Great ideas: first annual Interior Design Excellence Awards.

• Author: Held, Shari
• Position: INTERIOR DESIGN

LAST NOVEMBER THE FIRST Interior Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) Celebration, sponsored by the Indiana chapter of the International Interior Design Association, was held in Indianapolis. Twenty-three entries, including new construction and renovations, vied for "Best Idea" and "Good Idea" awards in five categories..

CORPORATE

Best Idea: Maregatti Interiors, Indianapolis--The Finish Line Corporate Headquarters in Indianapolis

It's all about movement, energy and action. Designers Scott McFadden, Jason Holt and Kim Strawbridge immersed themselves in the Finish Line's team-oriented corporate culture to create a layout design that provided interactivity, flexibility and enhanced traffic flow in the new 65,000-square-foot office space. Floating acrylic panels provide privacy while displaying current marketing campaign materials. Sporting events and Finish Line promotions are projected on a screen in the lobby, which opens to an atrium space. Upbeat bright colors and clean modern lines are used for furnishings.

Good Idea: Axis Architecture + Interiors, Indianapolis--Bradley and Montgomery Advertising in Indianapolis.

Back-to-back workstations that straddle a bamboo floor provide staff with private workspace and easy scooting access.

HOSPITALITY

Best Idea: Blackburn Architects, Indianapolis--National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio

The mission for designers Alpha Blackburn, Kathy Brelage and Lynda Anderson was to convey the "struggle of slavery and the exuberance of freedom" within the $110 million museum, situated on the line dividing the historic North and South. Earthy, timeless materials--granite from Zimbabwe, weathered copper cladding, rugged stone blocks--were used throughout. The theater ceiling duplicates the pattern of the stars in the sky above Cincinnati on January 2, 1863, the signing date of the Emancipation Proclamation.

Good Idea: Designplan Inc., Indianapolis--Argosy Riverside Casino in Kansas City, Missouri

A Mediterranean village theme awaits visitors to what's billed as the first themed gaming area on a riverboat.

INSTITUTIONAL

Best Idea: Veazey Parrott Durkin & Shoulders, Evansville--Oaklyn Branch Library in Evansville

Earth tones and natural materials were used in this earth-shelter design library, built into a hillside. Since natural light is only available from the two-story front facade, designers William M. Brown, Sarah A. Schuler and Bill Williams achieved an open, airy effect in the rest of the...