Patriot Plaza at the Sarasota National Cemetery, by Hoyt Architects. (June 17, 2014) (Herald-Tribune Staff Photo by Thomas Bender)
What is your favorite new building?
The 3rd annual People’s Choice competition was launched today by the Florida Association of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Florida). Locally nominated projects include the Center for Architecture Sarasota's McCulloch Pavilion (cover photo, architects Bob Rupp and Joe Farrell, 1960, with 2015 renovation by architect Guy Peterson), Patriot Plaza (2014, Hoyt Architects) at Sarasota National Cemetery, the Playball Pavilion (2011, Sweet Sparkman Architects) located at Fruitville Park, and St. Thomas More Church (Carl Abbott, 1983, with 2013 addition by Julian Norman-Webb) in Gulf Gate.
More than 1 million votes were registered online for favorite buildings in the event’s first two years.
Architect Julian Norman-Webb designed an addition to St. Thomas More Catholic Church, originally designed by Carl Abbott, FAIA, in Sarasota's Gulf Gate neighborhood. Staff photo / Harold Bubil; 5-13-2014.
“We are excited to learn which architectural projects inspire those who live, work and play in Florida, and beyond,” said Martin Diaz-Yabor, FAIA, president of the AIA Florida Board of Directors.
“In 2015, more than 550,000 votes were cast from 48 states and 120 different countries. We are thrilled to see where the votes for Florida’s buildings will come from this The competition highlights the work of Florida’s architects, who are skilled professionals that help meet the needs of communities through innovative building design.
The Play Ball! Pavilion at Fruitville Park was designed by Sweet Sparkman Architects. Staff photo / Harold Bubil; 6-19-2014.
This year’s contest includes 39 buildings, nominated by local AIA chapters, including restaurants, cultural arts centers, schools, public parks and more.
Buildings up-for-vote also include historic structures that have been renovated.
"The buildings nominated include notable public spaces that were entered into the AIA Florida/Caribbean Design Awards in 2015, as well as buildings nominated by each of the AIA Florida local components, said AIA Florida's Candy Munz. "All submissions must have been constructed within in the past five years, or be historic buildings renovated for public use within the past five years. Buildings must be located within Florida, but the architects may be from anywhere in the world."
The public can vote for their favorite buildings, listed by the structure’s name and location, at www.floridapeopleschoice.com until midnight, July 22.
The results of the voting will be announced at AIA Florida’s convention at the Breakers Resort in Palm Beach on July 23.
