Envisioning the Center
In May, AIA Baltimore organized a visioning workshop at Price Modern, attended by AIA Baltimore and BAF leaders, and representatives from the partner organizations that will share the Center. An online survey was also distributed to AIA Baltimore members to help shape the overall vision. From the workshop and survey, it became clear that the Center for Architecture and Design should serve as a high profile and visible space to showcase the important role of architects and design, and as a dynamic hub to engage professionals, students, and the public. The Center should represent the forefront of design thinking and be a model for sustainable design best practices.
Firm Selection Process Documentation and Finalists
Nine firms submitted qualifications in response to the Request for Qualifications (RFQ). The design jury, comprised of AIA leaders from other AIA chapter and foundation centers for architecture and design, scored the submissions according to the criteria set forth in the RFQ, and made the determination to shortlist 4 firms (rather than 3 as originally planned). Each shortlisted firm was provided with a stipend of $5000 to prepare for the 45 minute presentation and Q&A with the jury on August 1. Documentation on the project was also shared with each team, including the report from the visioning session.
Quinn Evans Architects was selected to design the Baltimore Center for Architecture and Design.
The following firms were selected to take part in the design competition:
Jury Members
Suzanne Frasier, FAIA, Morgan State University School of Architecture + Planning | President, AIA Baltimore
Rebecca Johnson, Executive Director, AIA Philadelphia/Philadelphia Center for Architecture and Design
Dawn Taylor, Executive Director, Kansas City Center for Architecture & Design
Kim Yao, AIA, Architecture Research Office | President-Elect, AIA New York
Richard Miller, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C, Hoefer Wysocki | President, AIA Dallas/Architecture and Design Exchange
Overall Jury Statement
The design jury would like to thank all the firms who presented proposals. All of the designs were carefully considered and presented with a great deal of energy, effort and enthusiasm. The jury also wishes to commend each team for the wholehearted commitment expressed, and the sentiments of appreciation and respect for the AIA and the BAF. In particular, the jury commends the emerging professionals each firm included in their teams.
After thorough deliberation, the jury reached unanimous consensus and selected the design proposal from Quinn Evans Architects, recognizing its adaptability and praising its emphasis on community identity and outreach in built form, locally sourced fabrication, procurement and installation, and its spirit of citizenry and community sustainability by projecting out and drawing in.
Jury Comments on the Winning Design by Quinn Evans Architects
“Alternating and flexible transparent partitions make for a dynamic and flexible and accommodating space. Creative finishes proposed for partitions and interior and exterior storefronts – and for the floors, too! The scheme incorporates the adjacent sidewalk and the south street wall at W. Fayette Street in addition to incorporating the immediately adjacent Center Plaza, both in programming and integration with immediate interior space functions.” — Suzanne Frasier, FAIA, Morgan State University School of Architecture + Planning | President, AIA Baltimore
“Interactive and ever-changing exhibit gallery, with moveable display wall panels, positioned to engage the lobby as overflow space. Flowing design goes beyond the limits of the space giving the impression of a larger area. Emphasis on community, wellness, daylighting, views and inclusiveness.” — Richard Miller, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C, Hoefer Wysocki | President, AIA Dallas/Architecture and Design Exchange
“Sustainability via local involvement – democracy. Emphasized importance of emerging professionals and shifting Mies into the 21st century. Incorporated local events into scheme – Light City.” — Rebecca Johnson, Executive Director, AIA Philadelphia/Philadelphia Center for Architecture and Design
“This scheme is both a laboratory and a showcase (project out/draw in). It feels the most accessible and inclusive of young professionals, staff, and community.” — Dawn Taylor, Executive Director, Kansas City Center for Architecture & Design
“This scheme adapts for event spillover into adjacent interior and exterior spaces, projecting through all three sides of the space. It has the potential to literally engage and connect with the community, amplifying the liveliness of the adjacent plaza.” — Kim Yao, AIA, Architecture Research Office | President-Elect, AIA New York
