February 15, 2010

ikon.5 architects Awarded Chicago Athenaeum's 2010 American Architecture Award

Princeton, NJ. The Center for Wellness at the College of New Rochelle, designed by ikon.5 architects, was awarded the prestigious 2010 American Architecture Award by the Chicago Athenaeum.

The American Architecture Awards have become the foremost, prestigious awards programs for recognition of Excellence in Architecture in the United States both nationally and internationally. The Awards identify the cutting edge-design direction, urban philosophy, design approach, style, and intellectual substance in American Architecture today.

In seeking a design metaphor for the Center for Wellness ikon.5 architects created a facility as a garden of paradise—a place of total and complete wellness.

Joe Tattoni, AIA, principal describes it as paradisiacal garden for the exultation of the body, mind and spirit. Like the Garden of Eden, the Center is a sheltered contemplative precinct removed from the urban distractions that surround it.

ikon.5 architects worked closely with the College of New Rochelle to be sure that the first new building on the campus in 40 years is sustainable and innovative.

The College has integrated the School of Nursing, physical education, and health education/health services and athletics programs to be a model of holistic learning. Classrooms equipped with the newest technology and the holistic meditation room offer the perfect setting for the College's innovative cross-curricular approach to health, well-being and learning.

"Designing a LEED Silver facility became a way of illustrating to the world, the college’s commitment to good stewardship of the earth and commitment of service to others," says Joseph Tattoni, AIA, principal of ikon.5 architects.

ikon.5 architects are known for their award-winning designs for museums, higher education, libraries, performing arts, and corporate offices. Based in Princeton, NJ, ikon.5's practice extends to Louisiana, Arizona, Delaware, and New York.