Jackson firm wins AIA award

The Mississippi Chapter of the American Institute of Architects presented Cooke Douglass Farr Lemons Architects & Engineers with a Merit Award in the Architecture/New Construction Category for The Jackson State University College of Science, Engineering and Technology.

The annual AIA Mississippi Design Awards program seeks to encourage excellence and elevate the quality of architecture by recognizing and honoring works of distinction by its members and bring to public attention outstanding examples of architecture and design.

Projects that were reviewed for recognition were given special consideration for green building materials and practices.

The high-tech facility, located on the western edge of the campus, was designed with many sustainable features, including pervious concrete pavement in parking areas to control storm water run-off and generous roof overhangs to protect windows from direct sun exposure on the south and west sides.

Also, light sensors throughout the building automatically turn off when the room has sufficient daylight or when there are no occupants.

Designed as a teaching tool, finishes are transparent in different areas to expose the various construction systems.

Two-story laboratories allow viewing of the testing and teaching processes from above. While the building is a serious response to function, an ornamental tower in front of the building is more about expression.