Baltimore architects, Michael Murphy and Matthew Compton, were the 2009 recipients of the American Institute of Architects Baltimore chapter's Grand Award. The two, with Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects, won the award for their $1 million renovation of the city-owned Roosevelt Park Pool House, beating out 73 other entrants for the chapter's top prize.
"This spirited renovation works well with the existing building to transform the heaviness of the fortress-like old structure into a pavilion sensibility that reflects the pool's edge light while it provides shaded respite from the water. It takes risk in what it does. In an innovative way, it is contextual through contrast. The project integrates the pool fencing regulation into the design of the new canopy. This renovation creates structural integrity and a welcoming generosity of spirit. The new structure nestles over and protects the existing building in a grandfatherly way. The spirit of this addition makes you want to enter and inhabit this place," says the AIA.
Source: American Institute of Architects
Writer: Walaika Haskins