PRESIDENTIAL WM mm Winners of the First Presidential Awards for Design Excellence January 30, 1985 Design Assemblies, the Federal Architec- ture Project, the Federal Graphics Im- provement Program, and the Excellence Attracts Excellence program with the Of- fice of Personnel Management. The Presidential Design Awards have special symbolic value. They call atten- tion to design quality at the highest level of government. Through the President, they bring to all of us a sense of what can be. Introduction The Presidential Design Awards Program is the first government-wide effort to rec- ognize and foster excellence in Federal design efforts. President Reagan stated on establishing the awards that: ". . . what we build, print, or cause to be manufactured for Federal use directly af- fects every citizen. We must ensure that these vast investments are cost-effective, well-planned, and reflect the standards of excellence which we all expect from our government." The thirteen winners of the first Presi- dential Awards for Design Excellence ex- emplify the standards of excellence that should be expected from the Federal gov- ernment. The best design results from careful planning, technical creativity, and sensitivity to human requirements and sensibilities. It is an instrument to better inform, organize, assist, and serve. It should reflect our diverse cultural val- ues and the highest standards. I believe that these winners clearly il- lustrate what is possible when dedicated designers work with able administrators to produce functional, cost-effective products and public services. Excellence in Federal design requires not only de- signers of skill and creativity, but admin- istrators and lawmakers who provide mandates and policies to stimulate good design. The Presidential Design Awards Pro- gram was managed by the National En- dowment for the Arts as part of its efforts to nurture and recognize design excel- lence in America. Through its Federal Design Improvement Project, the Endow- ment's commitment to Federal design ex- cellence is long-standing and includes initiation of such projects as the Federal Frank Hodsoll Chairman, National Endowment for the Arts /sSn ) Report of the Presidential Design Awards Jury The Presidential Design Awards Program was established in December 1983 to rec- ognize exemplary achievements in Fed- eral design in the fields of architecture, engineering design, graphic design, inte- rior design, landscape architecture, prod- uct/industrial design, and urban design and planning. This is the first govern- ment-wide design awards program and its Presidential sponsorship places the is- sue of design excellence at the highest level of government. Quality in design has been a national cause since the founding of our Re- public. In the planning and design of Washington, both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson recognized that the success of the nation was linked to the vision that people had of themselves and the buildings that housed their institutions. In the twentieth century, this condi- tion continues with the Federal Design Improvement Project administered by the National Endowment for the Arts — an effort strongly supported by four Presi- dents for over a decade. In 1982, Federal projects in the fields of design and con- struction amounted to approximately forty billion dollars. Most of these ex- penditures exert an important influence on design practices in the private sector, either from the scope and volume of everyday products necessary to the opera- tion of government or from specially de- signed products which have been adapted for civilian or commercial use. Therefore, a Federal mandate for design quality affects the entire environment and contributes to improving the quality of life of the people of this country. It should be recognized that the bene- fits of design excellence also have eco- nomic implications. The vast majority of advanced industrial nations have na- tional design programs and their busi- ness and government leaders have recognized that good design is good busi- ness. As part of our effort to improve the nation's competitiveness in world trade, the Federal government's leadership in improving American design standards is both timely and important. In this context, the jury applauds the Federal government's initiative in estab- lishing the Presidential Design Awards Program. From among 630 submissions, 91 have been selected to receive Federal Design Achievement Awards, 13 of which have been chosen to receive the Presidential Award for Design Excellence. Projects receiving the Presidential Award range from a simple prosthetic de- vice commissioned by the Veterans Ad- ministration to free amputees from the physical and visual implications of their disability to the Department of the Inte- rior's program of tax incentives for his- toric preservation — a program engender- ing thousands of private-sector projects that have raised public appreciation of America's architectural heritage. By far the largest number of entries were submitted under the category of graphic design, ranging from a single postage stamp to a total graphic com- munications program. Especially note- worthy is the visual communications system developed by the National Aero- nautics and Space Administration whose posters, publications, and logotype gen- erally maintain a high standard of design which truly captures the spirit and vi- tality of the space program. The jury further wishes to call atten- tion to the importance of the Urban En- vironmental Design program of the Department of Housing and Urban De- velopment which has provided local gov- ernments and the professional design community with opportunities to make our cities more liveable. On the other end of the spectrum of de- sign, the jury found much to applaud in the Art-in-Architecture program of the General Services Administration which aims to achieve an integration of build- ing and works of art. The jury recom- mends, however, that greater involvement of artists in early stages of the design process would significantly al- ter the relationship between buildings, site, landscaping and works of art. In conclusion, the jury would like to commend the Federal government for its support of quality design and suggests that it expand on its already proven rec- ord. In order to do this, programs that stimulate design through incentives, as well as those that create jobs and educa- tional possibilities, should be expanded. This could include criteria for the selec- tion of design professionals from both the public and private sectors, peer evalu- ation of projects in progress, and recog- nition of work that exhibits high standards of excellence. Finally, .w+t'*'**'* the jury believes that Presi- dential endorsement of good design, as evidenced ^ by completed projects, would help create a bet- ^ ter climate within the Federal government to strive for design excel- lence resulting in a higher quality of life for all. ******* /. Af. Pei Jury Chairman Jury Citations • II If"'! -E- THE INTERCITY BRIDGE Pasco/Kennewick, Washington 'The designers of The Intercity Bridge in the cities of Pasco and Kennewick, Washington, and the many authorities supporting their efforts are given a Presidential Award for Design Excellence for their innovative, aesthetic, economical, durable and well-received solution for the half- mile loop crossing of the Columbia River. "The engineers adapted a technique never used in the United States before to local site and weather conditions: they also used an appropriate material — pre-stressed concrete — ideally suited to those conditions. The engineers were required to establish new design guidelines modeled on foreign codes but acceptable to the authorities responsible for the project. In all these endeavors they succeeded admirably. "The Intercity Bridge is not just a great technical accomplishment: it is a work of art. The use of steel and pre-stressed concrete in striking white color, the simplicity of the connections of its components, the elegance of the bridge lines, and the clarity of its structural behavior enhance the beauty of this utilitarian structure in ways that can be perceived by both experts and laymen. The example of The Intercity Bridge should be followed by both technicians and Federal authorities in the solution of difficult problems." B HISTORIC PRESERVATION TAX INCENTIVES PROGRAM 'In passing the Federal tax legislation of 1976, the Congress made its purpose clear; 'The historic and cultural foundations of the Nation should be preserved as a living part of our community life and development in order to give a sense of order to the American people.' As a direct result of this tax incentive program, and through the develop- ment, application and review process of the Sec- ?"»iir»i ■ ' mfn ■ r in 1 retary of the Interior's "Standards for Rehabilitation" and the accompanying guidelines, more than 9,000 historic buildings nationwide have been rehabilitated and re-used in a variety of innovative ways and with a high standard of design. "The jury commends this effort as a broad cultural accomplishment. The Historic Preserva- tion Tax Incentives Program encourages the pra tical and appropriate reuse of historic buildings. It has fostered a revival of skilled craftsmanship introduced unusual job opportunities in a chan£ ing economy: and brought about a philosophica change by demonstrating that the old buildings of America can be as serviceable, economical an important as the new." (Pictured: Sears World Trade. Inc.; Washington, DC THE SEATTLE FOOT® "The result of a rare collaboration between doctors, engineers, and designers, the Seattle Foot is a prosthetic device of great mechanical simplicity, high efficiency, and modest cost that opens up such dynamic exercises as running anc ball playing to foot amputees. The device has already proven its ability not only to improve tht lifestyle of the amputees but also through good design to free them of the common visual implications of their disability. "This award is given to the designers of the device and to the Veterans Administration, whic supported their effort, in recognition of their ingenuity, sense of service and successful consideration of all the facets — human, technical, and economic — of the difficult problem they solved. The dedication of the Seattle Foot research group is particularly worth of praise and should be an example to other groups at a time when most engineers are dedicated to the improvement of the implements of war." £- LINN COVE VIADUCT Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina 'The designers of the Linn Cove Viaduct were con- fronted with the difficult problem of creating a road over a rugged terrain of exceptional beauty without interfering with the environment. Their solution is technically innovative and respectful of the environmental situation. "From an engineering point of view, con- struction of the roadway by pre-cast, segmental concrete elements set from above on segmental piers is elegant, economical and new. These tech- niques can be used in the service of the environ- ment: they provide accessibility by animal life both below and around the structure and do not damage the forest land, trees, or streams. "The roadway results in an elegant curving rib- bon that caresses the terrain without using it as a support. It gives the motorist the sensation of driving tantalizingly on air while the earth goes by. "For their sensitivity and high technical exper- tise, the designers and the authorities who sup- ported them well deserve this recognition." NASA VISUAL COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND GRAPHIC WORKS 'The strong visual identity achieved by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration shows the effectiveness of an appropriate Design Standards Manual and its implementation. The logotype communicates high technology: it reads well on different surfaces and treatments and is easily recognizable in motion. Through its consistent and appropriate application, it has been instrumental in establishing a clear identity for the agency. "The evolution of the Visual Communication System through the various programs of publications and posters generally maintains a high standard of imaginative design: at the same time, the level of communication is accessible and educational. The Visual Communication System truly captures the spirit and vitality of the space program." FRANKLIN COURT Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 'Franklin Court in Philadelphia is an inventive sculptural statement that evokes a historic set- ting. The architects reconstructed five houses on Market Street to form one edge of the site. On the original location of Benjamin Franklin's house and printing shop, they erected a full-size shel- tered framework that creatively engages the ob- server's imagination. Presenting the house and workshop as "ghosts" has also allowed archae- ological remains of the building to be preserved for viewing in situ. "By placing exhibit spaces below ground, the architects have made the maximum amount of the limited space available for public use. The Market Street houses and the large contemporary exhibit spaces underground display artifacts re- lating to Franklin and to his period in Phila- delphia. Franklin Court achieves a blend of restoration, imaginative recreation and contem- porary design while honoring the requirements of each." UNIGRID DESIGN PROGRAM 'The Unigrid Design Program brings uniformity and quality to the communications of the National Park Service. This agency, one of the most advanced in its use of design, has a communication program which is admirable in many respects. The Unigrid Design Program, however, is the cornerstone of the overall program. "The program fulfills the primary objective ol a design system; reducing routine decisions so that ■ 4£ MSB w& 1*2(9*1 HBP HP BBS 3wBbl in HBPHl BE; *^iiifey M tracted, thus enhancing its location near the city's Museum of Science. In this sense, its es- thetic is drawn from functions within. "The Charles River Project is a major public works program of the highest order, moving beyond a narrow technical mandate to comple- ment the larger social, physical and visual qualities of its city." ■a SCATTERED INFILL PUBLIC HOUSING Charleston, South Carolina "The Scattered Infill Public Housing Project is a highly commendable example of a sensitive ap- proach to public housing. An effective planning process created a partnership of the local com- munity, involved the City of Charleston, the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development and the Charleston Department of Housing and Ur- ban Development. These groups chose a develop- mental strategy that both increased the supply of housing and provided a stimulus to neigh- borhood revitalization. Existing open sites were carefully selected for their potential for neigh- borhood renewal and for their ability to provide the necessary social continuity. "The choice of a vernacular house type, the Charleston 'side-house,' proved to be appropriate contexturally and climatically. The use of local construction methods, materials, detailing and colors helped aesthetically to integrate the struc- tures into their surroundings. The new dwellings are so skillfully and sensitively designed and sited that they do not resemble public housing. User satisfaction is high: tenants have been integrated into an existing community, thus avoiding the stigma often associated with large-scale public- housing projects. "The infill approach to public housing is clearly a time-consuming process requiring the utmost commitment from a housing authority. In Charleston attractive livable environments have been created within stringent budgetary and time constraints. These examples are exemplary in their social, architectural and urbanistic goals and set an important precedent for future public housing projects." Design Assemblies, the Federal Architec- ture Project, the Federal Graphics Im- provement Program, and the Excellence Attracts Excellence program with the Of- fice of Personnel Management. The Presidential Design Awards have special symbolic value. They call atten- tion to design quality at the highest level of government. Through the President, they bring to all of us a sense of what can be. Frank Hodsoll Chairman, National Endowment for the Arts Report of the Presidential Design Awards Jury The Presidential Design Awards Program was established in December 1983 to rec- ognize exemplary achievements in Fed- eral design in the fields of architecture, engineering design, graphic design, inte- rior design, landscape architecture, prod- uct/industrial design, and urban design and planning. This is the first govern- ment-wide design awards program and its Presidential sponsorship places the is- sue of design excellence at the highest level of government. Quality in design has been a national cause since the founding of our Re- public. In the planning and design of Washington, both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson recognized that the success of the nation was linked to the vision that people had of themselves and the buildings that housed their institutions. In the twentieth century, this condi- tion continues with the Federal Design effort can be concentrated on quality. The implementation of the program demonstrates sensitivity to the wide variety of subject matter and attention to the finest detail. It is an example to others and has already achieved international recognition." U.S. DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION SYMBOL SIGNS 'The U.S. Department of Transportation has developed a coherent system of transportation- related symbol signs for use throughout the United States. Taking full advantage of work done internationally, the American Institute of Graphic Arts, in cooperation with the D.O.T., compiled an inventory of sign systems. A committee of eminent designers reviewed the major systems and recommended the development of 52 symbols. Taking the best elements from other systems but refining each symbol, the designers created a balanced new system. Now in use in thousands of transport- related facilities throughout the country, these symbol signs make a valuable contribution to communication. "This project was undertaken as a means of achieving standardization in this field. The jury encourages D.O.T to continue evaluating the effectiveness of the system and to promote the use of these symbols as universally as possible." H ART-IN-ARCH ITECTU RE PROGRAM "Through its recognition of the necessity and value of works of art in the public environment and its commitment to their placement in public Federal facilities, the Art-in-Architecture Pro- gram of the General Services Administration has demonstrated leadership as a client and produced salutory results at over 250 sites in the U.S. and its possessions at a cost of only one-half of one per- cent of the general contracts. "The program is also to be commended for its intelligent willingness to sustain potential risks in the selection of artists through the solicitation of nominations from peer groups appointed by the National Endowment for the Arts. "Installations that may have been judged by the press, critics and others to be difficult to com- prehend (or less than completely successful) are to be expected in such a courageous program and should be interpreted as an index of its con- tinuing vitality" (Pictured: Batcolumn, Chicago, IL) NEW PARTNERSHIP FOR RESTORING AMERICAN CITIES St. Paul, Minnesota This ongoing project shows how urban design should be done and what it can do for American cities. Lowertown in 1978 was a semi-abandoned and deteriorating wholesaling area next to down- town St. Paul, Minnesota. Now, nearly six years later, it is becoming a lively new community sup- porting a rich mixture of activities which rein- force one another and complement the downtown. In the process, the old urban fabric is being conserved and repaired. "The jury commends the non-profit Lower- town Redevelopment Corporation (LRC), created by the City of St. Paul with funding from the McKnight Foundation, for its urban design lead- ership. The design, financing and marketing strategy developed by LRC used small amounts of public funding from such Federal agencies as the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Dept. of the Interior to leverage $200 million in private investment and create 3,800 jobs. Skillful plan- ning of design guidelines, followed by dedicated design review, have resulted in preservation, adaptive re-use and new construction of quality. "This effort has been guided by a creative and powerful city-building vision. Unlike old-style ur- ban renewal, which depended on massive Federal funding and large-scale intervention following a fixed plan, Lowertown Redevelopment uses a sub- tle approach based on a series of public and pri- vate partnerships which allow for continuous adjustment of the vision. We recommend that other cities follow St. Paul's lead." THE GARDENS San Mateo, California In a world of increasing population and of dimin- ishing land available for traditional single-family homes, alternative solutions are needed to provide housing for our country. Dependency on the automobile further restricts ground available for construction, and our general affluence exac- erbates the problem by demanding larger living areas and additional vehicles. "The Gardens project in San Mateo, California, is a refreshing solution to a difficult site problem. Given the insular quality of the site and a lack of stimulating surrounding environs, the designers elected to turn inward and create a high density development based on pedestrian circulation spaces and private gardens. The cars are se- questered, and buildings accommodate the large trees that are already on the site. The individual units are small but contain two stories: rooms are designed with views of the exterior gardens, which create an illusion of more spaciousness. Besides creating a wonderful overall ambiance, The Gardens themselves are more important be- cause they give people opportunities to create their own personal statements, their own special places. Gardens historically have been metaphors of paradise: today they serve to express people's dreams in something like the way homesteading did in the previous century" CHARLES RIVER PROJECT Boston, Massachusetts 'One of historic Boston's finest achievements has been the creation and protection of its elaborate system of inter-connected public parks and path- ways. A feature of this system is the "necklace" designed by Frederick Law Olmstead during the last century, which weaves a path of green through the city's fabric to terminate in the Charles River Basin, site of this awarded design. The Charles River Project contributes admirably to this tradition, while at once resolving the crit- ical technical aspects of its program — tidal and river flood and pollution control. "As a watershed plan, it generates upstream recreational and wildlife areas, and extends the qualities of the river basin a bit further north, to- wards the harbor. As a physical structure, it rein- forces the pedestrian inclination of the city by offering a foot path connecting two historical neighborhoods, Charlestown and the North End. As an engineering statement, it opens itself to view for the joy and entertainment of those at- tracted, thus enhancing its location near the city's Museum of Science. In this sense, its es- thetic is drawn from functions within. "The Charles River Project is a major public works program of the highest order, moving beyond a narrow technical mandate to comple- ment the larger social, physical and visual qualities of its city." M SCATTERED INFILL PUBLIC HOUSING Charleston, South Carolina The Scattered Infill Public Housing Project is a highly commendable example of a sensitive ap- proach to public housing. An effective planning process created a partnership of the local com- munity, involved the City of Charleston, the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development and the Charleston Department of Housing and Ur- ban Development. These groups chose a develop- mental strategy that both increased the supply of housing and provided a stimulus to neigh- borhood revitalization. Existing open sites were carefully selected for their potential for neigh- borhood renewal and for their ability to provide the necessary social continuity. "The choice of a vernacular house type, the Charleston 'side-house,' proved to be appropriate contexturally and climatically. The use of local construction methods, materials, detailing and colors helped aesthetically to integrate the struc- tures into their surroundings. The new dwellings are so skillfully and sensitively designed and sited that they do not resemble public housing. User satisfaction is high: tenants have been integrated into an existing community, thus avoiding the stigma often associated with large-scale public- housing projects. "The infill approach to public housing is clearly a time-consuming process requiring the utmost commitment from a housing authority. In Charleston attractive livable environments have been created within stringent budgetary and time constraints. These examples are exemplary in their social, architectural and urbanistic goals and set an important precedent for future public housing projects." Credits for Winning Entries A. THE INTERCITY BRIDGE • U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration • Arvid Grant and Associates. Inc., Consulting Engineers, Olympia, WA B. HISTORIC PRESERVATION TAX INCENTIVES PROGRAM • U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service C. TH E SEATTLE FOOT T * • Veterans Administration, Rehabilitation, Research and Development Service • Prosthetic Research Study, Dr. Ernest M. Burgess, Director, Seattle, WA • Model & Instrument Works, Inc., < Donald L. Poggi, Engineer, Seattle, WA D. LINN COVE VIADUCT • U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service • U.S. Department of Transpor- tation, Federal Highway Administration • Figg 6- Muller, Engineers, Inc., Tallahassee, FL • Jasper Construction Company, Atlanta, GA E. N. A. S.A. VISUAL COMMUNICA- TION SYSTEM AND GRAPHIC WORKS » National Aeronautics & Space Admin. ' » Dannefr Blackburn, Inc., Designers, NY » White and Associates, Designers, Los Angeles, CA F. FRANKLIN COURT • U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service • Venturi, Rauch and Scott Brown, Architects, Philadelphia, PA G. UNIGRID DESIGN PROGRAM • U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service • Vignelli Associates, Designers, NY H. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SYMBOL SIGNS » U.S. Department of Transportation • American Institute of Graphic Arts, NY " A.I.G.A. Signs & Symbols Committee, Thomas Geismar, Chairman • Cook & Shanosky Assoc, Designers, Princeton, NJ I. ART-IN-ARCHITECTURE PROGRAM • U.S. General Services Administration, Art-in-Architecture Program k r J. NEW PARTNERSHIP FOR k RESTORING AMERICAN CITIES • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development • Lowertown Redevelopment Corporation, Weiming Lu, Executive Director • City of Si. Paul -George Latimer, Mayor; Douglas Foster, Urban Designer • Port Authority of St. Paul, MN • The McKnight Foundation, Minneapolis, MN Bentz, Thompson, Rietow, Inc., Architects, Minneapolis, MN 1 Rafferty, Rafferty, Mikutowski, Roney & Associates, Architects, St. Paul, MN "» Miller, Hanson, Westerbeck, Bell Architects, Inc., Minneapolis, MN ;. THE GARDENS U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development • Backen Arrigoni &■ Ross.Jnc, Architects, San Francisco, CA • POD, Inc., Landscape Architects, Orange, CA • J.S. Papp Associates, Inc., Structural Engineers, Redwood, CA L. CHARLES RIVER PROJECT • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England Division • CE Maguirc, Inc., Engineers, Waltham, MA M. SCATTERED INFILL PUBLIC HOUSING • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development • City of Charleston, Joseph P. Riley, Mayor; Donald Cameron, Executive Director, Housing Authority • Bradficld Associates, Architects, Atlanta, GA • Middleton, McMillan, Architects, Inc., Charleston, SC i^i jA