Special Recognition

• Division: Historic Preservation
• Location: Chicago, IL
• Architect: Booth Hansen
• Client: Roosevelt University
• General contractor: Pepper Construction
• Consultants: Ketchmark & Associates, Engineers; Conrad Schmidt Studios (metal fabricator); Kirkegaard & Associates (acoustic consultants)

Overview

Using archival photographs, the electric lights (electroliers) were translated into drawings. Then foam-core mock-ups were created to determine the light fixtures' impact on the recital hall. Details were cast and recast until a precise reinterpretation was achieved. Final pieces were assembled and wired onto frames. Eventually the fixtures were covered with gold leaf and hand-painted. Each of the 450-lb, six-feet tall lights have authentic lightbulbs. Jurors were swayed by the prodigious amount of research and quest for accuracy. (Double winner; also received Interior Architecture Citation of Merit Award.)