As explained in part 1 of the article, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) have selected the 10 recipients of the 2010 Small Project Awards.

Part 2 covers the Small Project Objects (up to $50,000 construction budget)

2010 Small Project Awards, Part 2
Small Project Objects

Shadow Pavilion; Ann Arbor, Michigan

PLY Architecture

It was Robert Le Ricolais, early pioneer of surface and space frame structures, that said “the art of structure is where to put the holes”. His eloquent statement is even more relevant today given the ability to link the precision of the computer with the precision of computer controlled cutting equipment.

The Shadow Pavilion explores the paradox of a perforated structure where the removal of material makes a structure lighter and weaker. The Shadow Pavilion, is both a structure and a space made entirely of holes. The pavilion surface is made with over 100 aluminum laser cut cones that vary in size. Beyond testing the limits of sheet aluminum, the cones funnel light and sound to the interior space, offering visitors a space to take in the views and sounds of the surrounding landscape.

Organizational schemes for the cones are explored, including the logic behind the concept of phyllotaxis. In botany, phyllotaxis describes a plant’s spiral packing arrangement of its elements. The organization of the cones may limit the form, but can strengthen the structure. The laser cutting process uses the digital design information to precision cut and finish the aluminum cones.

Construction Cost in whole dollars 22000
Photographs by Karl Daubmann

Plug-in satellite office – ASU; Phoenix

Mark Ryan Studio

Description by the Architects: Inspired by the ‘Cell’ art installations of Louise Bourgeois, particularly an interpretation of the notion of 'solitude within groups' this transformable, movable, satellite work space for a University College is set within a larger photography/video studio in downtown Phoenix.
When not in use the steel tube frame enclosure can compact to 7’ x 14’ and can be moved as necessary throughout the studio. When fully deployed it occupies a floor space that is 14’ square and accommodates one to four persons.

It can be ‘plugged-in’ as needed around the entire studio perimeter where data and electrical services are located. The specific site for the satellite inside this historic warehouse was chosen for its active, energetic atmosphere within the emerging downtown arts district that sits adjacent to the University’s downtown campus in process.

There was, however, a stated desire for some necessary relief, or ‘solitude’, from this same dynamic environment for purposes of productivity and sanity. Derived compositionally from a marriage of regulating line proportions and direct human dimensions, the space uses simple interior shelf units as a way to interrupt outward views while seated yet also allowing full participation with the space and activities when standing.

Construction Cost in whole dollars  $5,000

Prospect.1 Welcome Center; New Orleans

Eskew+Dumez+Ripple

The largest biennial of international contemporary art ever organized in the United States, exhibits 81 artists in museums, historic buildings, and found sites throughout New Orleans. The Welcome Center for P.1 is housed in one of these found spaces – the historic Hefler Warehouse – and serves to orient visitors to the city and the biennial.

The design was inspired by the shape and scale of shipping containers, a nod to the significance of the port to the city’s economy and a reference to the nature of delivery for much of the art exhibited for the biennial.

Due to constraints of time and budget – the entire project was designed and constructed in 6 weeks at a total cost of $28,000 – a single construction material was selected that was both inexpensive and readily available.

Utilizing construction grade plywood as floor, wall, ceiling and structure, the internal form is manipulated to provide hospitality desk, display counter, refreshment center and seating bench for visitors. Acting as a container within a container, the ribbed plywood exterior construction acts in dialogue with the wood structure of the historic warehouse, contrasting the architecture of old and new.
Construction Cost in whole dollars  28,000

Puptent; New York City

Slade Architecture

Description by the Architects: This piece was an exploration in materials designed and fabricated for the Design Trust for Public Spaces Annual Auction. The project requirements were: to create a “nest”--something that could support residence for a creature, and would fit in a taxi. The auction was intended to raise money for a handful of public projects sponsore by the Design Trust and featured the work of a variety of artists and architects, including: Christo, Kiki Smith, Isaac Mizrahi, Lewis Tsurmaki Lewis, Hariri & Hariri, Tsao & McKown, etc.
Our design is for a modern, indoor dog lounge or PUP TENT. Water-jet cut plywood was laminated to create a conical shape. The exterior surface was sanded and finished smooth and the interior maintains the stepping configuration characteristic of the plywood lamina. A surface pattern is created as the planar plies of the wood intersect with the conical geometry of the surface. The design is sustainable as well as the configuration promotes the stack effect and the skylight and window provide natural light!
Construction Cost in whole dollars  $ 1000

Part 3: Small Project Structures
To be posted in the next days...

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