Award-winning architecture.

• Author: Prata, Kathleen
• Position: American Institute of Architects Indiana sponsors state's award winning architectural designs - Architecture and Construction

German philosopher Frederich Von Schelling once said, "Architecture in general is frozen music." Over the centuries it has been likened to many other art forms, including literature and sculpture. But behind each architectural masterpiece, there is a program that must be followed. The building's purpose must be considered, and when done so correctly, praise is often sung from peers and observers alike.

Here we highlight a few of the award-winning designs throughout the state. Some of the awards are sponsored by the American Institute of Architects Indiana (formerly the Indiana Society of Architects). Additional awards are sponsored by the AIA regional chapters and other trade associations.

Warsaw Community High School, Warsaw. Larry Phelps of The Odle McGuire & Shook Corp. of Bloomington was principal-in-charge of this project, which was designed in association with Perkins & Will Architects of Chicago.

Phelps says there was a definite philosophy behind the project, which included both renovation and new construction. "The building had to have a kind of agrarian imagery. It had to reflect the grain elevators and silos of the rural area that it's in," Phelps says. "That's what dictated the initial forms of the building, but at the same time it's not a scattering of farm buildings; it's very formal in overall plan."

Design characteristics of the Midwestern farm buildings include grain-elevator roofs and silo-like staircases. The project was completed in September 1990.

120 Monument Circle, Indianapolis. Completed in 1991, the latest transformation of the former J.C. Penney building brought a new image to light for The Associated Group's downtown headquarters. Steven Risting, project designer for Ratio Architects of Indianapolis, says the exterior was redesigned to make it more contextual within the Circle, and create a new image for primarily single-tenant use, although the ground floor still houses several retail establishments.

"It's classically designed in order to fit into the historic surrounds of the circle, and yet at the same time maintain modern integrity," Risting says. Carmine Red and Mandariz Grey granite in several finishes, including polished and flamed, support this effect.

A partial fourth story also was added. "We created a new four-story atrium, to create a focus for the building, to enhance employee interaction, to bring in lots of natural light and also to create a natural oasis in the most urban location of the city,"...