Connect: January/February 2014

Places to go, things to do and see, and people who are leaving their mark on the world of style.

By Melissa Mauzy

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500 N. Broadway, Saint Louis, Missouri
Photography by Matt McFarland

The 500 N. Broadway building downtown recently completed renovations to transform the 22-story building into a “Class A” office building. The Arcturis design team gave the building identity and a bright, secure environment. A new entry canopy creates the illusion of a heightened first-floor ceiling. A panel of glass windows across the front maximizes light entering the space and creates a seamless transition from indoors to out. The project was awarded a 2013 distinguished award for architecture by the American Institute of Architects – St. Louis.

 

Devon Boathouse, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Photography by Scott McDonald, Hedrich Blessing

Located along the Oklahoma River, the Devon Boathouse is the anchor point for the Boathouse District in Oklahoma City. At 33,000 square feet, the Devon Boathouse is an Olympic training venue with the world’s only dynamic propulsion rowing tank in addition to a pool, high-altitude training room, boat storage and event spaces. The Boathouse is home to Oklahoma City University’s rowing and canoe/kayak teams as well training programs for USRowing and USA Canoe/Kayak. Designed by Elliott + Associates Architects, the project was awarded an American Architecture award as well as a merit award from the American Institute of Architects Central Oklahoma chapter.

 

Lotus Temple, New Delhi, India
Photography by Norman McGrath

Designed by Canadian architect Fariborz Sahba, the Baha’i Temple in India is most commonly known as the Lotus Temple. Completed in 1986, the temple is a place of prayer and meditation. One of the most visited buildings in the world, the temple is made up of 27 white marble petals to make up the shape of a lotus flower. Sahba chose the lotus flower as the basis for his design because it is a symbol for purity and a metaphor for the truth that out of ignorance and violence can come peace. The structure is surrounded by nine pools of water, which represent the floating leaves of the lotus.