The American Institute of Architects – Michigan awards Mathison | Mathison Architects (MMA), from Grand Rapids, received the recognition.
MMA received the “Small Budget Award” from the Michigan Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The award, according to AIA, is given “in recognition of design excellence within the constraints of a small budget (under $2 million), scale, and size”. The design award jury commented: “This simple and expressive pavilion provides a serene viewing platform beneath a soaring dynamic form.”
This community-focused project was funded by both the Cascade Community Foundation and the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, and it included the addition of a shelter with restrooms and a gathering plaza, a…
Check out more information and photos of the project.
With our friends at the airport, the Cascade Community Foundation and Owen-Ames-Kimball we re-opened the viewing park to the public introducing additional parking, the new pavilion for shade, new restroom facilities, new picnic tables and benches and new trash receptacles (which are large enough to slide a pizza box in after lunch!).
We were honored to to provide the design of the pavilion which was inspired by flight with the roof lines reflecting airplane wings and following the lines of flight that planes take as you watch them land and take off. The wood on the interior of the roof is rare as is the location of the park being the closest to any active runway in the United States.
Be sure to bring your family to the park to enjoy this incredible local gem!
Thanks to Owen-Ames-Kimball and the Cascade Community Foundation for your participation.
It was exciting to be able to share our design inspiration and thought process around the project.
Look for the grand opening in May! Read more about the project.
See all finished photography and read more about the renovation.