For Immediate Release: January 16, 2006
Hammel, Green and Abrahamson's Bigelow Chapel Honored With National 2006 AIA Honor Award
Minneapolis, MN - The architectural and engineering firm Hammel, Green and Abrahamson, Inc. has been honored for a fourth time by the American Institute of Architects with a 2006 AIA National Honor Award for its design of Bigelow Chapel, located on the Twin Cities campus of the United Theological Seminary.
Bigelow Chapel is the first religious project by Hammel, Green and Abrahamson (HGA) architects Joan M. Soranno, AIA, and John Cook, AIA, with intern architect Steven Dwyer. The award is especially gratifying for Joan and John; both work in tandem complementing each other's design styles: Soranno's artistic wisdom influencing Cook's scientific acumen.
Bigelow Chapel realizes the United Theological Seminary's request for a timeless, spiritually uplifting, ecumenical worship space. The design for the 5,300-square-foot building includes a processional, narthex, chapel and bell tower.
The designers conveyed warmth and light through a variety of design innovations, including thin maple veneers sandwiched between sheets of clear, non-reflective acrylic that filter and modulate light coming through a glass wall. The sanctuary succeeds by creating a chapel both beautiful and unique, with a tranquil environment for worship and prayer.
The American Institute of Architects has a long tradition of recognizing individuals and organizations for their outstanding achievements. This year, nearly 500 entries were submitted for consideration. The awards were announced by the AIA on January 13, 2006.
:: View Bigelow Chapel
HGA Contact: Julie Luers (612) 758-4000 e-mail JLuers@hga.com
Media Contact: Susan Evans, Evans Larson (612) 338-6999 e-mail susan@evanslarson.com