Prairie View A&M University’s Nathelyne Archie Kennedy architecture and art building recently received a merit award, from the American Institute of Architects California Council.
Although there were 370 entries competing for the annual recognition, only three honor awards and twelve merit awards were given by the council which is made up of five jury members.
The council reviewed the 370 applications for architecture excellence.
According to the jury, “This Texas institute building does a nice job of harnessing root circulation across the campus for students and the university at large. It is a very exuberating brick building.”
Prior to having its own building, the architecture program, which was founded 40 years ago, was a part of the College of Engineering.
The building is organized into two parts: a cultural center, which achieves and exhibits African-American culture, and the architecture school.
Currently the building holds the School of Architecture, the School of Art, Community Urban and Rural Extension Services Center, a cultural center, library, theater, classrooms, gallery spaces and studios.
Located on the corner of University Drive and L.W. Minor, at first glance, one may not recognize this creation as a typical classroom building.
Art Professor Clarence Talley Sr., said, “Many students would ask me is it a spacecraft, or is it Noah’s Ark?”
“It is obvious to say that the uniqueness of the building does set it apart from other buildings on the campus,” said Talley.
“However, for the School of Architecture to be headquartered in anything less would be an insult to the discipline.”
Many students feel that walking into the building and casting their eyes upon its structure and formation the building is nothing short of breathtaking.
Talley stated, “When I first walked into the building, I thought of AstroWorld. I admire how the stairs have this rollercoaster-like feel which crisscrosses into space.”
Michael Rotondi, of RoTo Architects, Inc., designed the architecture and art building.
Rotondi feels the use of brick is the most significant aspect of the building.
“We wanted to use brick as a construction technique and show all the things you could possibly do with brick,” said Rotondi.
Rotondi is also contracted to complete the design for the Fallen Firefighters Museum for the Los Angeles Fire Department and the Pacoima Neighborhood City Hall in Los Angeles, Calif.
“If there is any project I am remembered for, I hope it is this one,” Rotondi said.