groups. "\\7e have excellent light in the art studios, and HOOfS for dancers that bounce," she say/so "It may be surprising, but we are pretty sure we have the only school in the country specifically designed for fine arts ground-level parking parallei to the existing at these education levels." bar. This \vould house classro()1TIs and dOfl11S Casual obsen-'ations about ASh\. are sin1ilar to the present la)iout. Present perfor- sornetimes not Hattering. It looks industrial and ll1ance and COrnmon areas \'v'ould serve the pur- tough to n1any~ probably' based on the straight-pose. Enrolln1ent for 1995 is 320 students. fonvard materials-exposed concrete, split-EKe Frances Versrandig, director of the ASEA.. concrete block, alUll1inul11 \vinciows, ruetal pan- Foundation) a non-profit support group for the eis, glass block, But outside, its context is not clOll1CStic suburban but rather brutal urban with an elevated freeway and a corrugated concrete public parking deck the nearest neighbors. And inside, it looks and feels like lott studio, a neutral place open to the in1aginarion, And that it is. Pbfh~D JIon"is is editor-at-large JbrSoutbern Living and Southern Accents. He is Han. AL4, Hon. ASIA Clnd C! lnember qf the board of re8'eJl/S qfthe Atnerican Architecture FOllndczliofZ. John O-,}-Iagarl, photographer with Southern Progress COJp. -:<; Oxmoor House hook divisioy(. is also an architectllrai photographer, A central row of poured-in-place concrete columns was the most economical way to support the structure, and on the second and third floors they modulate corridors that would otherwise have seemed deadly. At the end of the building OPPOSite the public lobby, ASFA's student commons spills out to a dining terrace and the lawn sunken below Eighth Avenue North. The long bar building has fine views of downtown skyscrapers, especially from third level dorms. OesignAlabama 20 ren's • I • ear WI • a air: Designing DistInctive Childrens Fashions by Rob Barranco Judy Lynn Children's Clothing Inc., a privately-owned company to be different was to design her own fabrics and buttons Working with based in Montgomery, has made a name for itself nationally in the children's many resources in the United States and abroad, she began to learn fashion design market Designing and producing high-end children's cloth- more about the importance and challenge of fabric design, as well as ing for nearly 10 years, the business now employs 90 workers at two loca- how it affects the selling of her garments. tions. The plant in Montgomery handles design, marketing and sewing As the business and her three young boys have grown, the functions, and a plant in Tallassee provides sewing expertise. Montgomery-based designer saw the need for some assistance. She hired During its history, the company has relied solely on the innovations an artist from Auburn University to translate her many fabric ideas into and talents of owner/designer and mother of three young boys, Judy Lynn reality. "Each season we have been using more and more of our own fabric Barranco. These innovations have kept Judy Lynn Children's Clothing designs," Barranco says "One of my goals is to one day use 100 percent popular among children's clothing buyers across the country. The talented of my own fabric design for designing my dress collections," she added. designer, a Montgomery resident for more than 20 years, graduated from Although Barranco likes to think Judy Lynn Children's Clothing is a Lee High School and received her degree in fashion design from Florida trend setter, not a trend follower, she does attend design and color shows State University. around the country several times a year to keep up with the latest ideas. From the beginning, Barranco's motto for her company has been to Her current fall/holiday line is available in Parisian department provide a well-designed, top-quality sewn garment with imported laces and stores, as well as in other major department stores across the nation. "Our fresh new printed fabrics at a good price. During the early years she used fall/holiday line was very well received, but I always look forward to only Swiss eyelets and other imported laces and fine batistes in traditional deSigning spring with brighter florals and pastels," Barranco says. The silhouettes-floats, empires, drop-waist dresses for girls and button-on Judy Lynn Children's Clothing spring line will be available to consumers knickers and shorts for boys-to build a clientele. beginning the first of the year. As the company branched into new and bigger markets, a number Recently Barranco has achieved a personal goal to have her designs of other designers began to try to "duplicate" the quality, look and materi- make an impact on the international scale. Five Judy Lynn designs have als of the Judy Lynn garment Realizing this, Barranco added new and been published by the Vogue/Butterick pattern company with phenomenal more complicated features to her lines. She designed features that other sales allover the world. manufacturers would find difficult to copy such as the the "tulip sleeve," Although Barranco modestly attributes much of the success of her "mustache-back" collar and collars woven with ribbon throughout the company to design, she says more important is allot the hard work, material. "I feel these unique designs are what really helped catapult our support and dedication her family and staff have given her throughout company into the top-selling children's dress vendor for Parisian Inc. and the years II moved us to 'favored vendor' status with Dillard's department stores," Barranco says. A few years ago Barranco decided to focus more on designing to bet-ter distinguish her company from the rest. As she saw the trend turning from traditional classic dresses to more playwear outiits, she knew the only way Rob Barranco is general manager of Judy Lynn Children's Clothing. 21 Volume VI, No. I Big Sprhlg Park East: Refreshing Upgrade of Urban Oasis By Tomie D. Dugas Huntsville's roots were nourished by a spring that has become a fitting centetpiece oj a renovated urban park. Big Spring Park East pays homage to that water source discovered in 1804 by brothers joseph and Isaac Criner, the first white settlers in Madison County. john Hunt, the town's Jounder and eventual namesake, settled at "Big Spring" about a year later. A detail of the design development plan drafted by Smith Engineering. The spring was a popular gathering place for recreation, and its waters were used for baptisms during the 1800s. A dam and mill-powered water system dating from the 1830s delivered water from the spring to the town through a system of hollow-cored cedar logs. In 1856 the city took control of the water works and in 1858 refurbished the area with stone walls and installed a pump house. The upper·level pavilion marks a shullles top location. Limestone steps invite relaxing by the canal's edge. OesignAlabama 22 Operational on the left side of the steps is of the longest outside chairrail lift of its type in the South. The lion statue lounges under a tree near the spring basin. "'" After World War II, when the spring was retired as 1 the city's water source, stone walls were extended and an a 11: artificial water fountain installed. A modern swimming pool ~ and the lagoon were created on the west side of Church ~ Street. The park was again transformed in 1964 with the brush of urban renewal. The latest $2.2 million effort sought to better link the space with the surrounding town and to make the famous spring more user friendly. In reaching back to Huntsville's roots, City Project Engineer Mark Seeley characterized the intent of the recent renovation to evoke the spirit of small town charm. "We want it to resemble Old Main Street ~ U.S.A.," he notes. g g LDR International of Bethesda, Maryland, was tapped §j to develop a master plan study. The park conceptually was ~ divided into three spaces. The western ponion surrounds ~ the Big Spring Lagoon where the new Huntsville Museum of Art facility is being built on the site of the relocated Senior Center. The eastern pan, Big Spring Park East, is subdivided into two spaces. The "urban canyon" is an area of approXimately one acre enclosed on three sides by bUildings, walls, natural rockface, 32 feet of stairway and Big Spring. This space spills over into another softer, greener area, a little more than three acres in size, recently bisected by Spragins Street. The city contracted with Smith Engineering of Huntsville to construct drawings for renovation of the existing park. Jones and HerTin Architects of Huntsville along with LDR were design sub-consultants. "111e design content," explains Mike Donnelly, a landscape architect \vith Smith Engineering, "involved vacating a city right-away that transversed the park to open up green space and providing a new pedestrian access point off Fountain Circle near City HalL" The main access point into the park is from West Side or Court House Square. The upper-level plaza overlooking .3 the main staircase has been refurbished with iron railings I and a copper-topped pavilion designed by Jones and ~ Herrin. Ramps lead to a mid-level court where a renovated ':.:",'7:" ~ fountain is flanked by twin trellised arbors planted with wisteria vines. The circular fountain, which had been dis- Big Spring Park East as it existed before the 1994 renovation. connected because it sprayed onlookers, has been reconfigured into a weir-type waterfall where the sounds of rushing water have replaced the nuisance spray. Decorative brick work hand-placed in herringbone patterns in the plaza and walkways are reminiscent of those found in Twickenham, the old town center that was renamed Huntsville in 1811. Steps lead down to ground level, and a chair-rail lift has been installed for those needing mechanical assistance. As the focal point of the park, a semicircular basin cupping the spring has been redefined with cut limestone steps to the water's edge. The previous four-foot drop-off was reduced to six inches via the steps where visitors gather to relax and trail toes in the cool, clear water. A canal lined with limestone copings leads off from the source and harks back to the days when Cotton Row stood where the paVilion is now located. Back then traded cotton was sent to market in flat-bottomed boats on the privately dug Indian Creek Canal to the Tennessee River. Flowing from the northern terminus of Alabama's first canal, completed in 1831, the current canal incorporates a widened area flanked by l20-foot limestone steps for resting and reviewing itinerant duck parades. An adjacent arched stone pedestrian bridge gives street access to the grassy areas and provides a view of a small weir-style waterfall upstream from the steps. Recently reinstalled near the spring lies the little lion sculpture, a sentimental favorite of generations of Huntsville families. Dating back to circa 1900, the creamcolored cast iron statue proVides the traditional photographic spot in the park. To the right of the spring basin is the "big room," an oval-like area planted with Yoshino cheny trees. Encircled by a brick walkway, tl1e space was designed to accommodate a tent for events such as the annual Panapoly Alts Festival. Beyond the "big room" unrolls a large casual green space suitable for a variety of activities. Acorn-like light fixtures illuminate the wide walkways that define this space, and wooden benches are scattered at convenient intervals. Maples, oaks, dogwoods and crabapples bolstered by other plantings have been added to enhance existing vegetation. Construction was begun in July 1994, and is now complete. And what was once a gathering spot for the horse-and-buggy crowd continues to provide a place of peaceful repose among the shadows of progress that ring Huntsville's fertile spring .• A lithograph of the 1850's painting of Big Spring by William Frye depicts the dam and mill, part of the water system thought to be the oldest west of the Appalachians. The contractor accomplished quite a feat, reconstructing the canal with its continuous flow of spring water. Beyond the pedestrian bridge, the canal narrows. Twin trellises will be overspread with wisteria by next summer. To the right of the Big Spring is the "big room." Waterfall Umusic" welcomes park visitors. To the left of City Hall a new park access was created. 23 Volume VI. No. I Design_Makes A Difference The reception area for law offices on three floors of the historic Massey Building benefits from Moody/Sprague's skillful manipulation of space. A raised central ceiling pushes the lIoor·to·lloor height limit. Concealed automatic fire doors allow the area to lIow uninterrupted from the elevators. DesignAlabama 24 Custom·designed enclosures for secretarial stations, clad in cherry, stop short of the ceiling to let space lIow up and over. The inward slope near the top also keeps the feeling more open. • n the late 1980s the Birmingham law firm of Hare, Wynn, Newell & Newton purchased the landmark Massey Building with its notable terra cotta trim. Facing 19th Street North at Third Avenue North, the bunding was seen as both an investment and a convenient home for the firm. Moody/Sprague of Birmingham was commissioned to redesign the lobby and ground-floor space, as well as three floors the firm would occupy. Handsome as the late 1920s building is, the iloar-tofloor height of 10 feet (compared to 12-14 feet standard today) was a challenge. As were many other buildings from this period, the structural frame is poured-in-place concrete with floors made of hollow terra cotta tile topped by cinders. This also added constraints. "We skimmed out the beams with gypsum board at eight feet," explains Bob Moody. 'Then, for the public areas, we designed raised ceilings with a furred-down perimeter which gave us both architectural interest and a place to run ducts and utilities without dropping the whole ceiling." The elevated central sections make the ceilings seem higher than they are. It is a proven technique: when a partion of a ceiling is lower, it makes whatever is next to it seem higher. Moody and his clients also are pleased with the way custom- designed secretarial space dividers work. These nine-by- 14-foot spaces along interior circulation have enclosures clad in cherry wood that stop short of the ceiling. They also slope inward at an angle near the top, so space flows up and over. Walls to the ceiling would have been too confining. Cherry, with a light finish, became the distinguishing material throughout the Hare, Wynn offices. It is used on an By Philip Morris Photos by Timothy Hursley/The Arkansas Office internal stair that connects the three floors, on doors and in most offices. A beige marble from South America with an attractive grain was used for floors in main pubiic areas. Even though the same firm occupies all of three floors, the City of Birmingham's fire code interpretation precluded an open reception area for the middle (eighth) floor. Instead of using glass or some other material, Moody/Sprague speCified recessed fire doors that close automatically if there is a fire, which allows the space to be fully open to the elevators. For the eight law partners' offices, the designers did custom offices but with a selected palette of materials so all would work with the larger design of the space. Each of these is a suite with an attractively furnished reception/conference oHice and a separate work space beyond. The project was completed in 1992. The law firm is pleased with its space and with the investment, since the building filled up quickly after ground floor renovations were implemented.1IIB Because there was only 10 feet between lIoors of the 1920s office building, furred·down ceiling surrounds in this confer· ence room conceal structural beams and utilities. Light fixtures are custom interpretations of old·fashioned gasoliers. IIIJAAWARDS In May, the Alabama chapter of the fnlernationallnterior Design Association (IiDAJ held its inaugural PROGRESSION Design Awards presentation in Birmingham Of the 17 entries submitted to a distinguished panel at the IIDA International Board Meeting in Chicago, three projects were awarded Honor Citations, two Merit Awards and one overall Best of Competition. Honor Awards were based on overall design excellence and Merit Awards were presented for particular portions of projects judged as noteworthy by the panel of jurors. Jurors included Marilyn Farrow, FIIDAInternational president of IIDA; Terry L. Perry, FIIDA-International vice president of communications and membership; Collin Burry, national co-chair of special events and Janet Kreig, IIDA. The winners are; BEST OF COMPETITION: The Garrison-Barrett Group Inc. AM Alabama Headquarters, Birmingham HONOR CIT A nONS: Gresham, Smith and Partners Ho!stein Valley Hospital, Kingsport, Tenn. The Garrison-Barrett Group (nc. AM Alabama Headquarters, Birmingham Hatcher iJesign Associates Chiidren's Hospital, Birmingham AWARDS OF MERIT For Use of Color & Design of Corridors Goss & Associates Pediatric Wing, St Vincent's Hospital, Birmingham For Reception Area & Workstation Design The Garrison-Barrett Group, Inc. Office Space for the Garrison-Barrett Group Inc., Birmingham Holstein Valley Hospital, Kingsport, Tenn. AM Alabama Headquarters, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham Holstein Valley Hospital, Kingsport, Tenn. IJA STUDENTS WIN DESIGN COMPETITION Three interior design majors from the University of Alabama's College of Human Environmental Sciences recently received cash awards for their entries in the 1995 Student Design Competition co-sponsored by Alabama Power Company and the Alabama chapter of IIDA. The 1995 competition focused on the interior design of an Environmental Design Coaiition Center-a place to learn more about threats to both natural and man-made environments. The site of this adaptive-use design project was the historic Rosedale Pump Station in Birmingham, Ala. Guest jurors for the design competition were IIDA members Jerri Jordan, Anne Marie Weeks and John Beason. A ,W. A D s OJ ,I Ii• • ASII.'I SPECIALTY AWARD Betty Warnock of Betty WarnockInteriors in Birmingham recently received the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Specialty Award for the restoration of the Woodward Estate, which is the home of the President of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Warnock is an allied member of ASID and has been in business for four years. AlA DESIGN AWARDS The Alabama Council of the American Institute of Architects presented its 1995 Design Awards in August. The jury, comprised of five architects from Tennessee, represented government, private practice and academia. Honor Awards were bestowed for exemplary design exceeding the criteria set by the jury. The Award of Merit was presented for projects meeting the jury's requirements for design exceiience. The winners are shown on the following page. Holstein Valley Hospital, Kingsport, Tenn. The University of Alabama winners are; $500 first piace-Angela Johnson Floor Plans and Plan Oblique from the Student Design Comp.tition: $300 second place--i(im Tesney $200 third place-Annette Crewz. Firs! Plac. Winn.r Angela Johnsun Details+of Interest Details of Interest is a regular feature of DesignAlabama and highlights a wide variety of events and resources. In this issue, a retrospective of 1995 is presented. 25 Volume VI, No.1 HONOR AWARDS: Alabama Power Company, Clanton District Office and Visitors Center, Clanton Cra'l'liord McvVilliarns Hatcher Architecis inc., Birmingham Retirement Systems of Alabama [RSA) Activity Center and Plaza, Montgomery William E. Wa!!ace. A!A, Goodwyn, Mi!is and Cawood Inc., Montgomery Children's Hospital of Alabama Parking Deck, Birmingham Giattina Fisher AycockArchiiecis Inc., 8irmingrram AWARDS OF MERiT: Hooller City Schools Board of Education's Trace Crossings School and Hoover High School, Birmingham Giattina Fisr,er Aycock Architects Ine., Birmingham Hooller City Schools Board of Education's Trace Crossings School and Hoover High School, Birmingham Gi2ttina Fisher .Aycock Archilecis !nc., Birmingham COURTLAND SQUARE CLARIFICATION in the iast issue of DesignAlabama on page 12, a gazebo and bandstand were featured in photos of downtown Courtland. Although Greiner, Var8 & Partners provided the town square renovation plans, these structures were designed by Jones & Herrin Architecture/Interior Design of Huntsvl!le. OesignAlabama 26 ~ NATIONAL cmmolil AWARD KPS Group Inc, was honored with an award for design excellence for the firm's U.S. Courthouse project in Shreveport, La, The AlA and the American Correctional ASSOCiation ~ recognized the courthouse as among the most ~ E. up-to-date and innovative in the specialized 1l justice facility field, it received one of only five I u citations given, g'" The awards jury stated, "This courthouse § is an example of many things being done c: well Despite the relatively strict funding, this courthouse is evidence that good design can result from meeting challenges of restrictions, not necessarliy the absence of constraints" Rick Davidson, AlA, was principal-in-charge and Richard Allen, AlA, was KPS project manager for the 245,OOO-square-ioot facility, The contractor was Brasfield & Gorrie General Contractors Inc, Construction costs were $24 million, The General Services Administration Region VII is the owner. AlGA NEWS The Alabama chapter of the American institute of Ilraphic Arts (AlGA), an organization of graphic designers and other related professionals, has been hosting a series of interactive lunches focusing on different aspects of the new technology in design, Topics for the past year touched on video editing, digital photography and photo CDs, multi-media and interactive design among others delivered by selected area speakers, The informal iuncheons are held one Thursday a month from 1130 a,m. to 1245 p,m, at the Blue & White Cale', 2837 Culver Rd, in Mountain Brook. There is no charge to sit in, Barry Graham, president of AlGA, may be contacted for information on the luncheon series which wiil resume in January or other AlGA events at 205-991-4049. AIGNBirmingham also holds quarterly meetings In October the speaker was 0, J. Stout, art director of Texas Monthlymagazine and in November McRay Magleby, the renown creative director at Brigham Young Universirj, In December a Christmas party is planned for the 15th at the Alabama Theatre in Birmingham Activities will begin at 530 pm and at 7 p,m, "White Christmas" will be shown, The cost is $4, and the event is open to anyone, The AlGA hosts the Best of Birmingham competition on a bi-yearly basis. The next BOB is slated for summer 1996, For details on membership information contact Laurie Borland at 205-870-0044 BIRMINGHAM HISTORICAl. SOCIETY PRESERVATION AWARDS In May the Binningham Historical Society announced its 1995 Awards in celebration of National Historic Preservation Week, Tne celebration theme, "Real People, Real Places, Real History," honored individuals who have made a difference in preserving our heritage, The winners are: Independent Presbyterian Church-An authentic restoration of the Great Hal! and other sections of the church destroyed by a fire in 1992 was undertaken along with complementary renovations to the education wing of this Highland Avenue landmark, Especiaily notable is the exterior stonework executed to complement the originaL Client Independent Presbyterian Chure,1f Architect: KPS Group. Hugh Thornton, project Jeader Contractor: Brasfield Gorrie, Jim Gorrie, project manager Stonework: Dwayne Brown, brownstone Robinson House-Oasis-This 1897 lateVictorian residence at 1900 14th Ave, South has been restored and is now the home of Oasis Clinic, A portion of the wrap-around porch previously enclosed with paneling has been restored and columns discovered in the basement reinstalled, Siding was removed and areas of rotted weatherboard replaced, Contrasting exterior colors that emphasize architectural trim were drawn from a book on 19th-century house paint Client: Anna B. LaRussa, Benny LaRussa McAdory Block, Bessemer-As part of the Bessemer Main Street Program directed by Linda Nelson, the 1904-vintage McAdory Block on Third Avenue North in downtown has been restored by owner Ron Busenlehner. A photograph from the 1940s showed how the building looked as the E. L, Huey Furniture Co, before modernization. Gibson Sheet Metal created a cornice replacement for the facade restoration recommended by the Alabama Main Street Program run by the Alabama Historical Commission in Montgomery. C!fen!: Ron Susan/ehner Support: Linda Nelson, Bessemer Main Street Program; Alta Hodgson, director, and David Wallace, design specialist, Alabama Historical Commission Contractors: Jim Gibson, Gibson Sheet Metal; John Baker, Baker Service Co. Studio Arts Building-This exceptional infill structure restores the integrity of Five Points South's ensemble of historic and newer structures, Designed by Craig Rogers of DesignForm, it repeats the curve and the whiteglazed masonry of the original 1911 building, but the introduction of face brick in horizontal bands ties the facade to its Five Points context. Mouldings that produce shadow lines and handsomely proportioned windows give this small building great presence, Developers: Bill Ireland, Tom Hinton Partners: City of Birmingham Architect: DesignForm Inc., Craig Rogers, AlA Contractor: Tayfor & Miree, Joe Crowson, project manager Powell Elementary School-Erected in 1887, the school stili serves Birmingham students, Principal Eva Jones has led efforts to keep the building in good condition, Though many features still need attention, the restoration of decorative tinwork along the gables and parapets of this impressive Gothic-style structure serves both to protect masonrj walls from the elements and reintroduce architecturai detail once!ost. Client: Birmingham Schoo! System, Clel/eland Hammonds, supen/Hendent; Eva Jones, principal; Terry Hallmark, cOrJstf!Jciion supef'llsor Contractor: Mike McNabb, Vuican Roofing and Sheet Meta! NAME CHANGE The School of Architecture at Auburn University has been renamed the College of Architecture, Design and Construction to reflect the range of degree programs and the composition of disciplines therein, Similarly, the Department of Architecture has become the School 01 Architecture, an equal and parallel academic unit with the Department of Industrial Design and the Department of Building Science. Within the new School of Architecture are programs in architecture, landscape architecture, interior design and community planning. DESIGN CAMP Auburn School of Architecture hosted a Design Camp for high school students at the Birmingham Center for Architecture and Urban Studies Aug. 9-12. Students spent three days exploring the downtcwn, building scale models of Linn Park and designing an observation tower/kiosk for the annual City Stages event in Linn Park. PLANNING LEGISLATION CHALLENGES: THE TAKINGS UPDATE According to Connie Cooper, legislative chair of the Alabama Planning Association (APA), sound and responsible planning initiatives in Alabama dodged a potentially fatal bullet during the recent iegisiative session. Earlier this year, takings legislation was introduced aimed at requiring governmental jurisdictions to compensate proper'!; owners for financial iosses due to regulations that are viewed as unfairly restricting the use of the land (zoning regulations, subdivision regulations, building codes, environmental regulations, etc.). At the end of the session, the bill had passed the House without difficulty but was not reported out of committee in the Senate, thus effectiveiy dying in the Senate. Throughout the process, strong efforts were being made to defeat the passage of the biil by educating the legislators as to the substantial negative impacts such legislation would have. Argurnents were put forward that the legislation would hurt not only the natural environment in Alabama, but the overall quali'!; of life the state has enjoyed due to land-use regulations that protect Alabamians' health, safe'!; and general welfare. The coalition of the Association of Coun'!; Commissions, the Alabama Planning Association and a host of environmental and citizen groups were able to successfu!ly assist in delaying passage of the takings legislation during this legisla-approximately 150 objects including architectural drawings, landscape designs, sculpture, furniture, historic photographs and rnanuscript materials. TUSKEGEE ARCHITECTURE STUDENTS: DREAM HOUSE EXHIBIT For the exhibit Dream House, third-year students from the Department of Architecture at Tuskegee University were asked to create designs of their ultimate dream house. The displays provide a complete sense of each house both inside and out The exhibit on view through Nov. 26 was created to complement 'The Most Distinguished Private Place Creating the Biltmore Estate exhibit and the symposium which was held in October. MONTGOMERY ARCHITECTURE EXHIBIT Another related link to the Biltrnore exhibit is this photographic showing of some of Montgomery's most distinctive homes by professional photographer Russ Baxley. The featured homes were selected by a panel of professionals and scholars to showcase Montgomer/s architectural traditions. The exhibit highlighting distinctive architectural s'!;les from the antebellum period through the present may be viewed in the ARTWORKS corridor through Nov. 26. ARCHITECT -DESIGNED OBJECTS This exhibition housed in the upstairs gallery through Nov. 26 focuses on objects designed by some of today's top architects. The collection features pieces by internationally known craftsmen Gehry, Franzolini and Pensi, who are affiliated with Knoli Studio, a division of the Knoll Group Viewers will have the opportunity to study current trends of the design world. This is a unique exhibition for the rnuseurn because the objects included are for sale through the Museum Shop. MADE iN ALABAMA: A STATE LEGACY After almost a decade of painstaking research, Alabama's proud artistic heritage is revealed in this exhibition of more than 145 varied objects. The staff of the Birmingharn Museum and dozens of independent scholars docurnented the production of decorative arts in tive session. However, it is certain thatthis legisla- the state, beginning with its first settlement in tion will be reintroduced when the legislature reconvenes in February 1996. For additional inforrnation, please contact APA President Faye DiMassimo (334-821-1263) or Connie Cooper (205-967-6700) MMFA FEATURES DESIGN-RELATED EXHIBITS THE MOST DISTINGUISHED PRIVATE PLACE: CREATING THE BILTMORE ESTATE This exhibit which runs through Nov. 26 explores the designing of the estate, its construction, the coiiaboration among the creators and the participation of the client. On display are the 18th century, through the Reconstruction period to the early 20th century artist's revival. The exhibition includes Alabama-made ceramics, furniture, metals, paintings, photographs and textiles from both private homes and public institutions. A definitive illustrated catalogue, published by the Birrningham lvIuseum, accompanies the exhibit on view at IvIMFA from Dec. 10, 1995, through Jan. 28, 1996. This is the last chance to review the exhibit which opened originally in Birrningham and has been shown in this srnalier travelling version in Huntsville and Mobile recently. COMMUNITY APPEARANCE SEMINAR Practical and successful strategies that small communities can use to improve the appearance of their downtowns, rnajor highway corridors, neighborhoods and gateways, is the focus of a one-day seminar on Nov. 14 at the new Florence Conference Center. Led by Tony Costello, a high-energy trainer from Ball State Universi'!; in Muncie, Ind., the seminar will show what works and what doesn't. The program addresses techniques to involve the public and gain their support and also implementation tools that work best in smalier cities. Costello has been the project director for rnore than 60 cornmuni'!;-based small ci'!; urban design projects, some of them award winners. The seminar is cosponsored by 10 planning, comrnuni'!; development and communi'!; improvement organizations in Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee. The prograrn will be especially beneficial to rnernbers of municipal planning staffs, planning commissions, ci'!; councils, chambers of cornmerce, downtown development organizations and Citizens who are looking for practical and proven ways to improve the appearance of their communities. For more information call the Alabama Planning Institute at the University of North Alabama in Florence, 205-760-4862 or 1-800-825-5862. WINTER SYMPOSIUM ON THE CITY The Auburn University School of Architecture and its Center for Architecture and Urban Studies will sponsor the second annual Symposium on the City scheduled for Feb. 22, 23 and 24, 1996, in Birmingham The topic for this year's symposium is "Core-Fringe-Hinterland: Relationships and Responses to Growth and Change in the Metropolitan Region." The symposiurn will include lectures, presentations and panel discussions on historical perspectives of urbanization, the media and its influence on public perceptions of growth and change issues. It will involve specific case studies of developrnent and revitalization initiatives in the traditional city core, the ci'!; fringe or "middle landscape," and the rural hinterland of the ci'!; experiencing grov,1h pressures. The purpose of the symposium is to raise the level of understanding of growth and change issues and the interrelationships, both implicit and explicit, that exist among the three geographic areas under consideration. Invited guests from the design fields will include a varie,!; of nationally known experts in planning, urban design, architecture, landscape architecture and urban history. The media panel will include several regionally and nationally known journalists, writers and critics. The symposium will be geared to both design professionals and the lay public. Participation in the syrnposiurn will count toward required continuing education credits for design professionals. Events will include more informal activities aside from the scheduled program so that those attending can visit with the presenters and other invited guests. More specific information wili be available in the corning weeks. Those interested in attending the symposium should contact the Auburn Universi'!; School of Architecture office at the address below; specifics will be mailed to those requesting further information; School of Architecture, 104 Dudley Hall. Auburn, AL 36849; Re Symposiurn on the City-1996; Phone; 334-844-4516. AUBURN UNIVERSITY INDUSTRIAL DESIGN IND 1945 - 1995 AU INDUSTRIAL DESIGN 50 YEARS STRONG The Department of Industrial Design at Auburn University observed its 50th anniversary this fall. To commernorate the occasion a celebration was held on campus Nov. 2-3. As centerpiece of the celebration, the 15th annual Design Interaction was hosted by the AU student chapter of the IDSA for industry professionals and AU industrial design alumni. Featured speakers included Ken Foran, vice president of research and development at Rubbermaid Office Products Division, Jan Lorenc, president of Lorenc Design in Atlanta and RitaSue Siegel, president of RitaSue Siegel Resources of New York. Four exhibits are offered in conjunction with the observance. Current student design work is displayed in Fay Union Galiery, through Nov. 11. Industrial design iacul'!; work is on view in Dudley Hall Galiery, through Nov. 11. Student photography will be shown at Behind the Glass Cafe in Auburn, through Nov. 5. Work by AU industrial design alumni will be showcased in Smith Hall through Nov. 11. Tentative plans call for this body of work to be reconfigured as a traveling exhibit to promote the discipline and study of industrial deSign throughout the region. For further iniormat'ron contact the AU Department of Industrial Design at 334-844-2364. 27 Volume VI, No. I Desi nAlabama Volume VI, Issue I PUBLIC DESIGN AWARENESS AND EDUCATION DESIGN ALABAMA IS WORKING TO CREATE AWARENESS AND APPRECIATION FOR THE DESIGN DISCIPLINES THAT INFLUENCE OUR ENVIRONMENT. WE BELIEVE THAT THE QUALITY OF LIFE AND ECONOMIC GROWTH OF THIS STATE CAN BE ENHANCED THROUGH ATTENTION TO AND INVESTMENT IN GOOD DESIGN. Architecture Architects practice the art and science of creating, preserving and remodeling buildings. Ideally they work to articulate an image of the client who owns the building, what happens there and what it means to the community. Once the aesthetic and functional aspects of a design are conceived, engineers and other professionals are consulted to make the building work according to the laws of physics, safety and access codes, and necessities such as electricity and plumbing. Architects are required to have a working knowledge of all these building elements. Landscape Architecture Landscape architects specialize in exterior environments. Theyapply creative and technical skills to overall site plans, landscape grading and drainage, irrigation, planting and construction details. Their task is to preserve and enhance the environment and define space between and around buildings, including entrances and functional or decorative areas. Planning streetscapes, gardens, parks or gateways are also examples of jobs for the landscape architect. Membership Information Interior Design Urban Design Interior designers Urban designers and organize spaces inside planners are concerned buildings, making them with the functional and functional and pleasing visual relationships to the senses. The belween components of designer's presentation the physical environment to the client usually in the broadest sense. includes floor plans, Among other things, their color charts, photo- work results in unified graphs of furnishi , plans aOO prowsals fQr samples of materia s for transportation systems. upholste/}" drapefl industrial parks, and wall coverings and shJp.ing malls. They, fOrm la e plans and concern of the deS/prier policies to from the first presentation meet the social, econ ic to the installation of the and phy;ical needs of last accesso/}'. communities, and they develop the strategies to make these plans work. This involves identifying urban problems and opportunities, analyzing and implementing options and evaluating results. Membership in DesignAlabama demonslrales your support tor slatewide design awareness in building quality ot lite in your community and in Alabama. You will be kepi up to date on progressive developmenllaking place Ihroughout the slate. have opportunilies 10 learn more about the deSign disciplines, and partiCipate in Ihe exploration ot community design issues. All categories include subscription 10 Ihe journal. an annual report on DeslgnAlabama aclivity and invilations to the annual meeling and special evenls. COMPLETE THE FORM BELOW AND RETURN IT WITH YOUR CHECK. Design Alabama, Inc .. 204 North 20th Sireel. Birmingham. Alabama 35203 The following information Is for the membership category indicated: Individual $15 __ Student $1 0 __ (Please attach a xerox copy of your student 101 Corporate $50-499 __ Sponsor $500·$5,000 __ Organizational __ This iocludes fIOOilrofit, civic, educational and professional groups and associations. There is no lee. OroaniZations interested in joining should contact Design Alabama. This category also includes art and design schools 01 colleges and universities. Name/Organization ____________ _ Address _______________ _ City __________ State ___ Zlp __ _ Phone Number L-J __________ _ Occupation ____________ _ Contact Person: Corpofllfe Members, Sponsors, OrganlzatiollS and Schools. Name Phone L-J, ______ _ .~:~ 1IIII(:;·,i··:~V• . ' .. '0 '0 ... ~ ... '.!' Industrial Design Industrial designers are responsible for function and aesthetics in the manufactured products people use eve/}' day. Toothbrushes, toasters, cars, computer terminals and telephones are examples of items industrial designers make usable and desirable " uman beings. Colors, es, smells and soun are some of the elements they consider, anical or electrical components of a product must work properly, efficiently and safely. ci ..J a:: W It)c o~ 8:i .u...: :~cnC_N O...c. ( ::z:: oa:Oa.~ iaC::J:z 11.u:i wi z. a.a: 0::> - Z III Graphic DeSign , Graphic designers create effective visual communications. "Graphic" refers to the art that communicates and 'design" to the aesthetic arrangement of the elements, including type, illustration and/or message in relation to a targeted audience. Through concept and art direction, designers produce an appropriate advertisement, TV commercial, magazine format, brochure or any number of other visual communication projects. Fashion Design I Fashion designers are style arbiters of dress who interpret the mood of a generation, intuit popular taste and understand merchandising and business principles. They attempt to resolve the contradiction belween art and indust/}, in order to construct a collection of clothing and acoessories with a unique sense of style and taste, enabling people to create a personal statement about themselves in the way they dress.
Click tabs to swap between content that is broken into logical sections.
Title | Design Alabama: The Public forum for Design in Alabama, Volume 6, Issue 1, 1995 |
Description | This is the Volume VI, Issue I, 1995 issue of Design Alabama: The Public Forum for Design in Alabama, a newsletter dedicated to all types of design in Alabama. This issue features articles on the theme "Design in Education". The newsletter also describes different types of design projects in architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, engineering, interior design, industrial design, graphic design, and fashion design plus historic buildings and sites. |
Article List | 1. Design Scottsboro; 2. Alabama Design Summit; 3. Historical Perspectives: Mobile City Hall Block to Be Museum Complex; 4. Innovative Alabama School Designs Address Today's Demands and Tomorrow's Dreams: Hoover High School, Hoover, Alabama, Tarrant Middle School, Tarrant City, Alabama, Central Park Elementary School, Birmingham, Alabama, Baldwin County High School, Bay Minette, Alabama, Auburn Early Education Center, Auburn, Alabama, Leinkauf School, Mobile, Alabama; 5. Alabama School of Fine Arts: Synergy With the City; 6. Children's Wear with a Flair: Designing Distinctive Children's Fashions; 7. Big Spring Park East: Refreshing Upgrade of Urban Oasis; 8. Pushing the Ceiling Limit |
Creators | Design Alabama, Inc.; Alabama State Council on the Arts; Auburn University |
Date | 1995-09 |
Decade | 1990s |
Editor | Dugas, Tomie D. |
Art Director | Hartsfield, Nancy |
Writers | Barranco,Rob; Dugas, Tomie D.; Ellis, Marty; McDonald, Mark C.; Morris, Philip; Penuel, Ken; Setzer, Franklin; Wright, Shelia |
LC Subject Headings |
Architecture -- Alabama City planning -- Alabama Landscape architecture -- Alabama Urban renewal -- Alabama Fashion design -- Alabama |
TGM Subject Headings |
Architectural education Cities & towns City planning Urban renewal Landscaping plans Parks Schools City & town halls Fashion designs |
EOA Categories |
Peoples -- Urban Life Education Arts & Literature -- Architecture Education -- Archives, Libraries, and Museums Geography & Environment -- Human Environment -- Cities and Towns Geography & Environment -- Natural Environment -- Parks, Reserves and Natural Areas History -- Historic Sites |
Type | Text; image |
Format | |
File Name | 1995 Fall DA.pdf |
Source | Design Alabama, Inc. |
Digital Publisher | Auburn University Libraries |
Language | eng |
Rights | This image is the property of the Auburn University Libraries and is intended for non-commercial use. Users of the image are asked to acknowledge the Auburn University Libraries. |
Submitted By | Carter, Jacqueline |
Transcript | Fall 1995 Volume VI Issue I $2.50 '. 51 a ama THE PUBLIC FORUM FOR DESIGN IN ALABAMA Design Alabama, Inc. Board of Directors: Rip Weaver, Chairman Sherlock Smith Adams Birmingham Joseph R. Donolro, Vice Chairman Donotro & Associaies Dothan Sue M. Parker, Secretary University of Alabama Tuscaloosa Lloyd Philpo't, Treasurer Phi/po 't Design Decatur Robert Allen, P.C., Attorney Robert HAllen Mobile Faye DeMassimo Federa/ Highway Administration Montgomery Nancy Mims Hartslield Auburn University Visual Communications Auburn Major Holland Major Holland Architecture Tuskegee Carl M. Hunt The Pinnacle Group, Inc. Birmingham Henry Hughes Shades Va/ley Forestn;, Inc. Birmingham SamW. Kates Wiregrass Museum of Art Dothan Mark C. McDonald Mobile Historic Development Commission Mobile Tom Mason Mason Communications Mobile Kenneth M. Penuel Southern Company Services Birmingham Charles W. Raine David Jones Jr. & Associates, Inc. Birmingham Michael Tillman, AlA, 180 K/P/S Group, Inc. Birmingham Sheri Schumacher Auburn University Auburn Franklin Setzer, Executive Director laura Quenelle, Administrative Director Philip A. Morris, Director Emeritus Sout:78m Progress Corporation Birmingham Volume VI, Issue I Cover: The new Central Park Elementary School has made a significant impact on both its students and its community. Photograph by Gary Knight. From the Chairman: DesignAlabama has made some significant changes within the last few months which should bringfuture benefits to the organization. 1 am pleased to announce that our new chairman will be Rip Weaver, a landscape architect from Birmingham. Rip's enthusiasm and support as a board member has been exemplary. Beginning in September, DesignAlabama entered into a partnership with the Auburn University Center for Architecture and Urban Studies in Birmingham. The partnership was forged after our Executive Director Sheila Wright, whose vision and energy revitalized the program, resigned to pursue a Ph.d. in North Carolina. We wish her well. This new partnership maintains the support of the State Arts Council and the DesignAlabama Board. Please welcome Franklin Setzer as our executive director and Laura Quenelle as our administrative director. The offices ofDesignAlabama are now merged within the Auburn Center on Twentieth Street in Birmingham, and we are "open for bUSiness, " both literally and figuratively. We are confident that "business" is where our emphasis should be placed to ensure the future viability of good design. We must make design part of the equation that defines the economic development and growth of our state. Both DesignAlabama and the Center are committed to support this principle. (.~ Ken Penuel Editor: Tomie D. Dugas Art Director: Nancy Hartsfield Associate Art Director: Ross Heck Electronic Illustrations: John Morgan Contributing Writers: Rob Barranco, Tomie D. Dugas, Marty Eilis. Mark C. McDonald. Philip Morris, Ken Penuel, Franklin Setzer, Shelia Wright This publication is made possible through funding by the National Endowment fDr the Arts, a federal agency, and the Alabama State COIJDCiJ on the Arts, a state agency. DesignAiabama a/so receives (or has in ihe past received) funding from the folfowing corporations: Blount Foundation Alabama Power Company Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs Southern Company Services A Specjaf Thanks to Philip Morris, editor-in-chief of Southern Progress Corporation, for his on-going assistance and advice with this ,DublicaHon; members and stalf of the Alabama State Council on the Arts; faculty members at Auburn University and to a/I others who diligently support OesignA/abama and helped with this issue. We appreciate your support! Members are asked to contact us immediately if they fail 10 receive a copy. Design Alabama, Inc. Franklin Setzer, Execuiive Director 204 Norih 20th Street Birmingham, AL 35203 205-254-8545 1-800-849-9543 FAX 205-323-8385 Submission Informalion DesignAlabama encourages submissions from its readers. Articles about work from ali design disciplines are requested, as well as copy related to historic preservation. For the spring issue in particular we are seeking material on public spaces/pedestrian environments. Please submit copy along with visuals (photos, slides, drawings, eic). to our managing editor, Tomie Dugas, 425 S. Brookwood Or., Auburn, AL 36830. Copy for Project News and Details 01 Interest should include a paragraph summary detailing the nature of the project. the design firm, principals and associates involved and any other details that may be of interest such as unusual or special design features, completion date, approximate cost, square footage, eic. Also inciude the name, address and phone number 01 the client and an individual wlih the firm thai we may contaci for further information. The deadline for the spring/summer issue Is February 15. Direct inquiries t.o Tomie Dugas at 334-821-9347 or Laura Quenelle at 1-800-849-9543. Innovative school designs: Stimulating environments for learning. p.10 CONTENTS Big Spring Park East: Refreshing renovation of city park. p. 22 Mobile City Hall block: Challenging transformation into museum complex. p. 9 FEATURES "DESIGN IN EDUCATION" INNOVATIVE ALABAMA SCHOOL DESIGNS ADDRESS TODAY'S DEMANDS AND TOMORROW'S DREAMS. 10 ALABAMA SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS: SYNERGY WITH THE CITY ARTICLES ALABAMA DESIGN SUMMIT FOCUSING ON DESIGN'S POSITIVE INFLUENCE. CHILDREN'S WEAR WITH A FLAIR: DESIGNING DISTINCTIVE CHILDREN'S FASHIONS. BIG SPRING PARK EAST: REFRESHING UPGRADE OF URBAN OASIS. DEPARTMENTS ProjectANews Work of statewide significance. ACDP.Update Design Scottsboro. Historicai'i'Perspectives City Hall transformation. DesignlilMakes A Difference Law office. Details+Of Interest Noteworthy observations. DesignA!abama is a pubiication of Design Alabama, Inc. Reader comments and submission of articles and ideas for future issues are encouraged. 18 8 21 22 4 7 9 24 25 Alabama School of Fine Arts: Engaging reflection of its urban setting. p. 18 ProjectANews PrOject News is a regular feature of lJesignAlabama and provides an opportunity to keep up-ta-date on design projects that have an impact on our communities. BEN LOOMIS PRESENTING MIS PROJECT TO ARCHITECT RUNE RAMFELT lOCAL TOWNSPEOPLE AT THE EXHIBIT DesignAlabama 4 STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN THE NORWAY PROGRAM MIKE DECURTINS, DON BOWEN, EVA PERRY,ROBISARKAR,JOE LONGORIA, ASHLEY SUlliVAN, BEN LOOMIS, JOE AlCOCK LOCAL MUSICIANS IN CONCERT PERFORMING TRADITIONAl FOLK MUSIC KPS Group Inc. has been selected to design the Oxmoor Community Education Center (OCEC), a new school complex to serve the Oxmoor community currently being developed by USX Realty and the City of Birmingham. The Birmingham Public Schools Board approved the selection of KPS based on the recommendation of its selection committee, which conducted a three-tiered selection process that included a four-day design competition among three Birmingham architectural firms. The Oxmoor Communip} Education Center will be approximately 220,000 square feet, constructed in phases on a 50-acre site in the East Village Center at Oxmoor. It will include an elementan} school serving approximately 500 students and a middle school serving approximately 750 students. The PNO schools will share a common auditorium and food service, as weil as a library/media center and outdoor recreation facilities for the entire community. A community education component will provide after-school child care and adult educational and recreational opportunities. The new school is conceived as a model school, with an instructional program that will emphasize the interrelated nature of the teaching/learning process and active involvement of students in the learning environment The Birmingham Public Schools and the UAB School of Education will engage in a joint venture to staff the OCEC. it wii! serve as an innovative laboratory for developing and testing teaching strategies and the use of technology as a teaching tool. Successful teaching strategies will be imported into other schools in the Birmingham Public Schools system. PLAINSMAN PARK The third time at bat Auburn University chose Cooke, Douglass, Farr and Lemons of JacKson, Miss., in association with McKee and Associates Architecture and Interior Design of Montgornery to design the new baseball stadium Plainsman The students toured significant architectural, cultural and natural sites throughout southern Norway led by AU professor Susan Silberberg and prominent Norwegian architect Rune Ramiel!. The fourth- and fifth-year students worked co!lectively to survey and document the issues and opportunities in the town. Then they made a proposal for a Cultural Heritage Research Institute as an alternative addition to the economic base of the town and as a balance for tourism. The Institute would create venues for university students, faculty and researchers to study R0ros in the areas of architecture, history, environmental law, ecology, agriculture and archeology. Each student completed a design study for one venue in the proposed Cultural Heritage Institute. The projects presented opportunities for closer analysis of specific questions, issues and dilemmas among the separate aspects of the proposal and how each would integrate and impact the town. The proposal was we!! received by the townspeople, Norwegian architects and educators who were interactive with the group. An exhibit of the work was presented in the College of Architecture galiery October 9th through 18th. JASMINE HILL VISITOR GENTER Construction is underway for the Jasmine Hill Gardens and Outdoor Museum Visitor Center in Wetumpka designed by Barganier Davis Sims Architects ASSOCiated of Montgomery. The 1 O,OOO-square-foot structure, set for comple-tion in the spring of 1996, will recreate the appearance of Olympia'S Temple of ~;e~~!~:~:;;il! ;1 ':··':';;J~"~~1] ~:k~~:~:~~ocu:r~~y tor '~T ,u:f=I,fl] . :1 monies of the 1996 MAIN FLOOR PLAN Park. The first h'JO bid designs submitted by another architectural Olympiad in Atlanta. On the facade, a portico with 17-foot Doric-firm were significantly over budget. style columns will support the roof adorned by an acroterion The CDFLjMcKee team produced a stadium within the copied from the museum in ancient Olympia. agreed budget of $2.4 miliion along traditional design lines with seating for 2,890. With a base bid of $2.217 miilion, which was $180,000 under the architect's estimate, the university was able to accept all alternate options. These include brick wails along the first- and third-base sides, an Auburn dressing room, an enclosed batting cage, meeting rooms, increased field lighting and other items. Construction is underway with completion in time for the 1996 season opener in February. Eight students in architecture at Auburn University spent six weeks this summer in the UNESCO World Heritage Site town of R0ros, Norway They were invited to assist in evaluating opportunities and potential, as well as to help assess how to deal with controlied growth, under-used or vacant buildings and manage a growing tourist industry. The 350-year-old town in north central NorNay grew up around local copper mining until the mines were shut down in 1977. Because of its isolated location, the town remained dormant until recently when its unique character began attracting tourists. While tourism has brought a needed boost to the local economy, Ii also has created change and growth which raises questions about the town's Inherent character and the changes which are rapidly taking place to accommodate tourism. The new structure will feature a visitor reception area, mUltimedia orientation room, offices and a gift shop in addition to an exhibition hall displaying three new copies of ancient Greek statues relating to the Olympics The Visitor Center will serve as the focal point of a new entrance drive and new Olympic Walk, adding additional area to the garden for floral and sculpture displays. SUPERIOR BAR & GRILL With style, Design/orm Inc. has successfully transformed an existing Shoney's restaurant on Hwy. 280 in Birmingham into an authentic Mexican border cantina. the Superior Bar & Grill. Working closely with the owner, the architect incorporated old world materials throughout the renovation of the building and explored opportunities to use neon lighting as an architectural element rather than signage The exterior material palette included antiqued stucco, refurbished brick imported from Mexico and salvaged New Orleans shiplap wood siding. The only new architectural materials used in construction were concrete, ceramic tile and historic reproductions of steel industrial warehouse windows. Part of the challenge faced by the Birmingham-based architectural team of Blayne Rose and Craig Rogers was incorporating the unique materials as they arrived on site to enhance the design and authenticity of the project The complexity of the project required numerous detailed drawings and on-site adaptations to produce the "fun" atmosphere desired by the owner. CORNER SITE BEFORE ALABAMA PEDIATRICS AFTER David & Company Architects Inc. of Birmingham has converted an unsightly abandoned gas station site into the new home of Alabama Pediatrics. The corner property is located on U.s Hwy. 31 and Bonita Drive along the western edge of the h'lstoric Hollywood neighborhood district in Birmingham. For years the property remained unimproved and deteriorating with questionable feasibility of being developed as anything but a convenience store. David & Company challenged the limitations of a less-than- 20,OOO-square-foot site with its inordinate setbacks, environmental issues relating to the gas station, numerous utilities to be removed, retaining walls that could not be removed and its location adjacent to a State right-of-way. Today the new 5,OO0-square-foot brick facility bridges the LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Lorenc Design of Atlanta in collaboration with HOH Associates of Birmingham was commissioned by the City of Birmingham to design a civic sculpture for the Birmingham Airport Lorenc Design previously developed the wayfinding and signage system for the airport A sculptural scheme was created to represent the dynamics of flight along the last half mile of Airport Highway as it approaches the airport terminal. Landscape architect Robbin Gregory, directed the construction of a 50-foot wide berm eight feet tall at the opposite end to buffer rental car lots. The landscape plan is simple-green lawn interspersed with a 20-foot wide swath of monkey grass onto which are located eleven chevron-like wing sculptures. They are mounted or an adjustable coiumn and grouped in one, tvo or three units. The backdrop is a solid cloud-like formation of evergreen trees. Ughting, to be adjusted on site, wili add dramatic eftect The installation will be completed by fall 1995. Nimrod Long and Associates was chosen from a field INTERIOR DESIGN Betty Warnock of Warnock Interiors Inc. in Birmingham is working on a residential project with Carolyn Goldstein Interiors in which the design concept for the interior was built around the owners' art coilection. This design team's influence on the Uberty Park residence of Bill and Dianne Mooney has extended to the exterior as well. Though the architecture is traditional European, the interior is contemporary. Niches were built into the wails to display artwork of experienced planners and landscape architects to develop a and the fireplace was indented in an arch as a backdrop for a master plan and a master landscape design for Birmingham- hand-made paper collage in the living rocm. The convex side of Southern College the entrance wall was textured by wali artist, Jan Roberts, with The campus has outgrown its current facilities, and is in accents in copper to reiterate the tone of the copper sconces need of a thoughtlul master pian to coalesce the collection of 1920s, which adorn the wall. 40s and 60s buildings and planting designs with 20-year projec- Granite countertops, bleached hardwood floors and tile are tions for housing, academic and administrative building needs. NLA used as finishes highlighted by unusual chandeliers, architectural has developed site plans for a student center and plaza addition, wallpapers and both neutral and intense wa!1 colors. charm of a historic neighborhood to its hectiC commercial bound- technology center building, student litness center, student housing ary. The building defines entry and addresses its corner location alternatives and an art center building and plaza expansion. with a pyramidal high-volume lobby/waiting space sculpted by Vehicular and pedestrian circulation systems have been arched dormers. Full-height glass wa!ls wrap the waiting rooms to redesigned to create dramatic views of the hiily campus, and the further enhance the open and airy atmosphere. Outdoor light filters building sites have been chosen to reinforce axial views. The master into other areas of the facility via exam rooms arranged linearly plan creates outdoor rooms and returns the campus geometry back along two exterior walis, each with exterior windows, and continu- to its early 1900s' concepL ous clerestory glass along exam/corridor walls. Wide corridors with The 4000-square-foot home also will feature a hand-craft-large clear stained oak trim create warmth and comfort for patients and staff. Even with minimal area for landscaping, simple planting material provides the finishing touch to the project RICKWOOD FIELD Davis Architects inc., of Birmingham has developed a master plan for restoring Rickwood Field, the oldest baseball park in America. Thetacllity built in 1910 by Birmingham industrialist Rich Woodward is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The renovation plans include provisions for a new roof, old-fashioned scoreboard and unique Vlooden louvers to provide shade for the players and natural air conditioning for the fans. The original press box is to be restored, vintage-style seating will be installed and street improvements to be implemented include landscaping sidewalks and antique lighting. A Museum of Southern Baseball History is part of the project being developed by the Friends of Rickwood, a non-profit organization with authority over the restoration and management of Rickwood through a 50-year lease. The master plan budget is $4.6 mil:ion to restore and preserve Rickwood and an additional $2.6 million to design and construct the museum. A national fund-raiSing program is scheduled for fall 1995. Ecotourism is becoming an increasingly important specialty field in the discipline of environmental design. Brian laHaie, an AU professor in landscape architecture, will spend his professional development leave traveling in Panama, Costa Rica, Belize and other parts of Central America as part of his ongoing research into environmental COSTA RICA planning, ethics and eco-tourism. In September 1994 he visited Panama as a part of a multi-disciplinary team of Auburn faculty led by history professor Michael Conniff to investigate opportunities for collaboration with Panama in the areas ed dining table and specially designed rugs when completed in December 1995. FASHION DESIGN Computerization of American industry has been rapidly evolving over the last several years, but this evolution has been slow to filter down to the apparel and textile industry. The primary reason is that available technology is extremely expensive and difficult to learn and use. Manual design and production methods are timeconsuming, tedious and subject to error. Computer technology of agro-forestry, transportation and eco-tourism. has significant advantages over the manual methods currently in Prior to his departure in January, LaHaie will attend the use. Computer sketching facilitates rapid design and color con- Second International Ecolodge Forum in Costa Rica in October where ceptualization and provides instantaneous style alteration. Pattern he wi!1 meet with developers, environmental planners, architects and design and drafting systems allow designers to move styies to the landscape architects and government officials to discuss the past, production room faster and with improved accuracy. present and future of eco-tourism. The purpose of an Agricultural Experiment Station PANAMA CANAL research project undertaken by Lisa Shanley at Auburn University was to develop 10Vi-cost computer-aided design software for apparel designers. She has developed a computerized drafting system to allow a designer to input an individual's measurements and then draft basic patterns to those exact measurements. She also has automated familiar pattern-making techniques such as slash and spread and dart transfer to allow the designer to quickly incorporate style features. The system also provides for digitizing of a company's existing patterns. These patterns then can be stored and reused or changed to create new styles. Shanley's system also wil', include a module tor determ'in-ing the most efficient layout of patterns on fabric. 5 Volume VI, No. I URBAN DESIGN A number of communities in Alabama are taking advantage of transportation enhancement funding to estabiish bicycle and pedestrian trails. Intermodal Sunace Transportation Efficiency Act (lSTEA) funds have been used to complete bike and/or pedestrian trails in Troy. Arab. Guntersville, Ballyton and Montgomery in the past few years. In addition, trails are under construction in Phenix City, Gulf Shores, Town Creek and Mountain Brook. Nimrod Long and Associates of Birmingham prepared Mountain Brook's grant application and plan for the Village Trail System It consists of a pedestrian walkway loop linking three historic shopping villages and an existing linear park. The walkway system will build on 8.4 miles of existing walkways and trails. adding 5.4 miles of new walkway construction to link major destinations within the community. ISTEA funding is also being used for restoration of the Loveman Building to house the Discovery 2000 Museum in Birmingham An Omnimax Theatre is planned for Second Avenue and 19th Stmet on the site of the old Newberry's department store which will be torn down. A parking garage will be refurbished in conjunction with this project. Lead architect is Lee Nichols Hepler of Charlotte, N.C. Gresham, Smith and Partners of Birrningham has been retained as associate architect and engineering consultant. Auburn University Center for Architecture and Urban Studies in Birmingham has a contract to provide the required photographic and graphic documentation on the buildings affected by the project. Construction is slated to be cornpleted by the end of 1997. MAIN STREET AT CIVIC SQUARE RAILROAD SQUARE "f~ "."-f~-~-~~-t=~:;~::~.~;i~}.'~ ~~l K_~:__]_fJ > "i',' -- CIVIC SQUARE In 1994 the Chamber of Commerce and City of Alexander City, concerned about their downtown area, agreed to undertake a comprehensive plan for the area. With the help of a team of planners and architects from KPS Group Inc. led by Doug Kleppin, director of design, and Larry Watts, project manager, Operation Downtown Alexander City was formed and a planning process initiated. The Downtown Revitalization DesignAlabama 6 Plan is based on an economic analysis of the Alexander City market area (Tallapoosa, southeastern Coosa and eastern Elmore counties) and a physical analysis of Downtown Alexander City proper. The plan is being reviewed by members of Operation Downtown Alexander City. It will be finalized and adopted during fall 1995. A summary of the plan is as follows: The concept or vision for the revitalization of Downtown Alexander City consists of reinstating downtown as the town center-a focal point of the city. This concept is based on unique development districts including 1) a traditional retail center that works well; 2) a retail niche especially suited to downtown; 3) an institutional and office district centered on the courthoUse; 4) a series of community activity centers which reinforce these districts, and 5) new development opportunities which will increase the employment and activity in the town center. INDUSTRIAL DESIGN Where most industrial designers work in the private sector with design teams to create new products for commercial mass markets, Bynum Duren, a senior rehabiliiation technology specialist works in the public • sector to create products for individuals with disabilities. Employed by the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), he works with other rehabilitation team members to identity and provide appropriate technology to enable people with disabiiities to reach their maxirnurn potential. Team members aiways include the client and may include a counselor, social worker, vocational evaluator, physical therapist. occupational therapist, speech therapist or other individuals who can contribute to resolving the technology problem. Duren consults with the team members to solve product problems by: 1) identitying and evaluating the appropriateness of cornmercially available products; 2) modifying these products to "fit" the consumer; 3) or by designing a new product or acces-sory. Although the focus is on solving vocational-related technology problems, teams also address problems in areas that include education. independent living, communication, rehabilitation and recreation. Although rnost team members are from the DRS, expertise and assistance from the private sector may be utilized. Family members, employers, rnanufacturers. vendors, educators and others make significant contributions to solving the technology problern. A current project involves working with interior designer Kellena Deery of Zac Smith/Crawford in Birmingham. Their task was to create a workstation from commercially available modular office systems for adults with a variety of functionallimitations. To address the problem, the workstation needs of one individual were isolated. After consulting with the individual and other tearn rnembers. Duren compiled job task information and completed an ergonomic evaluation. Workstation speCifications were identified and idea sketches completed and provided to Deery. She researched and identified the components of the commercially available, rnodular office systems that rnet the ergonomic and design specs of the client. Then Duren determined what modifications needed to be made for accommodating specific job tasks and identified other special equipment needed for essential and nonessential functions of the job. Finally, recommendations were made for the appropriate commercially available products that would render the work area usable and the individual competitive. Changes in job task, equipment or workstation ergonomics can have a devastating affect on job penormance by a person with disabilities. The modular workstation these two designers have created can be re-configured so that the employee can rernain competitive The designers also anticipate that this system can be customized to "fit" other individuals with different hurnan factors, physicai abilities and job tasks. GRAPHIC DESIGN SlaughterHanson of Birmingham has created a series of flat direct mail pieces and ads for Momentum Textiles of California. The campaign "A Moving Inspiration" features architects and interior designers well known in the field who donate their services to charity or pro-bono organizations. The agency compiled a list of 30 candidates, and Momentum selected the three individuals to feature in 1995. They include the examples shown below of Samuel Mockbee, AU architecture professor and director of the rural studio in Greensboro, and interior designers Helen Carreker of California and Charies Gelber of New York. Three more will be selected for 1996. Marion English is the art director and Liz Von Hoene of Atlanta the photographer. I In conjunction with the effort to renovate Rickwood Field in Birmingham, SlaughterHanson has created a logo and a series of public service ads that deal with different aspects of saving the ballfield. On the ad series Greg McGough is art director and John Huet of Boston, photographer. The five ads feature scenes of players shot with cameras from the 30s and 40s, embuing the photos with a vintage look. A brochure by art director Marion English. a poster and eventually a series of TV spots to air on PBS will be forthcoming in efforts to generate funds for the Friends of Rickwood organization. ACDPtUpdate >,,'''-!" '·L,:>, " .. ~ .. , Gateway, downtown and corridor studies developed for the Scottsboro charrette . • eSI n co s oro he Alabama Community Design Program (ACDP) completed its second community design charrette of 1995 in Scottsboro this past April The charrette, following one held in Hartselle in February, involved five days of intense activity for 10 volunteer design professionals from around the state and included substantial participation from numerous Scottsboro residents throughout the process. The charrette, coordinated by ACDP board member Mike Lamb of Birmingham, focused on issues related to Scottsboro's downtown; linkage to its principal amenity, Guntersville Lake; future development along Hwy. 72 south of downtown, the need for appropr'late entry ways into the city; and problems with managing storm-water runoff, particularly in the area between downtown and the lake. Following one-and-a-half days of reconnaissance, graphic documentation and intensive interviews with local residents, the team settled in to prepare a series of concepts and strategies to address the issues identified. Major recommendations included enhancing downtown as the historic core of the community and a "civic connection" from downtown to Guntersville Lake along Broad Street; focusing anticipated new regional commercial development along a segment of Hwy. 72 while restricting development aiong other segments of the highway; and creating two "gateways" into the city at the intersections which terminate the recommended Hwy. 72 development corridor. The main design feature developed during the charrette was the transformation of Broad Street into a "civic boulevard." The design concept involves making Broad Street the major street along which new community facilities would be tied; the southern terminus would be at the intersection with Hwy. 72. The southern end would include a new city entrance at the intersection and a new park with a pond as a water amenity The pond would also serve as a holding area for excess storm-water runoff during rainy periods. Broad Street itself would be improved with appropriate landscaping, street lighting and provisions for signage that communicate information about the city and the civic events that occur throughout the year. Other specific design recommendations include iandscape improvements in downtown with emphasis on the Broad StreeVCourthouse Square area; new permanent provisions on vacant property for vendors connected with Scottsboro's highly successful monthly "trade days;" a new eastern gateway at the intersection of Hwy 72 and 35, with a new street connection from this gateway into the downtown; and general development guidelines for vacant property along Hwy. 72. The design team feels strongly that these proposed improvements would assist the community in establishing a clearer identity and sense of place for residents as well as visitors. In doing so, the city would benefit economically by virtue of the environmental enhancement, especiaily the potential for tourist dollars associated with cultural and recreational amenities such as Guntersville Lake. The team's report was prepared as the work proceeded, and was published by the Scottsboro Daily Sentinel following presentation to the city council and interested citizens at a public meeting. Design Alabama staff and ACDP board members wili provide follow-up assistance to the community in order to help ensure that local enthusiasm and momentum evidenced during the charrette will continue. This assistance will include located. This proposal includes the location of a new civic staff consultation on specific issues and helping the commu-center, visitors center, the new high school and new recre- nity prepare specific implementation proposals for funding in ational facilities as the focus of the community The northern the future. terminus of Broad Street would be the new city hall location The ACDP design team for the DesignScottsboro charrette adjacent to Courthouse Square where the city was first set- included: Larry Watts, director of planning for KPS Group Inc. by Franklin Setzer of Birmingham, who served as the team leader; Franklin Setzer, associate professor of architecture and director of Auburn University's Center for Architecture and Urban Studies located in Birmingham; Steven Lee Johnson, landscape architect from Grover & Harrison P.C. of Birmingham; Linda Mosch, transportation planner and engineer with Gresham, Smith and Partners of Birmingham; Scott Miller, graphic designer with R. Meadows & Fowler Inc. of Birmingham; Chuck Weber, supervisor of Urban Forestry and Horticulture for the Department of Public Services in Huntsville; Joe Donofro, architect and principal of Donofro & Associates of Dothan; and Jeffrey Brewer and Laura Gavin, Auburn University architecture students and Brad Cordell, landscape architecture student. Executive Director Sheila Wright represented Design Alabama along with Board Chair Ken Penuel and DesignScottsboro Coordinator Mike Lamb. The DesignScottsboro charrette was made possible through the generous and enthusiastic support of the community. The steering committee included: Jeptna Moody, chair; Arelene Grede; Norman Johnson; Mark Scott Skelton; and Chuck Snook. Others providing invaluable assistance and support included: Curtis Davis, Penny Green, Rick Loring, Thomas Norwood, Rick Owen, David Patrick, Stevie Patrick, Glenn Smyth and Carmen Wann. The ACDP/DesignScottsboro team is most grateful to all those citizens of Scottsboro who made our visit so exciting and enjoyable. 0 Franklin Setzer is professor of architecture and director of the Center for Architecture and Urban Studies for Auburn University. He is also the new executive director for DesignAlabama. 7 Volume VI, No. I ARCHITECTURE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE INTERIOR DESIGN URBAN DESIGN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN GRAPHIC DESIGN FASHION DESIGN : "Good design influences positive community development, positive economic development and is basically good for business. " The economic growth and vitality of Alabama is a topic demanding much attention, and it requires participation by all interest groups to ensure success. Input by the design commun'lty, especially a focused and unified design community, can be essential as a catalyst for sustained and quality expansion of our state's economic base. But a key partnership-within the design community itself-has never been forged, nor an interdisciplinary consensus of the contribution that could be made by "design" to economic growth been formalized. Hence the Design Alabama Summit was formed. It provides a process structured to bring together professionals in the design disciplines of architecture, landscape architecture, urban design and planning, graphic design, interior design, industrial design and fashion design with leaders from the "development" community to discuss the relationship between design, community development and economic development. The underlying assumption of the summit process is that good design does in fact translate into good business and has a positive effect on the community and its economic viability. The guiding philosophy for implementation of the summit process is to ensure an interdisciplinary focus and to encourage collaborations and partnerships in using the state's available resources more effectively and efficiently for the good of all. In late 1994 the process began with a series of discipline-specific roundtables. Each focused on questions exploring the influence of design on development. The core questions were: OesignAlabama 8 a 88 n umm By Ken Penuel and Sheila Wright • How does good design in your discipline affect community development and economic development? .. .At both community and state levels. • What strategies would enhance your discipline'S ability to positively influence community development and economic development? ." At both community and state leveis. • What are the implications for policy development? What is the design professional's role in developing these pOlicies? As the profeSSionals began the process, it became important for each discipline to remind itself that these questions were larger than the typical issue of generating more business for the individual disciplines. The scope of thinking had to be widened to include all design areas in exploring the broad concepts and issues which will shape the growth and development and determining how each discipline can contribute. The concepts remained broad by design. These groups were challenged to explore the "what" and "why" and not formulate an answer to the"how" at this point, as again, the summit is a process. Upon completion of the roundtables, several observations could be made concern'lng consensus. First, partiCipants agreed that people innately know what "good" design is when they experience it directly. However, they have diHiculty in translating their feelings and emotions to personal and collective behavior. For example, people may visit a park or a particular city and comment on its amenities and surroundings yet return to their hometowns and fail to recognize and value these same qualities in their own communities. Seemingly, the power of individuals and groups to adapt to their situations far outweighs the ability to shape circumstances and align personal preferences and choices with visionary concepts, i.e. visions aren't reflected in actual behavior. Second, the process of adapting to higher standards while enacting public policies may be negatively perceived, especially in the beginning of the evolution. It must be realized that individuals, families, industries, and businesses make selections based on a variety of reasons, including their perceptions of and experiences in a particular city, state or region Considering this, Alabama's ability to attract new industry and business may also depend on how cities and towns evolve in terms of planning and overall design. The extent to which these places reflect qualities of good design may also determine the state's ability to retain these businesses once they've agreed to relocate to the state. Third, while architecture, landscape architecture, urban design and planning literally play critical roles in the development of a city, industrial deSign, interior design and graphic design also contribute in very constructive ways. The lalier provide a "micro" perspective, often dealing with specific, more focused solutions rather than the "macro" concerns of a site or project. Also discovered during the summit process was that engineering should be a significant contr'lbutor. Engineers play an important "design" role, especially in the built environment, so a roundtable comprised of a multi-disciplinary group of representatives from the eng'lneer'lng communitywas established. Is it time to consider engineering a player in the design arts league? While the obvious connections between design and economic development may not be the most critical factors needed for positive and sustained growth, partiCipating professionals commented that good design maintained 'In simple and practical approaches and conducted in a constructive and well-informed manner can, indeed, cre-a ate the climate and culture needed to sustain a healthy economic environment. This "common sense" approach to design, building cities and to policy making has the power to invigorate once stagnant downtown cores or, thinking more broadly, an entire state. The deSign professionals also reported the need to review current policies and regulations not only at state and local levels, but within the design field as well. They noted a need to look at current curricular practices in deSign education and to revise these to encourage more inter-disciplinary activities as well as private partnerships with design firms and practitioners. Now the process must continue. As an outgrowth of the summit held in August the partiCipants recognized the need for all the design professions to continue to meet, establish consensus and speak as a united front in the economic development process. The professions need a mechanism by which they can share these concerns and speak with ampliiied voices on the contribution design arts can make to Alabama'S economic vitality. Perhaps Design Alabama can champion that effort. The organization anticipates that in 1996 the economic community, governmental and public sector leaders and the design community will meet to engage in meaningful dialogue and develop strategies to support a development initiative. This on-going dialogue could build better relationships between clients of deSign, economic policy makers and development communities. Design Alabama encourages th'ts concept. II Ken Penuel is the outgoing chairman 01 Design Alabama. He based this article on his observations of the August Design Summit and overview material of the design descipline roundtables provided by Sheila Wright. As former excutive director of DesignAlabama. Wright initiated the Design Summit process. The development of a single citv block in downtown MobIle has the potentJal to transform the port city's tourism effolt into a major industly. Two nonprofit organizations--111e Exploreum of Mobile and the Mobile City Museum-are planning large museum projects for a highprofile site bordered by the city's 1110St pron1inent streets. 111ese projecls offer the challenge of building two dynamic museums on a relatively small site, Equally challenging tasks have been given to the project architects who have been asked to design technically demanding new buildings which are COl11- patible with Mobile's National Historic Landmark City HalL In addition, this museum complex will require separate loading docks, entrances and tour-bus drop-off points for the two institutions, The Museum of the City of Mobile's architect, Hayes, Seay, Mattern & Mattem, are rehabilitating the City Hall and Southern Market Building which was constructed in 1856-57. 111is museum will be the largest history museum in the state and will incorporate the existing National Historic Landmark City Hall building, as well as a 20,OOO-squarefoot addition. 111is addition will serve as the museum's main gallery space for display of permanent and changing exhibitions. 111e design of this addition has been the subject of much discussion with federal, state and local historic preservation officials. At controversy is the philosophy taken by the National Park Service that neVi additions should "be differentiated from the old and shall be compatible with the massing, size, scale and architectural features to protect the histolic integrity Historical'i'Perspectives by Mark C. McDonald of the property and the environ- contemporary interpretations of the men1." The City Museum's architects, brackets, pilasters and other City after much consultation with the Hall features. The Exploreum/ National Park Service, decided that Omnimax complex project also fea-the least objectionable site for the tures restoration of a 1925 fire station addition would be in an interior which is located on the eastem por-courtyard space, rather than tion of the block. 111is building, obscuring the exterior facades of known as the Matt Sloan Fire City Hall. The architectural design Station, will be rehabilitated with a of the addition has not been decid- $2 million ISTEA grant and used as a ed yet but the architects from "hands-on'· science museum. Hayes, Seay, Mattern & Mattern Architects, museum board mem-have preferred a contemporary bers and staff of both institutions design which is dearly distinguish- have worked collaboratively to fit able from the old building. the many needs of the respective HammeL Green and Abrahamson museums on this single city block. of Minneapolis and Holmes & The results of these large projects Holmes of Mobile are the architects should be a dramatic symbiosis for for the Exploreum/Science Museum downtown Mobile. ~ and Omnimax Theatre and have moved in a more traditional direction. The massing and roof forms are velY like City Hall and the architectural details will be Simplified Mark C McDonald is director of the Mobile Historic Development Commission and a member of the Design Alabama Board of Directors. 9 Volume VI. No. I Innovative Alabama School ~igns Address i"":' and uee-:011:wpractically a household in discussions >i\, ,F"~:N(fJ;; t()'f;>i!vnpro~i(]dsef.?Qo'I/JC)USI?S, stricter discipline and higher a,caa!enJi~ ~ta1/l,--;lav'd" P"'OLbtFsi?VeratAlabama communities, a when he that society car~ ,0'_. '"J'.-" abOut the conditions in Stan Go.dwin, Demtt~tiMJligh School. The primary goals for Demopolis were to create a welcoming exterior reminiscent of the town's traditional architecture, to effectively intJ'grate e~ucational a~~recr~ationaA\funq\i':~s and prep~re foputure expa~s1on qrd tec~~0109iq,?1 reform has tran:jormed the 11().QLS, {:J:r;ea!tt)Jnf!, n~I'A/ life into education. J Dllvr'.t-J communities, Alabama architects have ~ttif2c'eJil/bt 'iSCI'JOC)LS that tfl/fRt{J0rate the aesthetics a11:d > . .[I?ctm.c1tof:!zes apptfJjJltate to their efJJltg}J!§nrfilents. While specific . ···.det~ilsm0y. vary, the design goal remai1L)'4?7Y(] same: to create si~d~t~Genl;~d~~ttingithUltstimu1(lte learn;~g,.at every turn: ···Ase;amptesofv;rlatiQrt's·~:nair.a.?j.itie~an7:z~e,-·· "--~ /-. '. _. ---"-. - -"-.~ '.-. -.-."-.,,----,,. -... ---._----- ,- Demopolis High Schoqlby Sbertock8~lllja.1ZdA4qifi§.of ' Montgomery and theizbq School complex by MCKeeana. . Associates of Montgomery njlect the classical brick architecture ".-----".~ OjsmalltQ:;mswhileincorporating the latest in technology. Both -"-"-." "_ .. _-.-.- .. "-- serve as comm~~itygathering;P~t~ana,inElba:sQA§e, the rebuilding of th~t~rJ/),EJ~q'Pllovided a f~~~lP~i~t7ar.rarrting tragedy into triumph after the disastrous jlwd of 1990- Still other schwl$ have engaged architects who drew on ! contemporary design expression to interpret their vif;ion. &. Regardless of approach, these Alabama schwls are creating visually stimulating environments for learning to take place. theflrrifE '/fJ{Z"ti(ilrVn Montf5cfNX'!iJi, which provides fi'tf!t1feting communication services Hoover HighSchool Hoover, Alabatna Arcbitect: Giattina Fld1er Aycock A rcbitects Inc. Binninghaml Alabanza It wasn·t an easy task for the City of Hoover. but in only 15 months, architects and builders constructed the massive 530 million Hoover High School complex, finishing just days before the stal1 of classes in 1994. Early on. the 60-acre site posed environn1ental challenges because citizens ,,-vere concerned about stripping the rural area for construction and creating runoff that \vo1..Jld flow into the Cahaba River. In consultation with landscape architects Nimrod Long and Associates, Giattina Fisher Aycock heid a number of meetings with members of the Cahaba River Society and other concerned citizens. "As a result. the finished project incorporates settlement ponds and care-fully designed site drainage. The runoff goes to controlled areas for deposit. I believe we were able to satisfy everyone concerned,.· says Project Architect Ty Cole. Hoover High School. The general classroom building welcomes students with its limestone facade surmounted by a builtin clock. To minimize the impact of parking for 1,300 students, two separate lots were developed. Each was then subdivided with broad isiands of loblolly pines. Islands of willow oaks and tree diamonds with zelkovas further soften the paving 11,e 372,OOO-square-foot campus vvhich serves more than 2,000 students consists of [\vo buildings with an outdoor cOUltyard and amphitheatre between them. The brick and limestone exterior, along with a metal pitched roo[ offers the traditional schoolhouse look. Limestone columns and an arched colonnade with a buiit-in clock at the face create a wel-cOIning entrance. Inside, deSigners aimed to "establish a sense of rhythn1 and order in a vast environment," says Cole. '·Each classroom core consists of four classroom doors in a pod arrangement with columns of individual, defining colors at the entrances." Large hallways and single- tier lockers allow traffic patterns to proceed without interruption. But aesthetics are just pan of the st01Y at Hoover. The school's performance capabilities are even n10re striking. "Our prilnary goal \vas to ensure they had state-of-rl1e-an equipment to serve the programs they already had in place and to provide facilities that would dramatically enhance those programs," Cole says. As a result, the high school includes such progressive additions as driving simulation rooms, desktop publishing equipment in the writing center, video and cable capabilities in each classroom via a hookup with a local cable company, top-quality theatre production facilities, e-mail and even a greenhouse for fioraculture studies. The first building includes 120 classrooms, the administrative area, a computerized media center and science and home economics labs. The business classrooms each have 20 computers and the drafting rooms are ready for CADD capabilities. A special facility for mildly mentally retarded students offers a separate, covered entrance. The MMR classroom includes a fully accessible kitchen and other facilities designed to teach daily living skills to the men��tally and physically challenged. The second building sits on the open side of the lJ and includes spons, performance and dining facilities. These recreational areas are accessible '\vithout entering the 111ain schoolhouse. Included is a 285-seat theatre, the drama depaIt1nent with dreSSing rooms, projection and sound booth equipment and large Elba School Complex. The cost-effective solution for Elba was to develop an educational complex which resembles a smail college campus with upper and lower schools built on a single site. The brick exterior used throughout the complex is in keeping with Elba's traditional architecture, but exposed structural steel was added to promote a sense of strength and progress. 11 Volume VI. No. I The landscape plan for Hoover High School won an ASLA Merit Award in 1994 for Nimrod Long and Associates. band and choral rooms. The school has cleared a site for a larger theatre which will offer joint productions with the City of Hoover. Basketball games are played in the "pit' of the top-f1ight competition gym and retractable seats increase the building'S f1exibility. Also included is a second gym with locker rooms for physical education classes and a fully-equipped weight room. A two-level dining hall that seats 660 students overlooks the courtyard and open-air recreational basketball courts. "Sports are big at Hoover to say the least," observes Cole. "So this school has it all. The site includes two softball fields, five tennis COUles, a football practice field, a soccer field, an auxilialY field, a band and drill field, a football field with outdoor track around it and separate fields for varsity and junior varsity baseball. They even have a 7,000-square-foot athletic storage bUilding." The biggest challenge at Hoover according to Cole \vas lnaintaining clarity. "With a school this big we had to make sure we had clear travel paths. \Ve needed spacious relationships ~vith character and clear intent in Hoover High School. An open courtyard between the two buildings is detailed with sandstone walks, zoysia lawns, decorative lighting and limestone benches. An axis shaped with London pavers splits the space with the western half containing an amphitheatre and the eastern half, a dining plaza and a basketball court. DesignAlabama 12 design ... and I think that's just what we got.' Clarity of expression outside the building GUlle under the purvie\v of Ninlfod Long and Associates of Birnlinghanl. An integral part of this project beginning with site selection, NLA provided planning for circulation routes, layout design, athletic facilities and planting design to enhance the overall enviromnent. Below. Hoover High School emerges at the end of a boulevard of oak trees. Low hedges screen parked cars from the visitor's entry experience. Above. The gently sloped lawn amphitheatre and sandstone stage is shaded by ginkgo trees. Tarrant Middle School. Above. Multi-colored brick patterns and dormered residential roof forms soften the scale where the school addresses the neighboring residentia! streets. Right. The entry to the school is through a pavilion of banded brick columns, bracketed timbers and a shingle roof indicative of traditional neighborhood housing forms. It is flanked by bus canopies with exposed concrete columns and steel roof forms and a natural finish metal rool. Tarrant Middle School Tarrant City, Alabama Architects: Crauford Mc Williams Hatcher Architects Inc., Birmingham, Alabama Feelings ran strong in Tarrant City, a cOlun1unity just north of Birminghan1 International Airpolt, concerning ib beloved W1'A-built school. In use as a middle school, the structure was inefficient, outdated and due to the building's condition and its stucco-on-masonry decorative elemenl" unfeasible for rehabilitation. So Crawford McWilliams Hatcher approached designing the successor structure as an interpretation of the elements that give the surrounding neighborhood its character. That area is comprised of well-kept bungalows built during the first two decades of this centUlY for employees of nearby steel and mining-related industries. The new 42,OOO-square-foot classroom building constructed adjacent to the original structure it replaced, houses 25 classrooms, an art studio, science laboratory, adlninistrative offices and cafeteria and food service areas. Plans also included renovation of a small classroom annex built in 1982 for use as a media center, home management laboratolY and other special function classrooms. According to Thomas Goodman, design architect with CMH, "We felt strongly that the school should relate directly to the sUlTounding houses. A contextual non-institutional interpretation of the traditional neighborhood forms has been realized through a playful use of bracketed timbers on masonry columns, roof forms and multi-colored brick patterns. The effect has been a softening of scale and presence and a dramatic blend of home and school," he adds. The $3 million project was finished in time for the 600 kids in grddes five through eight to begin this school year in their new facility. Central Park Elementary School Birmingham, Alabama- Arcbitects: Gresbam, Smitb and Pa/'tner:, Birmingbam, Alabama A new and improved Central Park Elementary opened its doors to students in grades K through five in April of 1994, replac, ing the old school originally located next door. The structure was planned around a central 111a11 or spine ·with shared spaces such as adll1inistrativc, library, cafeteria and gyn1 on one side and claSSr00111 wings on the other. The 80,OOO,square,foot faCility is situat, ed on an urban site \"'v1th hOUSing on t\VO sides and a park on another. The classrooll1 \vings are on the side adjacent to the houses and are designed to relate to the scale of the neighborhood, \vhile the C01111110I1 areas are on the side adjacent to the city park and \\'ill have access to that facility. The classro()iu \\rings plug into the street to create a schoolhouse for each grade level. According to Project Architect Wayne Carr, this arrangen1ent has several advantages. "It keeps the age groups separ~1ted, reduces travel distances and noise levels, improves con, trol and security and gives each grade its O\V11 identifiable space·· This has translated into a much S11100ther lTIorning routine confirms fifth grade teacher, Joy Doering. noting that the design layout makes it possible for the children to come directly into their classrooms. To assist \vith orientation each classro()In vv"ing has its own color scheme and floor pattern. The library, gym and cafeteria are with, in easy reach of all classrooms. The plan arrangen1ent also offers the option of public access to the g;.71D and cafeteria during off hours \\'ithout opening the entire school. The exterior combines brick v/ith split, faced concrete block and \vindov,/ openings to create a colonnade sin1ilar to the interior. The con1bination of these 111<1teriais is designed to be interesting while also prOViding visual lessons in color, texture. pattern, rhythm, scale and proportion. Citing convenience, effiCiency and spaciousness, Doering is enthusiastic about the new faCility. "And the aesthetic appeal is obvi, ous-it is a beautiful school,.· she relates. The students love it and regard the inner,city school as a refuge she observes vv"hiIe pointing out, "How they feel-if they're comfol1ableiI11pacts their vv'illingness to learn." Central Park Elementary School. Right. The spiral staircase is an orientation "landmark·· for students as wei! as the central circulation element Its visibility helps the children feel comfortable in their new environment. Abm!£!. Entry to school is designed to be distinctive and inviting to students and residents of the community 13 Volume VI. No. ! Central Park Elementary School Birmingham, Alabama Above. "The exterior of the school was designed on a scale to work well with the surrounding community," says Senior Design Principal, Vvilliam Jordan AlA, Below. The library's color and distinctive forms rein-force its position as a center of exploration and learning Above."The use of patterns, colors, forms and shapes make the school itself a learning experience, We designed " the school to be 'readable' for its students," says architect, ! William Jordan. ~ ~ ~ Classrooms are comfortable and efficient with a more subdued color scheme. The cafeteria continues the theme of colorful, chiid-friendly environments found throughout the school. OesignAlabama 14 ~ecial1:Y UnitS Baldwin County High School. The traditional facade uses formal entry areas with columns and gables to break up the long length of walls and provide depth. To lower the perceived roof line, two roof slopes were used. Baldwin County HighSchool Bay Minette, Alabama Architects; David Vol/eel? and Associates Mobile, Alabama Wl1ile the administrative, classroom and library areas are situated tmvard the front of the school, noisier cOlnponents including the gym, bandrOOlTI and cafeteria are in back Security is enhanced by fewer entrances and windows. The C0111pact design also ll1cans cheaper heating and air-conditioning and easier ll1aintenance. In Baldwin County where school officials Architects considered the students" needs ,vere ailning for stronger security Ineasures and operational economy, architects introduced a design concept that placed all the classrooms in a compact grouping under one roof. Though by creating an entrance at the student camlDons area toward the rear. 111ere students enjoy an open-air courtyard \vith seating areas and a snack bar. Nearby are the gym and the cafeteria interpreted in traditional vernacular, the move which is all glass and overlooks the commons. broke away from school design traditions that "just because the classrooms are com-called for sprawling corridors and plenty of win- pact doesn't mean that there are no \vindows," dows. It met with some resistance at first but has relates Skocdopole. "We've implemented \vin-proven effective at four new Baldwin County dows whenever possible, like in the cafeteria, high schools. library and throughout the corridors that touch It is an unusual concept, according to outside walls." Project Architect Finley Skocdopole, because In the corridors, architects chose indirect design priorities traditionally focus on natural lighting for an informal, calming effect. "Instead lighting and ventilation. \'V11en those priorities take a lesser role in favor of security and maintenance considerations, it allows for architectural freedoms that aren't found in traditional school deSigns. 111e Bay Minette school completed in 1991 is one of four high schools David Volken and Associates has deSigned in Baldwin County. The others are located in Daphne, Fairhope and Foley. Although tvw schools feature traditional facades and two contemporary exteriors, the schools have similar floorplans and interior design concepts. This arrangement offered the county greater economy of scale and kept costs for each school at around $6.5 million. 111e idea has piqued the interest of school administrators across the nation who frequently visit the Baldwin County sites. of lights down the center of the corridors, which v,;ould accentuate the length, \ve placed lighting behind the tops of the lockers which is reflected off the walls and into the space. We also placed lights over the recessed alcove entry area to each classroom, which helps break up the hall\ vays," Although the innovative compact design had detractors at first. just one group remains dissatisfied according to Skocdopole. "Only the students who don't find it nearly as easy to skip class anymore don't seem to like it," he says. TIle 130,OOO-square-foot Baldwin County High School stretches across an 87 -acre site. Above. In step with the latest advances the library at Baldwin County is stocked with plenty of CD-ROM capability Above right. The main entrance lobby at the Bay Minette school. 15 Volume VI, No. I Auburn Early Education Center Auburn Early Education Center. The classrooms are located in the center building puntuated by the three towers. The administrative wing housing the reception area. principal's office, conference and nurse's office is on the right and the motor skills wing is on the left Auburn, Alabama Architects: Barganier Davis Sims Architects Associated, Montgomery, Alabama The Auburn Early Education Center is a mUltipurpose facility designed to capture the spirit of a complete learning environment for small children. The building completed in 1991 now serves 380 kindergarten students in 21 classrooms. In addition it houses special education preschoolers. students and parents in a year-round Even Start program and offers daycare services for faculty and staff of the Auburn City School System. This innovative concept has stirred interest across the COUntry and is serving as a model for other school systems. The design goal, according to Barbara regarding form, materials, colors and scale of spaces has been made with small children in mind," says Culpepper. The building is organized into three classroom pods or 'communities" with a central common group activity space for each pod. 'Each community has six to eight classrooms, ,. explains Principal Suzanne Freeman. 'They have a C01111110n area just like a living r00111 in your house for any group gatherings such as guest speakers, choral readings, sing-a longs, storytellers, speCial progralTIS and s111a11 group work." The area also incudes wall space for displaying artwork, shelves for hOUSing books, a stove for cooking activities, cabinets and a teacher workroom. The colors blue. pink or green identify the separate communities and are visible in each Culpepper of Barganier Davis Sims was to create tower area and commons area to aid children in a scale that would relate to small children and locating their classrooms. provide architectural excitement as paIt of the A central gallery lined with colorful sam-learning experience. 'Each design decision pies of the students' creativity stretches the Plans for Leinkauf School, below, by Holmes & Holmes of Mobile Alabama. OesignAlabama 16 length of the filCility. proViding the nucleus that connects the COlnnltmities, day-care center and lTIotor skills \'ling. Three towers, which Visually organize the building internally and externally, mark the classrooms, day-care center and administrative \ving. Lo\>/ eaves and shingled roo[" provide a scale in keeping with the adjacent residential neighborhood. Above. An impressive galiery runs the length of the school with large picture windows on one side and a tackable wail surtace to display student work on the other. I ~~IJ LeinkauJ School LeillKauf School. Construction crews toiied through the summer heat on a tight schedule to complete reconstruction of the original structure for fail occupancy. Mobile, Alabama Renovation Arcbitects: Holmes & Holmes. Arcbitecis. Afobile. Alabama In addition) plans for a nc\v building to house a 111edia center and adnlinistration offices plus a t\"\-'-o-story cJassr00111 annex \vere deenlcd too costly \,\rhen originally subnlitted. entil lightning struck in April 1993, Howeycr, a second more feasible proposal Leinkauf School \vas one of the oldest school that took advantage of an adjacent property buildings in continuous use as a school in the acquisition, was presented in May 1995. The state. First occupied in 1903, the Mobile school 52 million plus project was awarded recently is listed on the National Register of Historic to Lee Saad Construction of Mobile for occu- Places and is the centerpiece of the Leinkauf pancy in fall 1996. Historic District. Despite extensive fire-related The architects rehabilitated the existing danlage to the original structure: the lVIobile historic structure by rebuilding its exterior to a County Board of School Commissioners, recog- condition which, though not an exact restora-nizing Leinkaufs outstanding tradition of educa- !ion, does recall its original appearance. "For tiona 1 excellence and role in revitaliZing the city example, the earliest section of the building-center, committed to rebuilding the school. that pC111ion vvith the cupola-vvas originally In July 1994 a S3 million plus contract constructed of wood and had a slate roof. This was signed \vith Coastal Builders of Mobile to is the portion that v,,-as most grievously dam-rehabilitate the original structure with Holmes aged by the fire," explains Project Architect & Holmes serving as architectural consultants. Nicholas Holmes Jf. "For structural and code- This phase was completed in September allow- mandated reasons we have rebuilt it with steel ing some of the older students among the 600 and covered it with a slate grey metal roof." children enrolled in kindergarten through fjfth He notes that the intelior was brought up grade at Leinkauf to begin the school year in to code with enclosed fire stairs. fll-e-rated coni-their "new" old school. elors, an elevator for the handicapped and air con-ditioning. Technological updates \,\Tere incOlVorated in the plans to support TV and computer specifications. With the addition of public toilets and projection faCilities, the cafetoriu111 ,'vas transformed to acconl1110date public events and ensure that the school \'\,ill continue to serve the C0I11111unit")t for many years. In designing the ne\\' 20-dassroorTI addition to be built across a side street, HolInes & Holmes has attempted to create structures subordinate to the older historic building that will blend in with the one-story residences of the surrounding area. The single-story design incorporates exterior colonnaded circulation to help diminish an "institutional appearance" in the neighborhood. This sensitivity to the neighborhood and protection of the school's historic integrity is born of mutual respect. Mark McDonald of the Mobile Historic Development Commission explains. Teinkauf School is not only an important historic building, it embodies the whole spirit of its surrounding historic neighborhood. It is really inlpossible to iInagine this neighborhood without Leinkaufs dramatic presence." 0 This vintage photo shows the original school and on the left a two-story 1911 addition Aerial photo shows damage to the historic Leinkauf School The original building on the right was the most severly damaged 17 Volume VI. No. Addressing the Urban Issue Left. An expressed concrete frame structure orders syncopated window and wall patterns at the 19th Street North end. Public access to ground-level performance spaces occurs here. Classrooms occupy the second level, dormitories the third. Right. Completed in 1993, the first phase of Alabama School of Fine Arts designed by Rennecker-Tichansky creates an urban wall for the northern edge of Birmingham's downtown core, screening out elevated 1-20/59 just beyond. Simple, tough materials reflect the urban location. The double-gabled roof sheathed in white-painted metal panels takes into account that the building is highly visible from nearby high-rise office buildings DesignAlabama 18 Alabama School of Fine Photography: John O'Hagan The new campusfor the Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASFA) occupies a city block on the northern edge of Birmingham's tradi-tional downtown core, and it does so with considerable urban syn-ergy: the school's presence adds dimension to the city, while the city gives much in return. Until 1993 when the new buildings opened, the school was just one block to the west but virtually invisible in a ramble of low, make-do disconnected structures. The administration of Mayor Richard Arrington, which has aggressively and iInaginatively pursued urban redevelopment on many fronts, traded the school's existing site for the new one. One block made all the difference, giving the new faCility great visibility and a direct linkage to the city's cultural district. A.lier developing several schemes which \'\lould have reused an existing I110tel bisecting the site (none of which appealed to a major donor who had made commitments to help fund the new faCility), architects Rennecker-Tichansky began from scratch. The result is an exceptional piece of design that serves ASFA students and visiting public well and defines an important edge for the city. lind with the first phase built for less than $53 per square foot, it is a triumph of architectural ilnagination over constraints. "A major goal was to integrate our design into the urban fabric," explains Alan Tichansky, AlA "We set out to reinforce the urban structure, respond both to the city streets and the elevated freeway (I-20/59) and manipulate a rather small building 000,000 square feet) so it would have a strong sense of presence." To do this, the core of the design became a threestory bar, 60 feet wide and approximately 360 feet long, stretching along Eighth Avenue Nonh from the sidewalk on 19th Street NOlth to the one on 18th Street. The building became, in effect, a city wall with the elevated freeway beyond. FUlther, Rennecker-Tichansky knew primary views of the building would be from nearby high-rise office buildings. "We took the plane of the roof as another building elevation," notes Tichansky. Its double-gable, executed in metal seam roofing with \vhite baked-on finish, was chosen because it would be more in scale with the structure than a single one. The dual gable also echoes the fact that there is a central corridor below with dorm rooms on either side. (The gabled roof also suggests dwelling to many, appropriate for a dormitory, but Tichansky says such symbolism was not intended.) In addition to its emphasis on ans, the program for ASFA differs greatly from other middle and secondaly-level schools. It serves grades seven through 12, and approximately one-third of the student body lives on campus. 111e long bar layout works well. The first phase The second floor houses classrooms, like the dorms double-loaded along a central corridor. This level also houses the music and creative writing depanments. The most eco-nomical way to structure the bUilding vvas a row of poured-in-place concrete columns down the middle of the bar. The architects played this to full advantage, using the row of columns to modulate what would have been a deadly block-long corridor. On the ground level. the linearity of the plan is opened up to provide larger studio and '~ major goal was to integrate our design into the urbanfabric," explains Alan Tichansky, AlA. ''We setout to reinforce the urban structure, respond both to the city streets and the elevatedfreeway (1-20/59) and manipulate a rather smaO building (100,000 square feet) so it wauld have a strong sense of presence. " o top floor has space for 96 students, and the common spaces. Flanking the core are 60-foot division by sex can be changed based on wide single-stolY structures hOUSing dance stJdemand. Students are up and secure, and rooms dios, a recital hall and a small theatre. Ranged on the city side have stunning skyline views. along the core is school administration, a public lobby, school commons, an studios and other functions. At the request of the client; Rennecker-Tichansky clearly separated public and student entries, the latter placed at the 18th Street end and the public entering off 19th Street. In contrast to its first home, which had all sorts of out-of-view pockets, the simple layout of ASFA's new facility makes supervision of students much easier. At the same time, the layout essentially engages its urban setting. And that old urban vinue, proximity, so often overlooked today, serves ASFA very well. Half a block away is the recently expanded Birmingham Museum of Ans; a block a\vay begins the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center; Linn Park anchors the neighborhood, and students use the Birmingham Public Library main library on the far side of the park as their school library. While he attaches great value to this urban connectedness (in contrast to an early ASFA competition winner which proposed an inward-looking cloister), Alan Tichansky also is pleased at the move that gives ASFA a sense of campus open space. "We cut the sloping site down from the Eighth Avenue side to receive the building," he points out. "This creates a psychological break between the street and the open area fronting the school, \vhich discourages people from \valking into it from outside." This space is a generous expanse of lawn, facing south, and gets much student use, as does a dining terrace outside their C01111TIOns. A lo~;v holly hedge defines the campus/city edge, but loosely placed shade trees provide visual relief from the strict ordering. 19 Volume VI, No. I The public lobby has the same urban loft character as the rest of the building interior, with exposed concrete frame and split-face block walls. Students painted the 'rug' for the concrete floor. A second phase for ASE;, completed just in time for fall 1995 session, houses math and science depanmems and dorm space for 16 additional students in a three-story, 16,000- square-foot building added at the northwest corner of the existing structure. A future phase calls for a t\vo-story building to be erected over school, repol1s the facility serves both students and public as intended. Public spaces are hea viiy used by outside groups. "\\7e have excellent light in the art studios, and HOOfS for dancers that bounce," she say/so "It may be surprising, but we are pretty sure we have the only school in the country specifically designed for fine arts ground-level parking parallei to the existing at these education levels." bar. This \vould house classro()1TIs and dOfl11S Casual obsen-'ations about ASh\. are sin1ilar to the present la)iout. Present perfor- sornetimes not Hattering. It looks industrial and ll1ance and COrnmon areas \'v'ould serve the pur- tough to n1any~ probably' based on the straight-pose. Enrolln1ent for 1995 is 320 students. fonvard materials-exposed concrete, split-EKe Frances Versrandig, director of the ASEA.. concrete block, alUll1inul11 \vinciows, ruetal pan- Foundation) a non-profit support group for the eis, glass block, But outside, its context is not clOll1CStic suburban but rather brutal urban with an elevated freeway and a corrugated concrete public parking deck the nearest neighbors. And inside, it looks and feels like lott studio, a neutral place open to the in1aginarion, And that it is. Pbfh~D JIon"is is editor-at-large JbrSoutbern Living and Southern Accents. He is Han. AL4, Hon. ASIA Clnd C! lnember qf the board of re8'eJl/S qfthe Atnerican Architecture FOllndczliofZ. John O-,}-Iagarl, photographer with Southern Progress COJp. -:<; Oxmoor House hook divisioy(. is also an architectllrai photographer, A central row of poured-in-place concrete columns was the most economical way to support the structure, and on the second and third floors they modulate corridors that would otherwise have seemed deadly. At the end of the building OPPOSite the public lobby, ASFA's student commons spills out to a dining terrace and the lawn sunken below Eighth Avenue North. The long bar building has fine views of downtown skyscrapers, especially from third level dorms. OesignAlabama 20 ren's • I • ear WI • a air: Designing DistInctive Childrens Fashions by Rob Barranco Judy Lynn Children's Clothing Inc., a privately-owned company to be different was to design her own fabrics and buttons Working with based in Montgomery, has made a name for itself nationally in the children's many resources in the United States and abroad, she began to learn fashion design market Designing and producing high-end children's cloth- more about the importance and challenge of fabric design, as well as ing for nearly 10 years, the business now employs 90 workers at two loca- how it affects the selling of her garments. tions. The plant in Montgomery handles design, marketing and sewing As the business and her three young boys have grown, the functions, and a plant in Tallassee provides sewing expertise. Montgomery-based designer saw the need for some assistance. She hired During its history, the company has relied solely on the innovations an artist from Auburn University to translate her many fabric ideas into and talents of owner/designer and mother of three young boys, Judy Lynn reality. "Each season we have been using more and more of our own fabric Barranco. These innovations have kept Judy Lynn Children's Clothing designs," Barranco says "One of my goals is to one day use 100 percent popular among children's clothing buyers across the country. The talented of my own fabric design for designing my dress collections," she added. designer, a Montgomery resident for more than 20 years, graduated from Although Barranco likes to think Judy Lynn Children's Clothing is a Lee High School and received her degree in fashion design from Florida trend setter, not a trend follower, she does attend design and color shows State University. around the country several times a year to keep up with the latest ideas. From the beginning, Barranco's motto for her company has been to Her current fall/holiday line is available in Parisian department provide a well-designed, top-quality sewn garment with imported laces and stores, as well as in other major department stores across the nation. "Our fresh new printed fabrics at a good price. During the early years she used fall/holiday line was very well received, but I always look forward to only Swiss eyelets and other imported laces and fine batistes in traditional deSigning spring with brighter florals and pastels," Barranco says. The silhouettes-floats, empires, drop-waist dresses for girls and button-on Judy Lynn Children's Clothing spring line will be available to consumers knickers and shorts for boys-to build a clientele. beginning the first of the year. As the company branched into new and bigger markets, a number Recently Barranco has achieved a personal goal to have her designs of other designers began to try to "duplicate" the quality, look and materi- make an impact on the international scale. Five Judy Lynn designs have als of the Judy Lynn garment Realizing this, Barranco added new and been published by the Vogue/Butterick pattern company with phenomenal more complicated features to her lines. She designed features that other sales allover the world. manufacturers would find difficult to copy such as the the "tulip sleeve," Although Barranco modestly attributes much of the success of her "mustache-back" collar and collars woven with ribbon throughout the company to design, she says more important is allot the hard work, material. "I feel these unique designs are what really helped catapult our support and dedication her family and staff have given her throughout company into the top-selling children's dress vendor for Parisian Inc. and the years II moved us to 'favored vendor' status with Dillard's department stores," Barranco says. A few years ago Barranco decided to focus more on designing to bet-ter distinguish her company from the rest. As she saw the trend turning from traditional classic dresses to more playwear outiits, she knew the only way Rob Barranco is general manager of Judy Lynn Children's Clothing. 21 Volume VI, No. I Big Sprhlg Park East: Refreshing Upgrade of Urban Oasis By Tomie D. Dugas Huntsville's roots were nourished by a spring that has become a fitting centetpiece oj a renovated urban park. Big Spring Park East pays homage to that water source discovered in 1804 by brothers joseph and Isaac Criner, the first white settlers in Madison County. john Hunt, the town's Jounder and eventual namesake, settled at "Big Spring" about a year later. A detail of the design development plan drafted by Smith Engineering. The spring was a popular gathering place for recreation, and its waters were used for baptisms during the 1800s. A dam and mill-powered water system dating from the 1830s delivered water from the spring to the town through a system of hollow-cored cedar logs. In 1856 the city took control of the water works and in 1858 refurbished the area with stone walls and installed a pump house. The upper·level pavilion marks a shullles top location. Limestone steps invite relaxing by the canal's edge. OesignAlabama 22 Operational on the left side of the steps is of the longest outside chairrail lift of its type in the South. The lion statue lounges under a tree near the spring basin. "'" After World War II, when the spring was retired as 1 the city's water source, stone walls were extended and an a 11: artificial water fountain installed. A modern swimming pool ~ and the lagoon were created on the west side of Church ~ Street. The park was again transformed in 1964 with the brush of urban renewal. The latest $2.2 million effort sought to better link the space with the surrounding town and to make the famous spring more user friendly. In reaching back to Huntsville's roots, City Project Engineer Mark Seeley characterized the intent of the recent renovation to evoke the spirit of small town charm. "We want it to resemble Old Main Street ~ U.S.A.," he notes. g g LDR International of Bethesda, Maryland, was tapped §j to develop a master plan study. The park conceptually was ~ divided into three spaces. The western ponion surrounds ~ the Big Spring Lagoon where the new Huntsville Museum of Art facility is being built on the site of the relocated Senior Center. The eastern pan, Big Spring Park East, is subdivided into two spaces. The "urban canyon" is an area of approXimately one acre enclosed on three sides by bUildings, walls, natural rockface, 32 feet of stairway and Big Spring. This space spills over into another softer, greener area, a little more than three acres in size, recently bisected by Spragins Street. The city contracted with Smith Engineering of Huntsville to construct drawings for renovation of the existing park. Jones and HerTin Architects of Huntsville along with LDR were design sub-consultants. "111e design content," explains Mike Donnelly, a landscape architect \vith Smith Engineering, "involved vacating a city right-away that transversed the park to open up green space and providing a new pedestrian access point off Fountain Circle near City HalL" The main access point into the park is from West Side or Court House Square. The upper-level plaza overlooking .3 the main staircase has been refurbished with iron railings I and a copper-topped pavilion designed by Jones and ~ Herrin. Ramps lead to a mid-level court where a renovated ':.:",'7:" ~ fountain is flanked by twin trellised arbors planted with wisteria vines. The circular fountain, which had been dis- Big Spring Park East as it existed before the 1994 renovation. connected because it sprayed onlookers, has been reconfigured into a weir-type waterfall where the sounds of rushing water have replaced the nuisance spray. Decorative brick work hand-placed in herringbone patterns in the plaza and walkways are reminiscent of those found in Twickenham, the old town center that was renamed Huntsville in 1811. Steps lead down to ground level, and a chair-rail lift has been installed for those needing mechanical assistance. As the focal point of the park, a semicircular basin cupping the spring has been redefined with cut limestone steps to the water's edge. The previous four-foot drop-off was reduced to six inches via the steps where visitors gather to relax and trail toes in the cool, clear water. A canal lined with limestone copings leads off from the source and harks back to the days when Cotton Row stood where the paVilion is now located. Back then traded cotton was sent to market in flat-bottomed boats on the privately dug Indian Creek Canal to the Tennessee River. Flowing from the northern terminus of Alabama's first canal, completed in 1831, the current canal incorporates a widened area flanked by l20-foot limestone steps for resting and reviewing itinerant duck parades. An adjacent arched stone pedestrian bridge gives street access to the grassy areas and provides a view of a small weir-style waterfall upstream from the steps. Recently reinstalled near the spring lies the little lion sculpture, a sentimental favorite of generations of Huntsville families. Dating back to circa 1900, the creamcolored cast iron statue proVides the traditional photographic spot in the park. To the right of the spring basin is the "big room," an oval-like area planted with Yoshino cheny trees. Encircled by a brick walkway, tl1e space was designed to accommodate a tent for events such as the annual Panapoly Alts Festival. Beyond the "big room" unrolls a large casual green space suitable for a variety of activities. Acorn-like light fixtures illuminate the wide walkways that define this space, and wooden benches are scattered at convenient intervals. Maples, oaks, dogwoods and crabapples bolstered by other plantings have been added to enhance existing vegetation. Construction was begun in July 1994, and is now complete. And what was once a gathering spot for the horse-and-buggy crowd continues to provide a place of peaceful repose among the shadows of progress that ring Huntsville's fertile spring .• A lithograph of the 1850's painting of Big Spring by William Frye depicts the dam and mill, part of the water system thought to be the oldest west of the Appalachians. The contractor accomplished quite a feat, reconstructing the canal with its continuous flow of spring water. Beyond the pedestrian bridge, the canal narrows. Twin trellises will be overspread with wisteria by next summer. To the right of the Big Spring is the "big room." Waterfall Umusic" welcomes park visitors. To the left of City Hall a new park access was created. 23 Volume VI. No. I Design_Makes A Difference The reception area for law offices on three floors of the historic Massey Building benefits from Moody/Sprague's skillful manipulation of space. A raised central ceiling pushes the lIoor·to·lloor height limit. Concealed automatic fire doors allow the area to lIow uninterrupted from the elevators. DesignAlabama 24 Custom·designed enclosures for secretarial stations, clad in cherry, stop short of the ceiling to let space lIow up and over. The inward slope near the top also keeps the feeling more open. • n the late 1980s the Birmingham law firm of Hare, Wynn, Newell & Newton purchased the landmark Massey Building with its notable terra cotta trim. Facing 19th Street North at Third Avenue North, the bunding was seen as both an investment and a convenient home for the firm. Moody/Sprague of Birmingham was commissioned to redesign the lobby and ground-floor space, as well as three floors the firm would occupy. Handsome as the late 1920s building is, the iloar-tofloor height of 10 feet (compared to 12-14 feet standard today) was a challenge. As were many other buildings from this period, the structural frame is poured-in-place concrete with floors made of hollow terra cotta tile topped by cinders. This also added constraints. "We skimmed out the beams with gypsum board at eight feet," explains Bob Moody. 'Then, for the public areas, we designed raised ceilings with a furred-down perimeter which gave us both architectural interest and a place to run ducts and utilities without dropping the whole ceiling." The elevated central sections make the ceilings seem higher than they are. It is a proven technique: when a partion of a ceiling is lower, it makes whatever is next to it seem higher. Moody and his clients also are pleased with the way custom- designed secretarial space dividers work. These nine-by- 14-foot spaces along interior circulation have enclosures clad in cherry wood that stop short of the ceiling. They also slope inward at an angle near the top, so space flows up and over. Walls to the ceiling would have been too confining. Cherry, with a light finish, became the distinguishing material throughout the Hare, Wynn offices. It is used on an By Philip Morris Photos by Timothy Hursley/The Arkansas Office internal stair that connects the three floors, on doors and in most offices. A beige marble from South America with an attractive grain was used for floors in main pubiic areas. Even though the same firm occupies all of three floors, the City of Birmingham's fire code interpretation precluded an open reception area for the middle (eighth) floor. Instead of using glass or some other material, Moody/Sprague speCified recessed fire doors that close automatically if there is a fire, which allows the space to be fully open to the elevators. For the eight law partners' offices, the designers did custom offices but with a selected palette of materials so all would work with the larger design of the space. Each of these is a suite with an attractively furnished reception/conference oHice and a separate work space beyond. The project was completed in 1992. The law firm is pleased with its space and with the investment, since the building filled up quickly after ground floor renovations were implemented.1IIB Because there was only 10 feet between lIoors of the 1920s office building, furred·down ceiling surrounds in this confer· ence room conceal structural beams and utilities. Light fixtures are custom interpretations of old·fashioned gasoliers. IIIJAAWARDS In May, the Alabama chapter of the fnlernationallnterior Design Association (IiDAJ held its inaugural PROGRESSION Design Awards presentation in Birmingham Of the 17 entries submitted to a distinguished panel at the IIDA International Board Meeting in Chicago, three projects were awarded Honor Citations, two Merit Awards and one overall Best of Competition. Honor Awards were based on overall design excellence and Merit Awards were presented for particular portions of projects judged as noteworthy by the panel of jurors. Jurors included Marilyn Farrow, FIIDAInternational president of IIDA; Terry L. Perry, FIIDA-International vice president of communications and membership; Collin Burry, national co-chair of special events and Janet Kreig, IIDA. The winners are; BEST OF COMPETITION: The Garrison-Barrett Group Inc. AM Alabama Headquarters, Birmingham HONOR CIT A nONS: Gresham, Smith and Partners Ho!stein Valley Hospital, Kingsport, Tenn. The Garrison-Barrett Group (nc. AM Alabama Headquarters, Birmingham Hatcher iJesign Associates Chiidren's Hospital, Birmingham AWARDS OF MERIT For Use of Color & Design of Corridors Goss & Associates Pediatric Wing, St Vincent's Hospital, Birmingham For Reception Area & Workstation Design The Garrison-Barrett Group, Inc. Office Space for the Garrison-Barrett Group Inc., Birmingham Holstein Valley Hospital, Kingsport, Tenn. AM Alabama Headquarters, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham Holstein Valley Hospital, Kingsport, Tenn. IJA STUDENTS WIN DESIGN COMPETITION Three interior design majors from the University of Alabama's College of Human Environmental Sciences recently received cash awards for their entries in the 1995 Student Design Competition co-sponsored by Alabama Power Company and the Alabama chapter of IIDA. The 1995 competition focused on the interior design of an Environmental Design Coaiition Center-a place to learn more about threats to both natural and man-made environments. The site of this adaptive-use design project was the historic Rosedale Pump Station in Birmingham, Ala. Guest jurors for the design competition were IIDA members Jerri Jordan, Anne Marie Weeks and John Beason. A ,W. A D s OJ ,I Ii• • ASII.'I SPECIALTY AWARD Betty Warnock of Betty WarnockInteriors in Birmingham recently received the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Specialty Award for the restoration of the Woodward Estate, which is the home of the President of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Warnock is an allied member of ASID and has been in business for four years. AlA DESIGN AWARDS The Alabama Council of the American Institute of Architects presented its 1995 Design Awards in August. The jury, comprised of five architects from Tennessee, represented government, private practice and academia. Honor Awards were bestowed for exemplary design exceeding the criteria set by the jury. The Award of Merit was presented for projects meeting the jury's requirements for design exceiience. The winners are shown on the following page. Holstein Valley Hospital, Kingsport, Tenn. The University of Alabama winners are; $500 first piace-Angela Johnson Floor Plans and Plan Oblique from the Student Design Comp.tition: $300 second place--i(im Tesney $200 third place-Annette Crewz. Firs! Plac. Winn.r Angela Johnsun Details+of Interest Details of Interest is a regular feature of DesignAlabama and highlights a wide variety of events and resources. In this issue, a retrospective of 1995 is presented. 25 Volume VI, No.1 HONOR AWARDS: Alabama Power Company, Clanton District Office and Visitors Center, Clanton Cra'l'liord McvVilliarns Hatcher Architecis inc., Birmingham Retirement Systems of Alabama [RSA) Activity Center and Plaza, Montgomery William E. Wa!!ace. A!A, Goodwyn, Mi!is and Cawood Inc., Montgomery Children's Hospital of Alabama Parking Deck, Birmingham Giattina Fisher AycockArchiiecis Inc., 8irmingrram AWARDS OF MERiT: Hooller City Schools Board of Education's Trace Crossings School and Hoover High School, Birmingham Giattina Fisr,er Aycock Architects Ine., Birmingham Hooller City Schools Board of Education's Trace Crossings School and Hoover High School, Birmingham Gi2ttina Fisher .Aycock Archilecis !nc., Birmingham COURTLAND SQUARE CLARIFICATION in the iast issue of DesignAlabama on page 12, a gazebo and bandstand were featured in photos of downtown Courtland. Although Greiner, Var8 & Partners provided the town square renovation plans, these structures were designed by Jones & Herrin Architecture/Interior Design of Huntsvl!le. OesignAlabama 26 ~ NATIONAL cmmolil AWARD KPS Group Inc, was honored with an award for design excellence for the firm's U.S. Courthouse project in Shreveport, La, The AlA and the American Correctional ASSOCiation ~ recognized the courthouse as among the most ~ E. up-to-date and innovative in the specialized 1l justice facility field, it received one of only five I u citations given, g'" The awards jury stated, "This courthouse § is an example of many things being done c: well Despite the relatively strict funding, this courthouse is evidence that good design can result from meeting challenges of restrictions, not necessarliy the absence of constraints" Rick Davidson, AlA, was principal-in-charge and Richard Allen, AlA, was KPS project manager for the 245,OOO-square-ioot facility, The contractor was Brasfield & Gorrie General Contractors Inc, Construction costs were $24 million, The General Services Administration Region VII is the owner. AlGA NEWS The Alabama chapter of the American institute of Ilraphic Arts (AlGA), an organization of graphic designers and other related professionals, has been hosting a series of interactive lunches focusing on different aspects of the new technology in design, Topics for the past year touched on video editing, digital photography and photo CDs, multi-media and interactive design among others delivered by selected area speakers, The informal iuncheons are held one Thursday a month from 1130 a,m. to 1245 p,m, at the Blue & White Cale', 2837 Culver Rd, in Mountain Brook. There is no charge to sit in, Barry Graham, president of AlGA, may be contacted for information on the luncheon series which wiil resume in January or other AlGA events at 205-991-4049. AIGNBirmingham also holds quarterly meetings In October the speaker was 0, J. Stout, art director of Texas Monthlymagazine and in November McRay Magleby, the renown creative director at Brigham Young Universirj, In December a Christmas party is planned for the 15th at the Alabama Theatre in Birmingham Activities will begin at 530 pm and at 7 p,m, "White Christmas" will be shown, The cost is $4, and the event is open to anyone, The AlGA hosts the Best of Birmingham competition on a bi-yearly basis. The next BOB is slated for summer 1996, For details on membership information contact Laurie Borland at 205-870-0044 BIRMINGHAM HISTORICAl. SOCIETY PRESERVATION AWARDS In May the Binningham Historical Society announced its 1995 Awards in celebration of National Historic Preservation Week, Tne celebration theme, "Real People, Real Places, Real History," honored individuals who have made a difference in preserving our heritage, The winners are: Independent Presbyterian Church-An authentic restoration of the Great Hal! and other sections of the church destroyed by a fire in 1992 was undertaken along with complementary renovations to the education wing of this Highland Avenue landmark, Especiaily notable is the exterior stonework executed to complement the originaL Client Independent Presbyterian Chure,1f Architect: KPS Group. Hugh Thornton, project Jeader Contractor: Brasfield Gorrie, Jim Gorrie, project manager Stonework: Dwayne Brown, brownstone Robinson House-Oasis-This 1897 lateVictorian residence at 1900 14th Ave, South has been restored and is now the home of Oasis Clinic, A portion of the wrap-around porch previously enclosed with paneling has been restored and columns discovered in the basement reinstalled, Siding was removed and areas of rotted weatherboard replaced, Contrasting exterior colors that emphasize architectural trim were drawn from a book on 19th-century house paint Client: Anna B. LaRussa, Benny LaRussa McAdory Block, Bessemer-As part of the Bessemer Main Street Program directed by Linda Nelson, the 1904-vintage McAdory Block on Third Avenue North in downtown has been restored by owner Ron Busenlehner. A photograph from the 1940s showed how the building looked as the E. L, Huey Furniture Co, before modernization. Gibson Sheet Metal created a cornice replacement for the facade restoration recommended by the Alabama Main Street Program run by the Alabama Historical Commission in Montgomery. C!fen!: Ron Susan/ehner Support: Linda Nelson, Bessemer Main Street Program; Alta Hodgson, director, and David Wallace, design specialist, Alabama Historical Commission Contractors: Jim Gibson, Gibson Sheet Metal; John Baker, Baker Service Co. Studio Arts Building-This exceptional infill structure restores the integrity of Five Points South's ensemble of historic and newer structures, Designed by Craig Rogers of DesignForm, it repeats the curve and the whiteglazed masonry of the original 1911 building, but the introduction of face brick in horizontal bands ties the facade to its Five Points context. Mouldings that produce shadow lines and handsomely proportioned windows give this small building great presence, Developers: Bill Ireland, Tom Hinton Partners: City of Birmingham Architect: DesignForm Inc., Craig Rogers, AlA Contractor: Tayfor & Miree, Joe Crowson, project manager Powell Elementary School-Erected in 1887, the school stili serves Birmingham students, Principal Eva Jones has led efforts to keep the building in good condition, Though many features still need attention, the restoration of decorative tinwork along the gables and parapets of this impressive Gothic-style structure serves both to protect masonrj walls from the elements and reintroduce architecturai detail once!ost. Client: Birmingham Schoo! System, Clel/eland Hammonds, supen/Hendent; Eva Jones, principal; Terry Hallmark, cOrJstf!Jciion supef'llsor Contractor: Mike McNabb, Vuican Roofing and Sheet Meta! NAME CHANGE The School of Architecture at Auburn University has been renamed the College of Architecture, Design and Construction to reflect the range of degree programs and the composition of disciplines therein, Similarly, the Department of Architecture has become the School 01 Architecture, an equal and parallel academic unit with the Department of Industrial Design and the Department of Building Science. Within the new School of Architecture are programs in architecture, landscape architecture, interior design and community planning. DESIGN CAMP Auburn School of Architecture hosted a Design Camp for high school students at the Birmingham Center for Architecture and Urban Studies Aug. 9-12. Students spent three days exploring the downtcwn, building scale models of Linn Park and designing an observation tower/kiosk for the annual City Stages event in Linn Park. PLANNING LEGISLATION CHALLENGES: THE TAKINGS UPDATE According to Connie Cooper, legislative chair of the Alabama Planning Association (APA), sound and responsible planning initiatives in Alabama dodged a potentially fatal bullet during the recent iegisiative session. Earlier this year, takings legislation was introduced aimed at requiring governmental jurisdictions to compensate proper'!; owners for financial iosses due to regulations that are viewed as unfairly restricting the use of the land (zoning regulations, subdivision regulations, building codes, environmental regulations, etc.). At the end of the session, the bill had passed the House without difficulty but was not reported out of committee in the Senate, thus effectiveiy dying in the Senate. Throughout the process, strong efforts were being made to defeat the passage of the biil by educating the legislators as to the substantial negative impacts such legislation would have. Argurnents were put forward that the legislation would hurt not only the natural environment in Alabama, but the overall quali'!; of life the state has enjoyed due to land-use regulations that protect Alabamians' health, safe'!; and general welfare. The coalition of the Association of Coun'!; Commissions, the Alabama Planning Association and a host of environmental and citizen groups were able to successfu!ly assist in delaying passage of the takings legislation during this legisla-approximately 150 objects including architectural drawings, landscape designs, sculpture, furniture, historic photographs and rnanuscript materials. TUSKEGEE ARCHITECTURE STUDENTS: DREAM HOUSE EXHIBIT For the exhibit Dream House, third-year students from the Department of Architecture at Tuskegee University were asked to create designs of their ultimate dream house. The displays provide a complete sense of each house both inside and out The exhibit on view through Nov. 26 was created to complement 'The Most Distinguished Private Place Creating the Biltmore Estate exhibit and the symposium which was held in October. MONTGOMERY ARCHITECTURE EXHIBIT Another related link to the Biltrnore exhibit is this photographic showing of some of Montgomery's most distinctive homes by professional photographer Russ Baxley. The featured homes were selected by a panel of professionals and scholars to showcase Montgomer/s architectural traditions. The exhibit highlighting distinctive architectural s'!;les from the antebellum period through the present may be viewed in the ARTWORKS corridor through Nov. 26. ARCHITECT -DESIGNED OBJECTS This exhibition housed in the upstairs gallery through Nov. 26 focuses on objects designed by some of today's top architects. The collection features pieces by internationally known craftsmen Gehry, Franzolini and Pensi, who are affiliated with Knoli Studio, a division of the Knoll Group Viewers will have the opportunity to study current trends of the design world. This is a unique exhibition for the rnuseurn because the objects included are for sale through the Museum Shop. MADE iN ALABAMA: A STATE LEGACY After almost a decade of painstaking research, Alabama's proud artistic heritage is revealed in this exhibition of more than 145 varied objects. The staff of the Birmingharn Museum and dozens of independent scholars docurnented the production of decorative arts in tive session. However, it is certain thatthis legisla- the state, beginning with its first settlement in tion will be reintroduced when the legislature reconvenes in February 1996. For additional inforrnation, please contact APA President Faye DiMassimo (334-821-1263) or Connie Cooper (205-967-6700) MMFA FEATURES DESIGN-RELATED EXHIBITS THE MOST DISTINGUISHED PRIVATE PLACE: CREATING THE BILTMORE ESTATE This exhibit which runs through Nov. 26 explores the designing of the estate, its construction, the coiiaboration among the creators and the participation of the client. On display are the 18th century, through the Reconstruction period to the early 20th century artist's revival. The exhibition includes Alabama-made ceramics, furniture, metals, paintings, photographs and textiles from both private homes and public institutions. A definitive illustrated catalogue, published by the Birrningham lvIuseum, accompanies the exhibit on view at IvIMFA from Dec. 10, 1995, through Jan. 28, 1996. This is the last chance to review the exhibit which opened originally in Birrningham and has been shown in this srnalier travelling version in Huntsville and Mobile recently. COMMUNITY APPEARANCE SEMINAR Practical and successful strategies that small communities can use to improve the appearance of their downtowns, rnajor highway corridors, neighborhoods and gateways, is the focus of a one-day seminar on Nov. 14 at the new Florence Conference Center. Led by Tony Costello, a high-energy trainer from Ball State Universi'!; in Muncie, Ind., the seminar will show what works and what doesn't. The program addresses techniques to involve the public and gain their support and also implementation tools that work best in smalier cities. Costello has been the project director for rnore than 60 cornmuni'!;-based small ci'!; urban design projects, some of them award winners. The seminar is cosponsored by 10 planning, comrnuni'!; development and communi'!; improvement organizations in Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee. The prograrn will be especially beneficial to rnernbers of municipal planning staffs, planning commissions, ci'!; councils, chambers of cornmerce, downtown development organizations and Citizens who are looking for practical and proven ways to improve the appearance of their communities. For more information call the Alabama Planning Institute at the University of North Alabama in Florence, 205-760-4862 or 1-800-825-5862. WINTER SYMPOSIUM ON THE CITY The Auburn University School of Architecture and its Center for Architecture and Urban Studies will sponsor the second annual Symposium on the City scheduled for Feb. 22, 23 and 24, 1996, in Birmingham The topic for this year's symposium is "Core-Fringe-Hinterland: Relationships and Responses to Growth and Change in the Metropolitan Region." The symposiurn will include lectures, presentations and panel discussions on historical perspectives of urbanization, the media and its influence on public perceptions of growth and change issues. It will involve specific case studies of developrnent and revitalization initiatives in the traditional city core, the ci'!; fringe or "middle landscape," and the rural hinterland of the ci'!; experiencing grov,1h pressures. The purpose of the symposium is to raise the level of understanding of growth and change issues and the interrelationships, both implicit and explicit, that exist among the three geographic areas under consideration. Invited guests from the design fields will include a varie,!; of nationally known experts in planning, urban design, architecture, landscape architecture and urban history. The media panel will include several regionally and nationally known journalists, writers and critics. The symposium will be geared to both design professionals and the lay public. Participation in the syrnposiurn will count toward required continuing education credits for design professionals. Events will include more informal activities aside from the scheduled program so that those attending can visit with the presenters and other invited guests. More specific information wili be available in the corning weeks. Those interested in attending the symposium should contact the Auburn Universi'!; School of Architecture office at the address below; specifics will be mailed to those requesting further information; School of Architecture, 104 Dudley Hall. Auburn, AL 36849; Re Symposiurn on the City-1996; Phone; 334-844-4516. AUBURN UNIVERSITY INDUSTRIAL DESIGN IND 1945 - 1995 AU INDUSTRIAL DESIGN 50 YEARS STRONG The Department of Industrial Design at Auburn University observed its 50th anniversary this fall. To commernorate the occasion a celebration was held on campus Nov. 2-3. As centerpiece of the celebration, the 15th annual Design Interaction was hosted by the AU student chapter of the IDSA for industry professionals and AU industrial design alumni. Featured speakers included Ken Foran, vice president of research and development at Rubbermaid Office Products Division, Jan Lorenc, president of Lorenc Design in Atlanta and RitaSue Siegel, president of RitaSue Siegel Resources of New York. Four exhibits are offered in conjunction with the observance. Current student design work is displayed in Fay Union Galiery, through Nov. 11. Industrial design iacul'!; work is on view in Dudley Hall Galiery, through Nov. 11. Student photography will be shown at Behind the Glass Cafe in Auburn, through Nov. 5. Work by AU industrial design alumni will be showcased in Smith Hall through Nov. 11. Tentative plans call for this body of work to be reconfigured as a traveling exhibit to promote the discipline and study of industrial deSign throughout the region. For further iniormat'ron contact the AU Department of Industrial Design at 334-844-2364. 27 Volume VI, No. I Desi nAlabama Volume VI, Issue I PUBLIC DESIGN AWARENESS AND EDUCATION DESIGN ALABAMA IS WORKING TO CREATE AWARENESS AND APPRECIATION FOR THE DESIGN DISCIPLINES THAT INFLUENCE OUR ENVIRONMENT. WE BELIEVE THAT THE QUALITY OF LIFE AND ECONOMIC GROWTH OF THIS STATE CAN BE ENHANCED THROUGH ATTENTION TO AND INVESTMENT IN GOOD DESIGN. Architecture Architects practice the art and science of creating, preserving and remodeling buildings. Ideally they work to articulate an image of the client who owns the building, what happens there and what it means to the community. Once the aesthetic and functional aspects of a design are conceived, engineers and other professionals are consulted to make the building work according to the laws of physics, safety and access codes, and necessities such as electricity and plumbing. Architects are required to have a working knowledge of all these building elements. Landscape Architecture Landscape architects specialize in exterior environments. Theyapply creative and technical skills to overall site plans, landscape grading and drainage, irrigation, planting and construction details. Their task is to preserve and enhance the environment and define space between and around buildings, including entrances and functional or decorative areas. Planning streetscapes, gardens, parks or gateways are also examples of jobs for the landscape architect. Membership Information Interior Design Urban Design Interior designers Urban designers and organize spaces inside planners are concerned buildings, making them with the functional and functional and pleasing visual relationships to the senses. The belween components of designer's presentation the physical environment to the client usually in the broadest sense. includes floor plans, Among other things, their color charts, photo- work results in unified graphs of furnishi , plans aOO prowsals fQr samples of materia s for transportation systems. upholste/}" drapefl industrial parks, and wall coverings and shJp.ing malls. They, fOrm la e plans and concern of the deS/prier policies to from the first presentation meet the social, econ ic to the installation of the and phy;ical needs of last accesso/}'. communities, and they develop the strategies to make these plans work. This involves identifying urban problems and opportunities, analyzing and implementing options and evaluating results. Membership in DesignAlabama demonslrales your support tor slatewide design awareness in building quality ot lite in your community and in Alabama. You will be kepi up to date on progressive developmenllaking place Ihroughout the slate. have opportunilies 10 learn more about the deSign disciplines, and partiCipate in Ihe exploration ot community design issues. All categories include subscription 10 Ihe journal. an annual report on DeslgnAlabama aclivity and invilations to the annual meeling and special evenls. COMPLETE THE FORM BELOW AND RETURN IT WITH YOUR CHECK. Design Alabama, Inc .. 204 North 20th Sireel. Birmingham. Alabama 35203 The following information Is for the membership category indicated: Individual $15 __ Student $1 0 __ (Please attach a xerox copy of your student 101 Corporate $50-499 __ Sponsor $500·$5,000 __ Organizational __ This iocludes fIOOilrofit, civic, educational and professional groups and associations. There is no lee. OroaniZations interested in joining should contact Design Alabama. This category also includes art and design schools 01 colleges and universities. Name/Organization ____________ _ Address _______________ _ City __________ State ___ Zlp __ _ Phone Number L-J __________ _ Occupation ____________ _ Contact Person: Corpofllfe Members, Sponsors, OrganlzatiollS and Schools. Name Phone L-J, ______ _ .~:~ 1IIII(:;·,i··:~V• . ' .. '0 '0 ... ~ ... '.!' Industrial Design Industrial designers are responsible for function and aesthetics in the manufactured products people use eve/}' day. Toothbrushes, toasters, cars, computer terminals and telephones are examples of items industrial designers make usable and desirable " uman beings. Colors, es, smells and soun are some of the elements they consider, anical or electrical components of a product must work properly, efficiently and safely. ci ..J a:: W It)c o~ 8:i .u...: :~cnC_N O...c. ( ::z:: oa:Oa.~ iaC::J:z 11.u:i wi z. a.a: 0::> - Z III Graphic DeSign , Graphic designers create effective visual communications. "Graphic" refers to the art that communicates and 'design" to the aesthetic arrangement of the elements, including type, illustration and/or message in relation to a targeted audience. Through concept and art direction, designers produce an appropriate advertisement, TV commercial, magazine format, brochure or any number of other visual communication projects. Fashion Design I Fashion designers are style arbiters of dress who interpret the mood of a generation, intuit popular taste and understand merchandising and business principles. They attempt to resolve the contradiction belween art and indust/}, in order to construct a collection of clothing and acoessories with a unique sense of style and taste, enabling people to create a personal statement about themselves in the way they dress. |
|
|
|
A |
|
C |
|
D |
|
E |
|
F |
|
H |
|
I |
|
L |
|
M |
|
O |
|
P |
|
T |
|
U |
|
V |
|
W |
|
|
|