/ Awards / Nine Projects Win Steel Industry’s Highest Design Honor

Nine Projects Win Steel Industry’s Highest Design Honor

Parul Dubey on March 24, 2022 - in Awards, News

DENVER – Just moments ago, the American Institute of Steel Construction revealed the results of its Innovative Design in Engineering and Architecture with Structural Steel (IDEAS2) Award competition. AISC made the announcement before an audience of more than 4,000 industry professionals during the opening keynote of NASCC: The Steel Conference in Denver.

Nine projects, ranging from a cutting-edge Seattle skyscraper to a sophisticated staircase in a private New York home, represent the most innovative aspects of today’s design and construction industries.

“I always look forward to seeing the IDEAS2 Award winners, and once again the industry has made it very difficult for our judges to select winners among an outstanding pool of submissions,” said Charles J. Carter, SE, PE, PhD. “It’s truly inspiring to see the ways today’s most creative minds work with structural steel to create modern landmarks. Congratulations to everyone who worked on these projects!”

Carter elected to present a special Presidential Award for Excellence in Structural Design this year. Seattle’s Rainier Square is the first building to use the SpeedCore composite steel/concrete core wall system–and SpeedCore shaved about 40% off its erection time! This project team took a chance on a new technology and reaped massive rewards. AISC salutes them for their leadership.

AISC will begin accepting submissions for the 2023 IDEAS2 Awards early this summer.

Images of all 2022 winners are available for download here. Additional photos available on request. Please note the photo credits in the file names.

The 2022 AISC IDEAS2 winners are:

Presidential Award for Excellence in Structural Design:
Rainier Square, Seattle

Owner: Wright Runstad & Company, Seattle
General contractor: Lease Crutcher Lewis, Seattle
Architect: NBBJ, Seattle
Structural engineer: Magnusson Klemencic Associates, Seattle

Judge comment:
“Rainier Square was a proof-of-concept that directly demonstrates how amazing things can happen when cutting-edge research is paired with engineering design. The lessons learned from this project will be sure to have an effect on future high-rise construction for years to come.” -Jonathan Tavarez, PE, senior engineer, American Institute of Steel Construction

Merit Award – Less than $15 Million:
2Life Communities Administrative Offices, Brighton, Mass.

Owner’s representative: 2Life Communities, Brighton, Mass.
General contractor: Dellbrook | JKS, Quincy, Mass.
Architect: DiMella Shaffer Associates, Boston
Structural engineer: Odeh Engineers, Providence, R.I.
Fabricator/detailer/erector: Soucy Industries, Inc., Pelham, N.H. AISC Full Member, AISC Certified Fabricator

Judge Scott Blair (editor-in-chief, Engineering News-Record) noted that the project was an elegant solution for a difficult project site and praised its skillful interconnections with existing structures.

Merit Award – $15 Million to $75 Million:
L. Gale Lemerand Student Center at Daytona State College, Daytona Beach, Fla.

Owner: Daytona State College, Daytona Beach, Fla.
General contractor: Perry-McCall Construction, Inc., Jacksonville, Fla.
Architect: ikon.5 architects, New York
Structural engineer: BBM Structural Engineers, Inc., Longwood, Fla.

Steel team:

Fabricator/detailer: GMF Industries, Inc., Lakeland, Fla. AISC Full Member, AISC Certified Fabricator
Erector: GMF Steel Group, Lakeland, Fla. AISC Full Member, AISC Certified Erector

Judge comment:

“As much as I enjoy clear, straightforward structural design I also take delight in the opposite. Hiding the support for the cantilever in the stair tower enclosure is an example of the structural engineer applying the stage magician’s tricks of sleight-of-hand and misdirection. And to a magical effect! I also appreciate the fact that the two bold moves of the cantilever and the portal were not just design-ey affectations but served a very clear purpose in creating a building that functions as an open and welcoming gateway to the campus.” – James Puckhaber, AIA, corporate practice leader – Atlanta, The S/L/A/M Collaborative

Merit Award – $15 Million to $75 Million:
United States Olympic and Paralympic Museum, Colorado Springs, Colo.

Owner: United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum, Colorado Springs, Colo.
General contractor: GE Johnson, Colorado Springs, Colo.
Architects: Anderson Mason Dale Architects, Denver; Diller Scofidio + Renfro, New York
Structural engineer: KL&A Engineers and Builders, Golden, Colo.

Steel team:

Fabricator: Drake-Williams Steel, Aurora, Colo. AISC Full Member, AISC Certified Fabricator
Erector: LPR Construction, Loveland, Colo. AISC Associate Member

Judge comment:

“This is probably the best example of new projects in the country that showcase a solution that could only be achieved in steel. Tolerances and coordination efforts made this unique structure come to life in a way no other material could have.” -David Fennell, structural steel specialist – Seattle market, American Institute of Steel Construction

National Award – $75 Million to $200 Million:
Allianz Field, St. Paul, Minn.

Owners: Minnesota United FC, St. Paul, Minn.; The TEGRA Group, St. Louis Park, Minn.
General contractor: M.A. Mortenson Company, Golden Valley, Minn.
Architect: POPULOUS, Kansas City, Mo.
Structural engineer: Walter P Moore, Kansas City, Mo.

Steel team:

Fabricator/detailer: Merrill Steel, Schofield, Wis. AISC Full Member, AISC Certified Fabricator
Erector: Danny’s Construction Company, Shakopee, Minn. AISC Associate Member, AISC Certified Erector
Bender/roller: Max Weiss Company, Milwaukee AISC Associate Member

Judge comment:

“This type of project does not come to be without an intense level of engineering expertise, steel industry excellence, and a deep commitment to collaboration throughout the design and construction team. The iterative design process employed for the façade/skin design and the connections involved was impressive. I’m sure it is one of those things where it was complicated to implement and get everyone on board initially, but it made the process way smoother once things were up and running. Minnesota has been on my travel wish list, and this project just bumped it up a notch!” -Monica Shripka, PE, director of sales, marketing, and business development, NCSEA

National Award – $75 Million to $200 Million:
The Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences, Lubbock, Texas

Owner: Lubbock Entertainment and Performing Arts Association, Lubbock, Texas
Developer/other consultant: Garfield Public/Private LLC, Dallas
General contractor: Lee Lewis Construction, Inc., Lubbock, Texas
Architect: Diamond Schmitt, Toronto
Architect/structural engineers: MWM Architects, Lubbock, Texas; Parkhill, Lubbock, Texas
Structural engineer: Entuitive, Toronto

Steel team:

Fabricators: Basden Steel Corporation, Inc., Burleson, Texas AISC Full Member, AISC Certified Fabricator; TrueNorth Steel, Lubbock, Texas AISC Full Member, AISC Certified Fabricator
Erector: Deem Structural Services, LLC, Longview, Texas AISC Certified Erector
Detailer: Foy Consulting & Engineering, LLC, Overland Park, Ks. AISC Associate Member
Bender/roller: Albina Co., Tualatin, Ore. AISC Associate Member

Judge comment:

“What an important and striking building for Lubbock!” -Monica Shripka, PE, director of sales, marketing, and business development, NCSEA

Merit Award – $75 Million to $200 Million:
International Spy Museum, Washington


Owner’s representative: JBG SMITH, Chevy Chase, Md.
General contractor: Clark Construction Group, LLC, Bethesda, Md.
Design architect: Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, London
Architect of record: Hickok Cole, Washington
Structural engineer: SK&A Structural Engineers, PLLC, Washington

Steel team:

Fabricator: SteelFab, Inc., Charlotte, N.C. AISC Full Member, AISC Certified Fabricator
Erector: Memco LLC, Culpeper, Va. AISC Full Member
Detailer: Prodraft, Inc., Chesapeake, Va.

Judge comment:

“This is a very innovative project with a good steel story and high level of collaboration.” -Monica Shripka, PE, director of sales, marketing, and business development, NCSEA

Merit Award – More than $200 Million:
One Vanderbilt, New York

Owner: SL Green Realty Corp., New York
Construction manager: AECOM Tishman, New York
Architect: KPF, New York
Structural engineer: Severud Associates Consulting Engineers, PC, New York

Steel team:

Fabricator/detailer: Banker Steel Co., LLC, Lynchburg, Va. AISC Full Member, AISC Certified Fabricator
Forged steel fabricator: Ellwood Specialty Steel, New Castle, Pa.
Erector: NYC Constructors LLC, New York AISC Associate Member, AISC Certified Erector

Judge comment:

“The complexity of joining to the train station coupled with the intermediate trusses up through the tower made this project stand out. The variety of connections and coordination make this project very impressive.” -Bruce McEvoy, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, principal, design director, Perkins & Will

Merit Award – Sculpture/Art Installation/Non-building Structure:
Ascension of the Celestial Maiden, New York

Owner: Robert Ciricillo, New York
General contractor: Excel Builders & Renovators Inc., Brooklyn, N.Y.
Architect: Yoshihara McKee Architects, New York
Structural engineer: Yoshinori Nito Engineering and Design PC, New York

Judge comment:

“[This project has a] really thoughtful solution for controlling steel tolerances, which was critical to the installation of the glass handrail.” -David Eckmann, SE, PE, FAIA​, senior principal, Magnusson Klemencic Associates

——————————————-

AISC would like to thank this year’s judges for their dedication and enthusiasm:

Less than $15 Million:

  • Scott Blair, editor-in-chief, Engineering News-Record
  • John Kennedy, SE, PE, principal, Structural Affiliates International Inc.
  • Lisa Patel, certification technical services manager, American Institute of Steel Construction
  • Blair Payson, AIA, LEED AP, principal, Olson Kundig
  • Barbara Simpson, PhD, assistant professor, Oregon State University

$15 Million to $75 Million:

  • Larry Fahnestock, PE, PhD, professor and CEE Excellence Faculty Fellow, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
  • David Fennell, structural steel specialist – Seattle market, American Institute of Steel Construction
  • Jeffrey Keileh, SE, PE, LEED AP BD+C, project manager, Plant Construction Company, LP
  • James Puckhaber, AIA, corporate practice leader – Atlanta, The S/L/A/M Collaborative
  • Geoff Weisenberger, chief editor, American Institute of Steel Construction

$75 Million to $200 Million:

  • Negar Elhami Khorasani, PhD, associate professor, University at Buffalo
  • Michael Gannon, SE, PE, senior engineer, American Institute of Steel Construction
  • Halliday Meisburger, AIA, associate partner, ZGF Architects LLP
  • Monica Shripka, PE, director of sales, marketing, and business development, NCSEA
  • Raymond Sweeney, PE, associate, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

Greater than $200 Million:

  • Anthony Massari, PE, LEED AP, PhD, associate professor of practice (structures), The Ohio State University
  • Bruce McEvoy, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, principal, design director, Perkins & Will
  • Nate Sosin, SE, PE, LEED AP, vice president, Thornton Tomasetti
  • Jonathan Tavarez, PE, senior engineer, American Institute of Steel Construction

Sculptures/Art Installations/Non-building Structures:

  • Rachel Chicchi Cross, SE, PhD, assistant professor of structural engineering, University of Cincinnati
  • David Eckmann, SE, PE, FAIA​, senior principal, Magnusson Klemencic Associates
  • Scott Melnick, senior vice president, American Institute of Steel Construction
  • Joe Trammell, AIA, JD, principal, Rule Joy Trammell Rubio
  • Brian Ward, senior structural steel specialist – Dallas, American Institute of Steel Construction

###

For more information contact:

Dani Friedland
Director of Marketing Communications
312.670.5439
[email protected]

American Institute of Steel Construction

The American Institute of Steel Construction, headquartered in Chicago, is a non-partisan, not-for-profit technical institute and trade association established in 1921 to serve the structural steel design community and construction industry. AISC’s mission is to make structural steel the material of choice by being the leader in structural steel-related technical and market-building activities, including specification and code development, research, education, technical assistance, quality certification, standardization, market development, and advocacy. AISC has a long tradition of service to the steel construction industry of providing timely and reliable information. 

130 E. Randolph St, Suite 2000
Chicago IL 60601 
312.670.2401 
www.aisc.org

Comments are disabled