Maryland Institute College of Art’s Brown Center Receives AIA Award
BALTIMORE-The American Institute of Architects Maryland Chapter recently honored Maryland Institute College of Art’s Brown Center with a 2004 Honor Award of Excellence. The center is MICA’s first newly constructed academic facility in nearly 100 years. MICA was also featured as Facility of the Month in the May/June 2004 Issue of School Construction News.
Conceptualized by Charles Brickbauer in collaboration with architectural firm Ziger/Snead, Brown Center appears as if draped in a flowing blanket of translucent, white glass. The 61,410-square-foot, five-story structure more resembles sculpture than an academic institution.
Built with the collaboration of specialty glazing contractor Harmon Inc. and general contractor The Whiting-Turner Construction Company, this Baltimore team designed, manufactured and installed the building’s intricately designed, 40,000-square-foot exterior glazing systems. Harmon also provided and installed glass handrails, doors and custom convector enclosures throughout the building’s interior.
“The clarity and the simplicity of the exterior detailing carry through to the interior,” noted the AIA Maryland jurors, adding, “This building is modern architecture at its best: clean lines, bold forms, crisp detailing and striking presence.”
Opened in October 2003, Brown Center houses 1,370 students enrolled in the college’s nationally recognized digital art and design programs, as well as provides a 550-seat hall for both MICA and public performances.