We spent a lovely afternoon last week taking in the inaugural edition of the VSAIA’s new Wine and Design series. Titled Details, Details, the crowd of more than 50 was treated to a series of conversational talks by a diverse group of local architects, designers, and craftspeople. Each offered a unique take on the topic of ‘detail’ with presentations that were lively, humorous, and engaging.
One of the most talented artists and craftsmen we know is having a busy spring. Frequent visitors to this site (and the BAM office) will be familiar with Chris Chase's fine architectural woodwork. In addition to the numerous custom renovations and furniture that always fill his studio, we are pleased to announce that Chris' sculptural works will be getting some well-deserved publicity. A detailed sampling is now accessible via the recently launched Chris Chase Studio website and Facebook page. Chris will also be exhibiting sculptural works as part of two group shows at local galleries during the months of March and April.
The annual Golden Hammer Awards were announced in ceremony last week and we are pleased to report that BAM was clapped at on several different occasions. Presented by the Better Housing Coalition’s newly created Center for Neighborhood Revitalization, the awards recognize projects that make a strong contribution to the preservation and revitalization of Richmond’s historic neighborhoods.
Richmond is a city of hills, not unlike Rome or a colony of ants. For 100 years, elevated viaducts (which are like bridges, only way cooler) have crossed Shockoe Valley and connected downtown with the communities of Church, Union and Jefferson Hills. The first such structure, the Marshall Street Viaduct, opened for business in 1911 and was a trestle of steel and wood that stretched a half-mile from College Street downtown to 21st Street in the East End. Streetcars, automobiles, horse-drawn carts, pedestrians and farm animals could now travel above the fray of Broad Street without fear of the steep hills awaiting them at either end. This being Richmond, tolls were required: wheelbarrows were assessed a flat 2c fee while children under 10 were allowed to pass free of charge. There was even an elevator to the streetcar line below at 18th street.
Fast forward many decades...
Curious things are happening in Manchester. A mobile kiosk is drawing folks who live and work in the neighborhood onto the streets and asking them to do some drawings of their own. The What Do You See kiosk is designed to spark a conversation with the community and to inspire the way people see Manchester. Inside you’ll find pens and a window where you can sketch and share ideas for the historic district on view just outside. The kiosk is the collaborative effort of a group of young architects (including BAM studio-mate Amrit Singh) from around Virginia who are participating in this year’s Emerging Leaders in Architecture program sponsored by the VSAIA. Conceived, researched, designed, built and marketed by the ELA class, the structure made its debut last weekend at two sites in Old Manchester.
What Do You See will be on display again this Saturday, Oct. 15th, at the Hull Street Library from 10am – 4pm. Don’t miss this chance to engage the community, a group of talented architects and a nice piece of architecture.
