PERSPECTIVES
The New Hampshire Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIANH) announced the winners of its Emerging Professionals Design Competition at their 32nd Annual Awards Banquet over the weekend. The competition was created in 2003 by the Emerging Professionals Network, an AIANH committee focused on issues pertaining to young professionals. The competition provides an opportunity for emerging professionals in architecture to strengthen their design skills, gain recognition, and assist a community with their design challenges.
This year’s competition was for an Intermodal Transportation facility in Manchester, NH. While there were a variety of project requirements, the program was open for interpretation of what the building would need to be successful. The intention of this project was not only to encourage emerging professionals to use a full array of architectural creativity, but also to highlight the possibility of having such a structure north of Boston and the positive impact it would have on a growing city.
In the end, strength in the secondary program, clarity of design, and attention to the larger city block scale, is what made these winning boards stand out. The winner of the competition was a team effort by Katie Cressall, Ernesto Rementilla, Nick Ruggeri and Ben Wan of RODE Architects. Jurors noted that, this “Manchester Hub Transit proposal met all the required program elements in a fascinating way, but it was the suggested secondary program that set the design apart. The education component, along with the open offices, café, and bookstore gave strength to the overall program. Architecturally, the buildings proposed are quite stunning, while the larger scale planning was completely thought through. A building like this would change the face of Manchester from the interstate across the river, and definitely for the better. Not only was the architecture and program well received, but the graphics, diagrams, and overall presentation created the most compelling and thorough project.”
Full article and results are also on the AIANH website.
Influenced by Venetian architecture, lifestyle and mood with a sprinkle of the South End vibe, our latest restaurant design, SRV, opens its doors this weekend. Inspired by a trip to Italy, our clients at Coda Restaurant Group tasked us with creating an approachable and comfortable restaurant, typical of a traditional Bacaro. We used materials such as wrought iron, Venetian plaster, brushed brass, cut glass and white marble to bring their vision to life and capture the opulent beauty of Venice. Our innovative approach extends to the building’s façade, which completely opens to the sidewalk, inviting everyone that passes by in for or a meal, a quick bite or a cocktail on a stroll through the neighborhood.
For more pictures, check out our project page.
Thank you to Eater Boston for a great write up about our restaurant work. To learn more about our restaurant design process and some of the most important architectural components we take into consideration, read our interview with Katie Chudy, from The Skinny Beet.
Cheers!
According to RODE principal, Kevin Deabler, the shifting attitudes towards design lends to a more thoughtful approach. According to Kevin, “we let the buildings slowly tell us what it was and what it needs. There’s no longer the destruction of the tear down and building something new mentality that was prevalent and still is with some construction companies. It is the same with things we buy to furnish our homes, we want something that wasn’t produced so cheaply and so quickly.”
Some design tips Kevin shared with Metro Boston are to opt for conscientious, cost-effective LED lights and also viewing secondhand and reclaimed items as treasures.
Learn more at the Boston Metro.
Situated right on Columbus Avenue in the South End, SRV — from The Salty Pig duo of Michael Lombardi and Kevin O’Donnell — plans to open early next week. The front of the restaurant space is floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall windows that open like garage doors during warmer months. A large portrait of a lion greets guests at the front, and the space divides into a bar area and dining room.
To the right, the bar area starts with a large open space inspired by traditional Venetian bacaro-style dining — diners are meant to stand and casually enjoy small plates. Beyond the open space, the marble-topped bar awaits, surrounded by leather-lined seats. Behind the bar, small circular leather stools swing out from underneath a long, multipurpose room divider that serves as a table, service stand, and divider of the room.
The dining room is an open space with varying colors of exposed brick adding character and charm. Velvet banquettes run down the center of the room, and lightbulb-stuffed vintage decanters hang from above, providing a regal feel. A spacious wooden patio is in the back, surrounded by office buildings, which give it a private feel.
In the back of the dining room, tall rustic blue doors roll on tracks to create a private dining room, or the space remains open for additional seating. An artful wine rack hangs from the back, empty now, waiting to be filled with wine from friends and family on opening night. Across from the hanging wine racks, the brick wall is lined with white hanging vases of all different sizes and shapes. Nestled inside are little green plants, providing a pop of color. A gold mirror hangs from the back wall.
Original article by Katie Chudy: Peek Inside SRV
