The American Institute of Architects, California Council, Announces the 25-Year-Award Winner
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— On Jan. 1, 2016, it was decided by popular vote that
Transamerica Building designed by William L. Pereira – 1972 would be the winning structure in the American Institute of Architects, California Council’s (AIACC) 25-Year-Award. . The votes were very close this year in a tight race to see what building would garner the honor.
The race was opened to the public this year, rather than a juried process. To see the five projects, click here.
The San Francisco landmark won out, and perhaps for reasons eloquently stated by John King of the San Francisco Chronicle:
| “The proposal’s 1,000-foot height exceeded any hill in this city revered for its topography. The tapering shaft of concrete with a steep metal peak defied every architectural norm of the era. The location was on the north end of the Financial District at Montgomery and Washington streets, at the foot of Columbus Avenue on a site across from Jackson Square – then and now an atmospheric nook defined by brick survivors of the 1906 earthquake . . . . Throughout the debate of 1969, architect William Pereira of Los Angeles defended his vision as a logical, elegant response to the challenge of inserting large structures into an older city, telling a reporter it ‘allows more light and more air into the streets and conserves the view.’ He also made the case that an abrupt shift in scale from Jackson Square would help maintain that district’s distinctive character, rather than overwhelm it. Time has proved Pereira right in both cases. |
For more information on any of the above information – the organization or the AIACC awards, contact Shannon Calder, at 916.642.1718.
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