AISC names structural steel awards for building design

Chicago — Ten structural steel building projects have earned national recognition in the 2016 Innovative Design in Engineering and Architecture with Structural Steel awards program (IDEAS²). The winning projects and their respective team members were recognized during the 2016 NASCC: The Steel Conference in Orlando, Fla. Conducted annually by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), the IDEAS² awards recognize outstanding achievement in engineering and architecture on structural steel projects across the country. In existence for more than half a century, the award is the highest honor bestowed on building projects by the structural steel industry in the U.S.

"The 2016 IDEAS² winners demonstrate that innovation and creativity can be found on building projects of every size and description," commented Roger E. Ferch, P.E., president of AISC. "Steel continues to provide excellent solutions for the entire design and construction team, from architects, engineers and developers to general contractors, fabricators and erectors. Congratulations to the award-winning teams for projects that combine creativity, economy and technical achievement through the use of structural steel."

A panel of design and construction industry professionals identified National and Merit winners in three categories, based on total constructed value: projects less than $15 million; projects $15 million to $75 million; and projects greater than $75 million. In addition, the panel awarded a Presidential Award of Excellence in Engineering to one project for structural engineering accomplishment, and also recognized one project in a new category for steel sculptures/art installations. Each project was judged on its use of structural steel from both an architectural and structural engineering perspective, with an emphasis on: creative solutions to the project's program requirements; applications of innovative design approaches in areas such as connections, gravity systems, lateral load resisting systems, fire protection and blast; aesthetic and visual impact of the project; innovative use of architecturally exposed structural steel (AESS); technical or architectural advances in the use of the steel; and the use of innovative design and construction methods.

The 10 IDEAS² winners were chosen from nearly 100 submissions received from architectural, engineering and construction firms throughout the U.S. The 2016 award-winning projects are:

Projects Less Than $15 Million

• National Award: American Physical Society, Ridge, N.Y.
• National Award: Vertical House, Dallas
• Merit Award: The Hillary Rodham Clinton Children's Library and Learning Center, Little Rock, Ark.
• Merit Award: Principal Riverwalk Pavilion, Des Moines, Iowa

Projects $15 Million to $75 Million

• National Award: Nu Skin Innovation Center, Provo, Utah
• National Award: Rutgers University School of Business, Piscataway, N.J.

Projects Greater than $75 Million

• National Award: National September 11 Memorial Museum Pavilion, New York
• Merit Award: Mariposa Land Port of Entry, Nogales, Ariz.

Presidential Award of Excellence in Engineering

• Emerson College Los Angeles, Los Angeles

Jury Recognition – Sculpture/Art Installation Category

• The Gourd, San Antonio, Texas

The program also recognizes the importance of teamwork, coordination and collaboration in fostering successful construction projects. Each year, awards for each winning project are presented to the project team members involved in the design and construction of the structural framing system, including the owner, architect, structural engineer, general contractor, and the steel detailer, fabricator, and erector. The awards are presented to the team members at ceremonies held at each of the winning projects during the year.

To learn more about the IDEAS² awards, visit www.aisc.org/ideas2.