Innovative Structural Steel Projects Win National Awards

(Chicago, IL) – 11 structural steel building projects have earned national recognition in the 2006 Innovative Design in Engineering and Architecture with Structural Steel awards program (IDEAS2). Conducted annually by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), the IDEAS2 awards recognize outstanding achievements in engineering and architecture on structural steel projects around the country.

A panel of design and construction industry professionals identified one National and two Merit award winners in three categories, based on constructed value: Projects Less than $15 Million; Projects $15-75 Million; and Projects $75 Million or Greater. In addition, the panel awarded two Presidential Awards of Excellence for structural engineering accomplishments. Each project was judged on its use of structural steel, with an emphasis on creative solutions to project requirements; design innovation; aesthetic and visual impact of the project; innovative use of architecturally exposed structural steel; technical or architectural advances in the use of steel; and the use of innovative design and construction methods.

The 11 IDEAS2 winners were chosen from over 70 submissions received by architectural and engineering firms throughout the U.S. 2006 winners include:

Projects Less Than $15 Million
• Station Place Garage, Portland, OR – National Winner.
• Rhythm City Skybridge, Davenport, IA – Merit Award Winner.
• Texas Parks and Wildlife: Government Canyon Natural Area, San Antonio, TX – Merit Award Winner.

Projects $15–75 Million
• Williams College ’62 Center for Theatre and Dance, Williamstown, MA – National Winner.
• Hunter Museum of American Art, Chattanooga, TN – Merit Award Winner.
• Seattle City Hall, Seattle, WA – Merit Award Winner.

Projects $75 Million or Greater
• Lester B. Pearson International Airport, Toronto, Ontario – National Winner.
• San Jose Civic Center, San Jose, CA – Merit Award Winner.
• Yawkey Center for Outpatient Care, Boston, MA – Merit Award Winner.

Presidential Awards for Engineering Excellence
• Pennsylvania Hospital Widener Building Expansion, Philadelphia, PA.
• San Bernardino Valley College – Master Plan & New Buildings, San Bernardino, CA.

Roger E. Ferch, P.E., president of AISC, commented, “This year’s IDEAS2 winners represent the best in design and engineering work across the country. Steel is an excellent solution for architectural, structural, and construction challenges of every description. Each of the award winning teams proved yet again just how creative, innovative, economical and impactful steel structures can be.”

About the American Institute of Steel Construction, Inc.
The American Institute of Steel Construction, Inc., headquartered in Chicago, is a 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 solutions and activities, including: specification and code development, research, education, technical assistance, quality certification, standardization, and market development. AISC has a long tradition of service to the steel construction industry of providing timely and reliable information.

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