California dreaming …
The American Institute of Architects recently announced 18 recipients for its 2010 Housing Awards. If you’re up for an inspirational field trip, you can visit four of them right here in California – two near San Francisco and two more down here in the L.A. area.
The AIA established the awards ten years ago to recognize the best housing design in the U.S. and to “promote the importance of good housing as a necessity of life, a sanctuary for the human spirit and a valuable national resource.”
Congratulations to the winning architectural firms of the four awesome California properties:
Dry Creek Outbuildings in Woodside, by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson
Formosa 1140 project in West Hollywood, by Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects
Step Up on 5th in Santa, Monica, by Pugh + Scarpa
Gish Apartments in San Jose, from the Office of Jerome King
If you can’t visit the winners, check them out online
You’ll notice a recurring theme – clean designs that are sculptural, open, and focused outward to the surrounding environment.
It makes us wonder, though. When so much emphasis is placed on glass and natural wood, can you imagine how much of a statement every simple fabric choice makes? How would you embellish these “sanctuaries for the human spirit?”
Intimidating? Inspiring!
Serving design professionals,
