NORTH AMERICAN WOOD

The Richmond Olympic Oval, the venue for long-track speedskating events in the recent Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, is capped by a massive roof almost 6.5 acres (2.6 hectares) in size. The LEED Silver-certified building, designed by Cannon Design, features prefabricated pine panels spanning between hollow composite wood-steel arches to form a rhythmically pleated timber ceiling over the ice.

ANIMAL HOSPITAL, UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW

Seen on approach at just the right angle, it might be mistaken for a broad grassy hillside with a glass pavilion.

As one circles around eastward, the "hillside" quickly opens up to reveal the upper green expanse as the roof of a building — the new Small Animal Hospital at the University of Glasgow.

AIA NATIONAL DESIGN AWARDS 2010

Among the brick buildings and live oaks at Rice University in Houston stands the Brochstein Pavilion, a cleanly patterned, rhythmic composition of glass and metal. With indoor and outdoor seating shaded from the Texas sun, this structure by Thomas Phifer and Partners offers a casual gathering space in the central quad, inviting activity while blending into the existing campus fabric.

The pavilion was among the 28 projects recognized by the American Institute of Architects in its 2010 AIA Institute Honor Awards.

PUGH + SCARPA AIA FIRM AWARD 2010

It's not easy to pigeonhole Pugh + Scarpa Architects. And that's the way partners Gwynne Pugh, Larry Scarpa, and Angela Brooks like it.

The buildings they create are dynamic, many with colorful, angular, patterned facades that exude a sense of whimsical energy. Even at its most eye-catching, the work is also decisively rooted in function and energy efficiency. The firm has also established a substantial portfolio of affordable housing projects.

More Architecture News

News Last Week

News Department Archive