Brochstein Pavilion earns national award for excellence in architecture

BY JENNIFER EVANS
Rice News staff

Rice University’s Raymond and Susan Brochstein Pavilion is among 14 buildings chosen by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) to receive a 2010 Institute Honor Award for Architecture.

	BROCHSTEIN PAVILION

The AIA National Honor Awards are the profession’s highest recognition of works that exemplify design excellence. Awards are presented in three categories: architecture, interior architecture and urban design. The winners — 28 total — were selected from more than 700 submissions from around the world and will be honored in June at the AIA 2010 National Convention and Design Exposition in Miami.

“It is very satisfying that the Brochstein Pavilion has been recognized not only because of its aesthetic excellence but also for the role it plays in fulfilling important campus planning goals,” said Barbara White Bryson, associate vice president for Facilities, Engineering and Planning.

Designed by architect Thomas Phifer, the 6,000-square-foot building features natural lighting from light scoops, plasma screens, couches and chairs, all surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows that look out on a 10,700-square-foot wraparound plaza. The exterior seating area is covered by a trellis designed to filter light, as live oaks do along Rice walkways, and is encompassed by an elm grove, fountains, live oaks, new sidewalks and a freshly sodded Central Quad.

Jury comments about the pavilion included:

“The only nonbrick building at Rice University, the Brochstein Pavilion is a deceivingly simple glass, aluminum and steel jewel that solves complex issues on campus and activates the open space of this important circulation area. Its transparency, lightness and immaculate design make this structure a refreshing destination on campus.”

“Rigorous geometry, beautiful proportions and attention to detailing … “

“Quiet, elegant and modern amidst traditional buildings, it is an exquisite addition to campus fabric.”

Additional credits were given to landscape consultant Fisher Marantz Stone, structural consultant Walter P. Moore, engineers AltieriSeborWieber LLC and Haynes Whaley Associates, general contractor Linbeck Group LLC and landscape architect The Office of James Burnett.

Last year, the pavilion was recognized for innovative design achievements with a 2009 IDEAS2 Merit Award by the American Institute of Steel Construction. It has also been honored with a Best of 2008 Award from Texas Construction magazine and a 2009 Merit Award from the Texas Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects.

The AIA also recognized a building designed by Daly Genik, a firm founded by two Rice School of Architecture alums: Kevin Daly ’85 and Chris Genik ’85. Daly Genik’s Camino Nuevo High School in Los Angeles received a 2010 Institute Honor Award for Architecture.