News
April 2021
Friday, April 30th, 2021
Loghaven Artist Residency presented with 2021 AIA National Architecture Award
Knoxville, TN – April 29, 2021 – Today the American Institute of Architects presented the 2021 AIA Architecture Award, the architecture profession’s highest national recognition, to Sanders Pace Architecture for its original design and architectural rehabilitation work for the Loghaven Artist Residency, a new residency for emerging and established artists in the fields of visual art, dance, music, writing, theater, and interdisciplinary work. The juried award—which celebrates the best contemporary architecture regardless of budget, size, style, or type—honors Sanders Pace’s exceptional design for a ninety-acre campus to foster artistic exploration and the creation of new work.
The design for the Loghaven campus combines new construction and innovation with careful rehabilitation of the historic log cabins on the grounds—creating a seamless dialogue between the new and historic architecture and the natural landscape, and advancing the residency’s dynamism as a center for contemporary artistic practice.
During a six-year planning and design process, Sanders Pace partnered with the Aslan Foundation—which created and funds the Loghaven Artist Residency—on the rehabilitation of the historic log cabins that give the site its name, as well as the conceptualization, design, and construction of three new structures on the campus: the Visual Arts Studio, the Performing Arts Studio, and the 3,900-square-foot Jim McDonough House, which serves as a central gathering place for resident artists and features additional studio space and facilities. The log cabins, which had fallen into disrepair prior to the creation of the Loghaven Artist Residency, were revitalized to serve as artist housing. Loghaven’s studio spaces and three of the artist cabins provide collaborative artist groups the space for an intensive live/work experience, a rarity among artist residencies.
“We have close relationships with all our clients, and it was particularly inspiring and rewarding to work with the Aslan Foundation,” said Brandon F. Pace, FAIA, founding partner of Sanders Pace Architecture. “The project brings together elements that are central to our practice—respect for the unique nature and history of each site, design that grows out of the special character of the place, and the creation of spaces that serve and support users. The Institute Honor Award follows our colleague Michael A. Davis, AIA—who was instrumental in the Loghaven project—being recognized with a 2021 AIA Young Architects Award. We’re honored that the AIA selected us from among firms from across the nation for these awards, and we are more committed than ever to helping shape discourse around architecture and design innovation in our region and around the country.”
“Sanders Pace Architecture has been an incredible partner in the creation of the Loghaven Artist Residency, and we are thrilled to see them receive national recognition from the AIA,” said Andrea Bailey, Executive Director of the Aslan Foundation. “We invited artists to join us on-site in early 2020, and their response to Sanders Pace’s design was tribute to the thought, care, and effort the firm brought to every element of the campus. We’re eager to launch our inaugural open call on June 1 and share the Loghaven experience with a widening group of artists. The news of this award is particularly timely as we have just named Loghaven’s central building in honor of Aslan Foundation Board Member Jim McDonough, an architect in his own right, who invested so much of his energy and passion into creating Loghaven before his passing this March.”
“At Loghaven, artists reside and work in gorgeous living and working spaces with meals and stipend support provided,” said Sharon M. Louden, an advisor in the development of the Loghaven Artist Residency. “I’m excited for artists to find inspiration whether it’s at home in their cabin or exploring the campus. Artists should be sure to bookmark this fantastic opportunity and apply.”