AIA|DC reveals 2017 People’s Choice Award winners

Since December 2017, the Washington, D.C., chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA|DC) has showcased the best architectural designs of the year in a brand new exhibition at the District Architecture Center. During this exhibition, the public has been able to vote for their favorite project. Now, the winners of this competition have been announced.

In first place is the restoration of the Louis XV-style ballroom in the Townsend mansion by the Cosmos Club. Here, the architects addressed moisture issues and outdated repairs with the hope to conserve as much of the circa 1900-constructed building’s historicity as possible. The restoration work completed within nine months.

During this time, plaster elements were restored, original gilded finishes were revealed, and crystal elements were restored.

Following behind in second place is the Washington Post’s new headquarters, designed by Gensler. 92 percent of the building is an open floor plan, allowing workers to be able to easily intermingle. There are a variety of spaces created for meetings, including open lounge areas, huddle rooms, and larger conference rooms. Inside, the color palette is neutral with shades of gray and tan against black and white.

The third most voted project ended up being Quinn Evans Architects’ restoration of the historic Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) headquarters. This complex task cleaned glass panels above the library, recovered plaster details, and more.

There were over 20 projects up for the award, including Antunovich Associates’ Uline Arena redevelopment and Freelon Adjaye Bond and SmithGroupJJR’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. The public was able to vote during the month of December 2017.

• New AIA exhibition features the best local designs of the year [Curbed DC]