8/4/2009

Chattanooga, Tennessee – Chattanooga’s new resource for all things “outdoor” has been recognized with an Award of Merit for design by AIA Tennessee.  Nine projects celebrating the best of Tennessee architecture were feted at AIA Tennessee’s annual awards gala in Knoxville on Thursday, July 30. A jury composed of four nationally recognized architects deliberated for an entire day in Charleston, South Carolina and awarded three awards of excellence and six merit awards. The jury evaluated more than 80 submittals in three categories: new construction, renovation/restoration, and architectural interior design. The award winners represent all facets of design work.

The Outdoor Chattanooga Center was a vacant CMU block building located along the Tennessee River, adjacent to Coolidge Park and the Walnut Street Bridge – both popular outdoor destinations.  The jurors acknowledged the City “for its commitment to sustainability and public access.” Jury Chair Thompson Penney, FAIA, remarked on “the boldness of its program and the clarity and simplicity of the design” by Artech. The jurors singled out the entry canopy, green screen and signature “closing matchbook” roof design as skillful elements of “a project whose impact on the City was greater than itself.”

The original block shell and concrete floor, along with the existing steel bar joists were salvaged and re-used. Utilizing the existing structure, the new design created a clerestory with wood trusses that allows the space to be lit by daylight even on overcast days. The sloped roof collects rainwater to a cistern used to flush toilets, while the flat roof is covered with a green-roof system. The use of garage doors and operable windows allow outside activities in and maintain the connection between the center’s administrative functions and the outside for fresh air and events. Recycled, renewable and local materials were used throughout the project.

The 6,000 square foot facility was designed with the goal of LEED Silver Certification. David Hudson, Artech CEO, says of the award, “It is truly an honor to be recognized by your peers and to have played a part in bringing this much-needed resource to the community in which we live.”  Outdoor Chattanooga was also recently recognized by Real Estate Construction Review with a Green Building of America award.

The Mission of AIA Tennessee is to shape the professional environment in Tennessee so that architects, clients, the building industry and the public at large understand and appreciate the value we bring to the community.

Founded in 1985, Artech has enjoyed continued growth over the past 24 years and has provided services for a variety of businesses and governmental entities across the country. Notable local projects include Development Resource Center, River Pier Landing, Hamilton Corner, Chattanooga Bone & Joint Surgeons and interiors for the new EMJ Corporate offices. The firm is currently working on the first movie theater to be registered for LEED certification in the United States. Artech employs 30 people, including fifteen registered architects and 6 interior designers and is licensed to practice in 40 states, cumulatively.

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