1992 AIA GOLD MEDAL: In 1946, American architect Benjamin Thompson initiated the formation of The Architects' Collaborative, based in Cambridge, Mass., which included Walter Gropius and seven younger architects. In 1953, he established Design Research in Boston, a retail store providing contemporary European furnishings. The second Massachusetts location was designed by Thompson, is an open space supported by concrete slabs and flanked in glass walls, and won the AIA's 25-Year Award in 2003.
Firm Description
FROM THE FIRM:
Based upon long experience with the creation of urban places, we believe that many different human activities can be accommodated simultaneously in a well-designed project. We want to help build a truly global culture--one that respects the contributions of all people and preserves their diversity.
We use social interaction strategies in our design solutions that:
- Welcome participation and interaction
- Encourage tolerant behavior
- Relate to successful prototypes
- Provide neutral turf to empower visitors
And we create useful, comfortable, and appropriate designs by:
- Building to high aspirations
- Creating lasting solutions
- Providing accessibility for all
We want to combine these socially and economically powerful principles, which produce high successful projects, with equally strong respect for the natural systems of the planet.
