Duvall Decker Architects’ design earns national recognition

Jackson, MS, April 23, 2013 – Designed by Jackson architecture firm Duvall Decker Architects, P.A., the Jobie L. Martin Classroom Building on the Jackson Campus of Hinds Community College has been recognized with an AIA Committee on Architecture for Education (CAE) Award of Excellence. The award honors educational facilities that the jury believes should serve as an example of a superb place in which to learn, furthering the client's mission, goals and educational program while demonstrating excellence in architectural design.

As one of seven projects chosen from 80 submissions, the project was reviewed by a panel of prominent professionals specializing in educational facility design.

Jurors commented, “(t)his simple and honest building with strong forms and an elegant façade shows that a few simple gestures can render a sense of identity to an otherwise nondescript campus. The rigorous use of materials, straightforward detailing, and clarity of concept elevates the modest program to a new level. The jury admired the light airy classrooms that combined the translucent, transparent, fixed, and operable glazing.”

Jurors noted that all of the winning projects “exemplify innovation through the client's educational goals through responsive and responsible programming, planning and design. Function and surrounding regional and community context are valued as part of the planning and design process. In addition, connection to the site, surrounding campus, community, and environment are evident in the design solutions.”

The building is on the Academic/Technical Center campus, one of six campuses of Hinds Community College, the largest community college in the state of Mississippi.  Upon notification of the award, college president, Dr. Clyde Muse said, “I’ve never seen an architect get so much character out of a rectangle.”

The 2013 CAE Awards will be presented at a special reception during the AIA National Convention on June 20th, 2013 in Denver, CO.