IKM presents Science Building Renovation Project at Keystone Area (KAPPA) Higher Education Facilities Officers Fall Conference

     IKM Incorporated, the Pittsburgh-based architecture, planning and interior design firm, was selected to present a case study of the renovation of the Fisher Hall Science Building at the University of Pittsburgh Bradford Campus to the Fall KAPPA Conference attendees, on Wednesday, October 17, 2012.

     Jeffrey K. Brown, AIA, NCARB, Principal in Charge of the project and Steven A. Watson, AIA, Project Manager and Lab Design Specialist for IKM prepared the case study and led the presentation. Matt Morris, Project Manager and Peter Mastro, Chief Estimator of Mascaro Construction discussed logistics and details of costs and phasing to accomplish the project.

     Pitt Bradford’s Director of Facilities, Peter Buchheit provided the presentation team with the sought-after client’s perspective and was able to speak to the group of his peers with an understanding of the challenges Facilities Managers face on renovation projects such as these.

 

     “Our mission is to create innovative and informed architecture that positively impacts the world,” says Michael McDonnell, AIA, principal in charge of the higher education market for IKM Architects. “Sometimes that includes efficiencies in renovation, making the most of a client’s budget and improving the function of the space for the occupants; this project achieved all of those things, which made it a success.”

IKM Participates in CANstruction Again, Benefits a Worthy Cause

     Again this year, IKM Incorporated architects fielded a design team to participate in Pittsburgh CANStruction 2012. The team consisting of staff and intern architects Jason Hindes, Mindy Coblentz, Natale Cozzolongo, Nelly Dacic, Stacey Nemcek and Megan Schleifer knocked the ball out of the park with their design of the Pittsburgh Pirates logo situated on a baseball diamond made entirely of canned food.  



     A unique design competition benefitting Pittsburgh's hungry, CANstruction uses one can of food as a catalyst for change. One can to represent the building blocks of massive sculptures. One can to prove that every act of kindness makes a difference. Since 1992, CANstruction has contributed over 15 million pounds of food to community food banks demonstrating that we can win the fight against hunger. 

     IKM’s team has 971 cans being donated to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. 

     “We learned a lot by participating last year. We had some construction issues that we were determined to overcome with our design this year,” says Jason Hindes, team leader for this year’s event.  “We think our design is a home run.”

         

     Wherever a CANstruction competition is held, thousands of hungry people are fed, a greater awareness of the issues surrounding hunger is brought home to the public, and a spotlight is placed on the design and construction industry giving back to the communities it helps build.All of the teams’ entries are available to view and vote for by visiting One Oxford Centre, Level 1 in downtown Pittsburgh during normal business hours. By bringing a canned good or tote bag visitors can both donate and vote by placing items in the bin next to their favorite structure. The CANstruction People's Choice award will be announced at the awards gala on Friday.

Visit the IKM Facebook page to see more photos of CANstruction Build Day 2012. Be sure to click the "LIKE" button when your there!



 

IKM's Managing Principal Architect Joins Board of Trustees of Environmental Charter School

Creating Innovative and Informed Architecture in Higher Education Renovation

Speaking at the annual member meeting for the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania, IKM principal architects John Schrott, AIA, and Michael McDonnell, AIA presented a case study of the adaptive reuse and addition to Carnegie Hall Alumni Center at Grove City College.


 

An audience of vice presidents and directors from colleges and universities around the state participated in the breakout session that focused on the significance of historic buildings; the typical challenges and the design opportunities that they present; understanding the peaks and valleys of transformation; and, exploring the outcomes specific to the Grove City project.