The American Institute of Architects (AIA) St. Louis Chapter celebrated excellence in the built environment with its Design Awards event held on September 14 at The Majorette in Maplewood. Through a juried process, projects in various categories were recognized for outstanding qualities in design and craftsmanship. Two Christner projects were recognized with Honor Awards in Craftsmanship.
Troco Custom Fabricators was honored for their metal fabrication and installation on the The Edward Jones Parking Garage and Pedestrian Bridge in Maryland Heights. The 3-bay parking structure is open-air and houses approximately 700 cars on 4 levels. The pedestrian bridge links to the newly renovated 201 Progress Parkway office building and features a coffee bar and informal meeting space. Special attention was placed on the exterior design of the garage, as it serves as a portal to the Edward Jones corporate campus. Architecturally, the garage appearance is intended to change over time. Depending on a person’s point of view and the sun angle, the garage will open and close in transparency.
John J. Smith Masonry Company was honored for their brick work on the St. Louis County Library Grant’s View Branch. The building shape allowed expression of the conflicting rectilinear shape of brick at the corners. The large expanses of windowless exterior wall required a creative use of brick patterning to create visual interest and give life to the façade. Special brick patterns including recessed and protruding Flemish bonds and fading saw tooth running bonds are concentrated near the building entrance and the intersection where vehicles pass by the building.
These expressive and complex designs required great skill, patience, and attention to detail of the craftsmen, who rose to the occasion, beautifully carrying out the design intent, and proving that craftsmanship is alive and well in St. Louis.
