May 10, 2006

Design Detailings: Local architects make ‘Headlines' at UW

"Headlines: Architectural Ideas in Practice" is a new exhibit at the University of Washington's Gould Hall Court. There will be an opening reception 5 to 8 p.m. Friday. The exhibit runs through May 28.

The second annual non-juried exhibit highlights architectural projects designed by Washington architects. It focuses on the architectural ideas behind works in progress, offering a glimpse of work on the boards.

The exhibit is sponsored by MulvannyG2 Architecture, with graphic design services by LMN Architects.

The opening reception is free. To attend RSVP to archrsvp@u.washington.edu. The exhibit hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

MKA takes top honor at ACEC awards

Magnusson Klemencic Associates' structural design for the 23-story Federal Courthouse in Seattle beat 162 contenders to take top honors at the national 2006 Engineering Excellence Awards.

Last week's event was sponsored by the American Council of Engineering Companies. MKA won the Grand Conceptor Award, ACEC's highest honor. The firm has won an ACEC national award for nine consecutive years and 15 times in the last 20 years.

The award recognized MKA's development of new structural systems. MKA used a steel plate/composite concrete shear wall system that combines steel plate wall panels, steel wide-flange beams and columns, and concrete-filled steel pipe columns to eliminate the exterior moment frame and consolidate the building's wind and earthquake-resisting systems into the core.

NBBJ was the architect and the contractor was the JA Jones. MKA's Brian Dickson was project manager.

Jim Olson to speak at Henry May 18

Architect Jim Olson of Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects will offer a lecture and book signing at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 18, at The Henry Art Gallery, 15th Avenue Northeast and Northeast 41st Street.

Olson is known for designing spaces for art and has done work for clients with significant collections. He recently completed the Ebsworth residence, which houses a collection of 20th century American art.

Olson will discuss his design philosophy and creative process on the Ebsworth project. The project is the subject of his new book, "Art & Architecture: The Ebsworth Collection and Residence," from William Stout Publishers.

Seating is limited. For information, call (206) 221-3330.