The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Chesapeake Bay Chapter recently presented Becker Morgan Group with the 2017 Merit Award and People’s Choice Award for Crisfield Public Library and a Citation Award for Snow Hill High School. The awards recognize excellence in architecture throughout the Chesapeake Bay Region and were presented at the Design Awards Gala. Principal Architect Brad Hastings, AIA, LEED AP, commented: “We’re excited to have two projects selected again this year for recognition. We are fortunate to work with fantastic clients who trust us to develop projects that meet their needs while also appreciating the benefits that good design can bring to a project. To have these efforts recognized by a jury of our peers, and to be able to share this recognition with our clients who worked with us to achieve these results, is extremely rewarding.”
The new Crisfield Library serves as a community center and information hub for this small waterside community by providing a 21st century facility that offers opportunities to engage with technology and alternative education programs. The library is designed for resilience and to endure the harsh coastal environment. The building has been elevated above grade to address floodplain issues, allowing it to serve the community without impact during coastal events. Key elements include private rooms for study and tutoring, a dedicated makerspace, a larger Children’s area and staff work areas. The new facility also offers a large meeting room available for nonprofits and community groups. Patrons can enjoy panoramic water views from the large outdoor deck.
The addition and renovations to Snow Hill High School encompassed a complex process which included four phases of construction over a three-year period while the school remained occupied. An intensive planning effort with the School District and High School staff, students, and the citizens of Snow Hill was undertaken to ensure the transformation of the existing 70,000 sf facility into a new 130,000 sf state-of-the-art school met their objectives and reflected the needs and feel of the community. The new additions envelope the existing structure, adding a new Cafeteria, Gymnasium, Music Rooms, Administration, Media Center, and Science Classrooms. The inclusive design process worked to incorporate the local aesthetic, with the brick work, forms and Tuscan columns reminiscent of downtown Snow Hill and the County Courthouse.
Becker Morgan Group provides comprehensive Architecture & Engineering services with offices in Delaware, Maryland, and North Carolina. For more information, visit www.beckermorgan.com
