PORTFOLIO OF: PITTSBURGH, PA
DAVID JOHNSON MEMORIAL CHAPEL AT THIEL COLLEGE GREENVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA In the role of project architect was responsible for the design of the new $1,900,000 chapel and furnishings for an independent liberal arts college related to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The exterior of the 7,000 sq. ft. chapel uses red brick, limestone trim and multi paned windows to blend in with the character of the 135 year old campus. The bell tower, worship space and support space wing frame the entrance doors and courtyard forming an exterior ritual gathering space. Inside the light filled worship space, the laminated wood timber and steel structure as well as the rhythmic pattern of the clerestory windows and slate flooring leads the eye forward and upward. AT DESMONE & ASSOCIATES 2011 1 OF 4
DAVID JOHNSON MEMORIAL CHAPEL AT THIEL COLLEGE GREENVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA These lead to a raised platform delineated by maple woodwork and honed slate with glass tile mosaic accents. The maple woodwork continues as a communal bench along each side. AT DESMONE & ASSOCIATES 2011 2 OF 4
DAVID JOHNSON MEMORIAL CHAPEL AT THIEL COLLEGE GREENVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA The altar, ambo and font use recurring materials and design elements to bring unity to the primary liturgical settings. While variations in how these are assembled give each its identity. The altar is composed of tapered walnut legs and cantilevered mensa inlaid with ebony and maple. The ambo is supported by two walnut legs and top tied together by a powder coated steel framework. The font has walnut legs and base with a powder coated steel framework holding a verdigris patinated copper bowl with four grooved channels representing the four rivers of paradise. AT DESMONE & ASSOCIATES 2011 3 OF 4
DAVID JOHNSON MEMORIAL CHAPEL AT THIEL COLLEGE GREENVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA The cross, processional cross and Stations of the Cross maintain continuity of expression with the other liturgical furnishings yet distinguished themselves through the use of hand painted icons. 2011 AT DESMONE & ASSOCIATES 4 OF 4
STATIONS OF THE CROSS FOR DAVID JOHNSON MEMORIAL CHAPEL GREENVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA As liturgical design consultant provided the design for setting of Stations of the Cross at the David Johnson Memorial Chapel at Thiel College. The Stations of the Cross are hand painted iconography by artist Jody Cole. These are mounted to each column with a metal bracket detailed similarly to the other liturgical furnishings. 2011 1 OF 1
SAINT CALLISTUS CATHOLIC CHURCH KANE, PENNSYLVANIA GREENVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA This project consisted of the complete interior renovation of the parish s worship space. The sanctuary of the church was reorganized to give the altar, ambo, font and tabernacle each their own setting for ritual activity. The new organ screen and backlit stained glass rose window provide the proper back ground for the sanctuary. New painting scheme, flooring, refinished & reconfigured pews and an entirely new lighting system complete the renovation. AS CONSULTANT TO R. W. LARSON & ASSOCIATES 2011 1 OF 1
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN STUDY FOR COLLEGE FITNESS & RECREATION CENTER GREENVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA This conceptual design study for a fitness and recreation center was created for a small college or university. The facility is designed to provide twin basketball or volleyball courts, four racquetball courts, a 200 meter (1/8 mile) indoor running track, fitness center and exercise/ dance studio. Also included are locker rooms, sports medicine and physical therapy areas along with toilet rooms and equipment storage areas. 2011 1 OF 2
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN STUDY FOR COLLEGE FITNESS & RECREATION CENTER GREENVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA 2011 2 OF 2
THE SALVATION ARMY FAMILY CARING CENTER PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA Serving as project architect, created welcoming and calming place for this facility serving families in crisis. The facility s program includes transitional housing, education and activity space, staff offices, staff apartment, dining hall and chapel. The masonry exterior has been cleaned and repaired with several new openings created to accommodate interior program needs. Ground floor openings have been reduced in size using polished ground faced concrete masonry units and blue gray spandrel glass infill. A new metal canopy was added at the entrance. AT R. W. LARSON ASSOCIATES P.C. 2011 1 OF 3
THE SALVATION ARMY FAMILY CARING CENTER PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA The interior of the building was gutted and all new HVAC, electrical, plumbing, automatic sprinkler and elevator systems were added. A new interior layout on the ground floor includes all new major public spaces including public lobby, dining room, kitchen, chapel, activity and educational spaces, staff offices and storage areas. The design through the use of high ceilings and soft neutral and accent paint colors create a welcoming atmosphere. AT R. W. LARSON ASSOCIATES P.C. 2011 2 OF 3
THE SALVATION ARMY FAMILY CARING CENTER PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA Resident units are located on the second floor. Also lounges and augmented circulation spaces encourage unstructured socializing opportunities for residents and staff. The design of These spaces through the use of skylights and soft neutral and accent paint colors creates a welcoming atmosphere. AT R. W. LARSON ASSOCIATES P.C. 2011 3 OF 3
WAYNESBURG UNIVERSITY STEWART SCIENCE CENTER STUDY WAYNESBURG, PENNSYLVANIA Developed design and construction phasing scheme, as project architect, that allows academic departments to continue to function and expand while renovation and new construction takes place. The building is organized with each department located on one floor. Student lounges and informal gathering spaces are located on each floor to facilitate unstructured learning opportunities. Included are new HVAC, electrical, plumbing, sprinkler and elevator systems. Also the exterior skin is replaced with a new brick and limestone façade. AT R. W. LARSON ASSOCIATES P.C. 2011 1 OF 2
WAYNESBURG UNIVERSITY STEWART SCIENCE CENTER STUDY WAYNESBURG, PENNSYLVANIA AT R. W. LARSON ASSOCIATES P.C. 2011 2 OF 2
WAYNESBURG UNIVERSITY NURSING SIMULATION LAB WAYNESBURG, PENNSYLVANIA This is about saving lives University President Thyreen said. This will give our students the ability to practice, practice, practice, and achieve an important end result. The reality is, as a past football coach, we could never practice a kick off full go, our nursing students now have that ability. Provided as project architect design and coordination for a project that consists of the renovation and expansion of the existing nursing lab into a state of the art simulation lab. The lab has eight patient rooms; each room has audio/video digital recording and remoteviewing capabilities as well as a high fidelity simulator. A medication room, storage area, debriefing room, and control room from which the recording system is operated were also built into the space. AT R. W. LARSON ASSOCIATES P.C. 2011 1 OF 1
WEST VIRGINIA RAILROAD MUSEUM STUDY ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA Developed, as project architect, the conceptual design for a 50,000 s.f. railroad museum in Elkins, WV. The design for the $22,000,000 facility includes an event hall, 320 seat auditorium, an exhibit hall for the indoor display of rail equipment, gift shops and offices as well as a new venue for the annual Forest Festival. An observation tower defines the entry to the new museum and is visible from points within the site and surrounding downtown. AT R. W. LARSON ASSOCIATES P.C. WITH OVERTON & ASSOCIATES 2011 1 OF 2
WEST VIRGINIA RAILROAD MUSEUM STUDY ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA AT R. W. LARSON ASSOCIATES P.C. WITH OVERTON & ASSOCIATES 2011 2 OF 2
CHAPEL FOR THE BENEDICTINE SISTERS OF PITTSBURGH PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA Collaborated as project architect with liturgical design consultant Fr. Andrew Ciferni in bringing the community to consensus during this master planning process. This process will lead to fundraising, design development, and construction of the $1,800,000 renovations and additions to the chapel. AT DESMONE & ASSOCIATES 2011 1 OF 2
CHAPEL FOR THE BENEDICTINE SISTERS OF PITTSBURGH PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA The final design strategy incorporates site improvements which include a new entrance drive, sidewalks and landscaping as well as a new cloistered courtyard that serves as an ADA accessible entrance for the monastery and chapel. Monastery renovations include a new welcoming area for visitors and chapel gathering space. The chapel s flat roof will be removed to create a new sloped roof with clerestory windows that allow abundant natural light to enter the chapel. A 1,000 sq. ft. addition contains a new sacristy and Blessed Sacrament Chapel tower. 2011 AT DESMONE & ASSOCIATES 2 OF 2
NORTHMONT UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA As project architect created dramatic new entrance lobby and elevator addition. Also provided design scheme for efficiently air conditioning, with minimal visual intrusion, the worship space and social hall of the church using shared HVAC equipment. The new addition provides an appealing entrance from the parking lot, an elevator, meeting room and storage. The air conditioning of the worship space was accomplished with minimal impact by locating equipment and ductwork above the ceiling of the renovated social hall. Renovation of the social hall included new operable walls, finish ceiling, lighting and air conditioning. AT DESMONE & ASSOCIATES 2011 1 OF 1
SAINT HUBERT ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH POINT MARION, PENNSYLVANIA This church replaces the original structure lost to fire. As project architect designed a new church that maintains the beauty and charm of the original country church. The new church includes a worship space seating 150 as well as Blessed Sacrament Chapel, Reconciliation Chapel, sacristy and toilet rooms. AT DESMONE & ASSOCIATES 2011 1 OF 1
NEW COMMUNITY CHURCH PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA This facility represents the first phase of a two phase project. It uses preengineered building construction to minimize costs; yet I created as project architect a design that expresses its function as a church and fits its bucolic site. The initial building contains the Kid s Kingdom Christian education center on the lower level with a temporary 500 seat worship space on the upper level. In the next phase of the project both levels will be connected by a central atrium with additional education space on the upper level. Also included in the next phase are a 7,000 square foot Community Commons and an 800 seat state of the art worship facility. AT DESMONE & ASSOCIATES 2011 1 OF 1
THE CATHEDRAL BASILICA OF THE ASSUMPTION COVINGTON, KENTUCKY Working with liturgical design consultant Bill Brown in the role of project architect/ intern liturgical design consultant discerned consensus design scheme after long, contentious and difficult process. Acceptance of the $6,000,000 preservation, restoration, renovation and liturgical renewal of this historic cathedral in Covington, Kentucky was achieved through restoration and reuse of the treasured wood baldachino and sanctuary woodwork. Also included in the project were the cleaning and repointing of the exterior masonry, restoration of the Meyer stained glass windows, Duveneck murals and mosaic Stations of the Cross as well as the upgrading of electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. AT BILL BROWN AIA P.C. 2011 1 OF 2
THE CATHEDRAL BASILICA OF THE ASSUMPTION COVINGTON, KENTUCKY The major elements of the of the liturgical renewal were moving the altar to the great crossing of the cathedral, placement of the baptismal font near the main entrance on axis with the altar and repositioning the cathedra nearer to and facing the assembly. The new altar was fabricated from elements of the former high altar and the bronze gates of communion rail. These were incorporated with additional marble and bronze to create the new altar. The baptismal font was also a composition of the existing baptismal font as an upper basin with the lower basin composed of elements from the existing communion rail and a new cast bronze gate along with mosaics that line the lower basin. 2011 AT BILL BROWN AIA P.C. 2 OF 2
MORRIS CENTER AT WEINBERG VILLAGE PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA The design of this long term care facility was influenced by the massing, scale and materials of the homes in the adjacent neighborhood. As member of project team worked on the refinement of design and detailing of the building envelope, atrium lobby and multi purpose hall design scheme. The facility includes 150 bed skilled nursing wings connected by administrative, activity and support spaces to give an informal rambling character to this institution. Also a two story wintergarden reminiscent of a resort hotel serves as the entrance lobby. These elements serve to create a relaxed residential atmosphere in what could be a sterile institutional setting. AT PERKINS EASTMAN ARCHITECTS P.C. 2011 1 OF 1
STUDENT UNIONS & CAMPUS CENTERS ELMO NATALI STUDENT CENTER AT CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PA. & POWELL CAMPUS CENTER AT ALFRED UNIVERSITY POWELL CAMPUS CENTER AT ALFRED UNIVERSITY The project was the design and construction of a new campus center facility for this historic institution. Primary responsibilities as a member of the project team were the design, design development and detailing of the major entrances to the new student center. ELMO NATALI STUDENT CENTER AT CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PA. The project was the renovation and expansion of an existing facility at this state university in southwestern Pennsylvania. Primary responsibilities as a member of the project team were design development and detailing of the major circulation space in the new student center. AT WTW ARCHITECTS 2011 1 OF 1
NATIONAL CITY BANK OPERATIONS CENTER PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA The project was the renovation of a vacant department store into the operations center for a large bank. As member project team created design scheme for major circulation spaces centered on an atrium space and the use of natural and artificial light. The interior was organized around a new two story atrium space topped by a curved translucent skylight. The skylight allows soft natural light to enter the space during the day while indirect lighting enlivens the space at night in the 24/7 facility. Extending from the atrium is a system of corridors and informal gathering spaces that also use direct and indirect lighting to create relief from the vast scale and distances of the facility. AT WTW ARCHITECTS 2011 1 OF 1
FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH SANCTUARY RENOVATION PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA Served as architect for the renovation of the sanctuary of this downtown congregation s landmark building commemorating its 100th anniversary. The chancel was enlarged to allow the future placement of a free standing altar while the altar rail was moved to the bottom step of the chancel for easier access. The pulpit and lectern were brought inward to give a stronger visual focus to the broad sanctuary. Finally the ceramic and glass mosaic reredos and lunette were restored to their original beauty. 2011 1 OF 1
ALTAR FOR FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA Create a design for the altar that respects the character of its historic setting through the thoughtful use of scale, proportion, materials and detailing while maintaining its own sense of identity. The brass tracery of the altar echoes the proportions of the existing altar and reflects the gestures and movements of the presiding minister. This brass tracery constitutes the body of the altar and is detailed in a manner similar to the existing communion rail standards while rising from four marble plinths that recall the base of the existing altar. Five greek crosses, patterned on the cross fluery found in the ceramic and glass reredos, are carved into the oak mensa. The project received an A.I.A. Pittsburgh 1994 Honor Award as well as an A.I.A. IFRAA 1996 Religious Art & Architecture Award. 2011 1 OF 1
TOWER CROSS FOR FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA Provided design of the patterned slate and a new tower cross. Shaped in the form of a Greek cross, the new tower cross measures 6 feet from end to end and stands 170 feet above Grant Street. The cross fluery design is fabricated from stainless steel tubing tapered at each end and covered in gold leaf. Polished stainless steel flat bars held in place by quatrefoil shaped fasteners form the petals of the cross fluery. The base, which caps the tower s spire, is of terne coated stainless steel that will age to a slate gray patina. The project received an A.I.A. IFRAA 2000 Religious Art & Architecture Award. 2011 1 OF 1