Four firms participated in a design competition to bring the vision for the Baltimore Center for Architecture and Design, located at One Charles Center, to life

 
Baltimore, MD (August 15, 2019) – The Baltimore Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Baltimore) has selected the Baltimore office of Quinn Evans Architects to design the Baltimore Center for Architecture and Design. The Center is located at One Charles Center, a landmark building designed by world-renowned modern architect Mies van der Rohe. The 3,600 square feet space is located at the retail level fronting onto Fayette Street, and adjacent to Center Plaza.
The Center will be the new headquarters for AIA Baltimore and the Baltimore Architecture Foundation, and will provide collaborative administrative and program space for allied professional industry, advocacy, and education organizations, including Baltimore Heritage, Inc., the Baltimore Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (Bmore NOMA), the Baltimore Chapter of the Urban Land Institute (ULI Baltimore), the Maryland Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA Maryland), and the Maryland Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA Maryland), and the Charles Street Development Corporation. The Center will also include flexible program and gallery space, and a small retail space for books on Baltimore architecture.
Local architecture firms were invited to submit qualifications to AIA Baltimore for the design of the Center. Ultimately, four firms were selected to participate in a paid design competition juried by AIA leaders with experience in establishing centers for architecture and design in other cities. All of the designs were carefully considered and presented with a great deal of energy, effort and enthusiasm.
The proposal from Quinn Evans Architects fulfills AIA Baltimore’s vision to make the Center for Architecture and Design serve as a high profile and visible space to showcase the important role of architects and design, and as a dynamic hub to engage professionals, students, and the public. The design meets the goals of the AIA Baltimore membership to create a center that represents the forefront of design thinking and be a model for sustainable design best practices. The jury recognized the adaptability of the Quinn Evans design and praised its emphasis on community identity and outreach in built form, the use of locally sourced fabrication, procurement and installation, and its spirit of citizenry and community sustainability.
“AIA Baltimore appreciates everyone’s generous support that has made this moment possible,” said Suzanne Frazier, 2019 AIA Baltimore President. “As we approach AIA Baltimore’s 150th Anniversary in 2021, we look forward to new and exciting ways to celebrate the design world and Baltimore in our new Center for Architecture and Design. This would not be possible without the ongoing engagement and commitment of our members and our community.”
“We think the only thing better than working in a Mies building is adapting and transforming a Mies building into an inclusive, flexible, and interactive place,” said Mark Nook of Quinn Evans Architects. “This is an amazing opportunity to connect architects, designers and the people of our city with purpose; foster growth, resilience and pride for the future of Baltimore and beyond.”
AIA Baltimore and the Baltimore Architecture Foundation will be relocating from their Mount Vernon headquarters to the Center for Architecture and Design in early 2020. AIA Baltimore plans to sell its current building at 11 ½ W. Chase Street, the headquarters of the organization since 1988.
View the winning proposal by Quinn Evans Architects
Learn more about the Center for Architecture and Design
Contact:
Nathan Dennies
410.625.2585 x102
ndennies@aiabalt.com
AIA Baltimore, The American Institute of Architects, Baltimore Chapter
The American Institute of Architects is a visionary organization providing advocacy, leadership, and knowledge resources for architects to design a better world.  Founded in 1871, AIABaltimore serves as the voice of the architecture profession in the Baltimore metropolitan area.  Our chapter consists of 1300 architects, emerging professionals, and allied industry members united to demonstrate the value of architecture and design to communities across our region.
www.aiabaltimore.org