NEW DALLAS CENTER FOR ARCHITECTURE

After a rigorous process, the Dallas Chapter of The American Institute of Architects (AIA Dallas) and its partner organization, Dallas Center for Architecture (DCFA), have selected a multidisciplinary team to design their new facility, which is slated to open August of 2018. After shortlisting based on qualifications and extensive interviews, the boards of both AIA Dallas and DCFA have tasked OMNIPLAN, lauckgroup, Aurora, Better Block, RSM Design, Studio Outside, LUM Lighting Design and Telios with crafting a dynamic, engaging and community-friendly space in downtown Dallas.

“We considered talent, experience, ideas, collaboration and creative spirit in the selection of our design partner, and we loved the approach of the multidisciplinary team led by Omniplan. We look forward to working together to create a space that champions architecture and demonstrates the impact of design on community livability,” says Jan Blackmon, FAIA, executive director of AIA Dallas and the Dallas Center for Architecture.

The new Center for Architecture will be located in the mid-century architectural icon Republic Center at the northwest corner of St. Paul and Pacific. This location within the core of the city will allow AIA Dallas and DCFA to be more visible, pedestrian-friendly, and engaged with the larger community. The design team is tasked with creating a physical space that elevates public awareness of the important impact architecture can have on the health, equity, welfare and economic development in a community.

“OMNIPLAN could not be more excited about the selection of our team to design the new Dallas Center for Architecture,” says Tip Housewright, Principal and CEO of OMNIPLAN. “The selection of our team is significant to us on many levels. First, to be chosen by our peers to design the new home of architecture in Dallas is an honor. The leaders of AIA Dallas had many talented firms they could select from and we are honored to be entrusted with the design of this very important new home for architects in Dallas.”

The facility itself will be flexible to meet the variety of needs of AIA Dallas and DCFA’s ever-changing and dynamic organizations. The street level will take advantage of floor-to-ceiling glass windows that connect the constant stream of activities and events within the space to the hustle and bustle street life. It will also utilize a large outdoor plaza for diverse programming—lectures, exhibitions, town hall meetings and other community events.

Since the new Center for Architecture will be adjacent to the second largest park in downtown Dallas, the design team has conceptualized inventive ideas as to what the space can become. For example, as part of the RFQ process, the team developed “Pop-Up PARKitecture,” where they activated a sidewalk downtown with café seating, games, and kiosks. A musician played, a sketch artist created art, and they invited passersby in. View the results here.

“More than ever, interior architecture, design, and community partnerships play a considerable role in shaping and revitalizing existing built environments and therefore empowering communities to promote the growth of healthy and vibrant neighborhoods within changing dynamics,” says Brigitte Preston, Co-owner and Principal of Design at lauckgroup. “We’re beyond thrilled to have been selected to participate in this project and we’re excited to work with AIA Dallas and DCFA to create an architecture hub of activity for both design professionals and the community.”

Ultimately, the new Center for Architecture will serve as an educational hub that raises the stature of the architecture profession in the public eye with a high profile, “24 hour” space and open public programming.

About AIA Dallas
AIA Dallas, the sixth largest chapter of The American Institute of Architects, empowers architects to excel and impact their practice, profession, and community. AIA Dallas has a membership base of more than 2,300 members and 300 architectural firms. Member efforts support professional development, education, advocacy, thought-provoking programming, and seven signature events. For more information, visit www.aiadallas.org.

About The Dallas Center For Architecture
The Dallas Center for Architecture works to encourage the conversation about why architecture matters to YOU. The Center seeks to foster the public’s understanding of the power of architecture to enrich our city and our lives through the programs, exhibits, and tours that the Center presents. For more information, visit www.DallasCFA.com.

OMNIPLAN
OMNIPLAN is an award-winning practice which encompasses architecture, planning, interior design, and graphic design. The firm’s expertise is in both commercial and institutional arenas including large-scale commercial and mixed-use planned developments, urban and suburban office buildings, facilities for institutions of higher education, research laboratories, and places of community and worship. Founded in Dallas more than 54 years ago, the firm believes in the potential of every project to contribute to the built environment in a meaningful and powerful way.

About lauckgroup
lauckgroup is a full-service interior architecture firm serving corporate clients in the technology, legal, government and higher education sectors, as well as the retail and hospitality industries. The firm employs roughly 50 people and is headquartered in Dallas with additional offices in Austin and Houston. lauckgroup projects typify design solutions that satisfy human, technical, aesthetic, environmental and functional needs.