Associate Professor of Architecture Adrian Luchini's skill at integrating site and context with exceptional design will be highlighted in an upcoming exhibit of his work on two contrasting projects. The exhibit of his designs for a transportation center in downtown St. Louis and a chapel on a wooded site in the heart of Tennessee will be on display Nov. 19 through Dec. 18 at Givens Hall, first floor.
Luchini's designs for the Beersheba Chapel for the United Methodist Assembly camp in Beersheba Springs, Tenn., symbolize the momentum of the church as it enters the new millennium. While the religious retreat center traces its roots back to the pre-Civil War era, Luchini created a 224-seat chapel that at once draws inspiration from the natural setting and embodies new architectural expression.
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"Conceptually, the chapel is viewed as two large hands hosting and protecting the user," Luchini said. "The roof, which gradually tilts toward the altar, creates the illusion of floating above the structure, while framing the exterior views above the nave. Only at the altar, surrounded by a full height of glass wall, does the view open up entirely to the sky."
In direct contrast, Luchini's designs for the Gateway Transportation Center in downtown St. Louis reflect complex urban conditions and capture the spirit of the many forms of local and regional transportation it will serve. The facility will include stops for light rail, buses and trains as well as a restaurant and small shops.
"The east facade, perceived from the Metrolink ramps, the Kiel Auditorium and the west-bound pedestrian, will have the role of 'gate' into the complex," said Luchini of the 14,000-square-foot facility to be located just southwest of the Kiel Center. "By appearing as a vertical single plane made of glass and extruded polycarbon panels, it will glow at night, becoming a true marker for the site. On the west side, the roof, which is conceived as a single plane, will curve down and become the west facade.
Luchini's designs for the transportation center are featured in the November issue of Architecture magazine. His work on the Beersheba Chapel recently won an Honor Award from the American Institute of Architects (AIA)-Central States, AIA St. Louis and the Construction Products Council (CPC).
John Hoal, associate professor of architecture and urban design and head of the school's Master of Architecture and Urban Design program, also won an AIA/CPC Merit Award for his designs for Pagoda Circle in St. Louis' Forest Park. Additionally, School of Architecture alumni representing Hellmuth Obata and Kassabaum Inc., Sverdrup Facilities, Tao & Lee Associates and Christner Inc. received awards in the competition.
