Transform Kansas City

Posted By bsapp – Sep 3 | 2013

Transform KC is a joint effort between the Kansas City Regional Transit Alliance and the American Institute of Architects Kansas City Young Architects Forum. Together they have created a Calls to Ideas in which anyone was able to submit an idea for what they feel the future of rail should be in Kansas City. SDA’s very own Benjamin Hall has submitted his own idea, focusing more on a holistic approach to the transportation needs of Kansas City, and the 21st century American City in general. Benjamin’s approach was to create network of innovative modes of transportation while remaining both economically and environmentally sustainable. Below is an excerpt from Benjamin’s proposal…

The City Problem

“Cities happen to be problems in organized complexity, like the life sciences… The variables are many, but they are not helter-skelter; they are “interrelated into an organic whole.”

Jane Jacobs, “The Death and Life of Great American Cities”

In an effort to decrease traffic congestion, and improve the lives of city dwellers, a multi-modal transit plan must be implemented that combines public policy with good design. All modes of transportation should seek to be unsubsidized, and entirely self-sufficient. As with any sustainable trend users of such modes of transportation should not have to feel as though they are making sacrifices, but rather gaining from it. Public policy should focus on the densification of urban environments rather than attempt to master plan them. Densification is the key to the success of any mass transit system, to include cyclist and pedestrians. A diversity of businesses mixed with residential, and public institutions must be inseparable to assure activity at all times of day and prevent desolate public spaces where criminal activity thrives. Cities must be thought of as problems of organized complexity where the only solution is a coordinated effort among many disciplines that first seeks to thoroughly discover the issues at hand, and solve them with the combination of appropriate policy and GOOD design.

We Have New Team Members

Posted By bsapp – Jul 29 | 2013

Sapp Design Associates Architects is growing and is pleased to announce the hiring of 4 new members to the team! SDA is committed to bringing together smart, talented people from a diversity of backgrounds!

Brad Mckenzie | AIA

Brad has over 17 years of experience in all phases of architecture from due diligence through construction administration. He has worked on various project types including retail, churches, offices, and multiple medical and dental projects. Brad is also a skilled leader; before returning to his true passion of architecture he spent three years as Vice President of engineering at a national manufacturing company.

Ben Hall | Architectural Intern

Benjamin is a native to Springfield and attended Drury University’s Hammon School of Architecture. While there, he studied at the Danish Institute for Study Abroad in Denmark. Benjamin has served 7 years in the United States Air Force Reserve as a Staff Sergeant, and graduated at the top of his class. [bra_border_divider]

Devon Swatzell | Architectural Intern

Devon recently earned a Master of Architecture and minors in Business Administration and Global Studies from Drury University. Her college honors include the Deans Scholarship and Deans list each semester along with membership in Tau Sigma Delta Honor Society and Mortar Board National Honor Society.

Nick Beishir | Architectural Intern

Nick recently earned his Masters of Architecture degree from Drury University. His College honors include the Librarium Award for Excellence in Design of the spring of 2011 -2012. He is involved with many phases of the design process and is currently member of the American Society of Architectural Illustrators.

Woodneath Library Opens

Posted By bsapp – Jun 24 | 2013

We would like to congratulate the Mid Continent Public Library on the opening of its newest 35,000 sf. Library! The new Woodneath Library Center is the final product of nearly 6 years of work! There was an overwhelming crowd of 3000 people at this past weekends grand opening and a great speech from Chuck Pryor who represented the family who had lived in the house for many generations. Clay County Commissioner, Pamela Mason said,”This library is a true 22nd-century modern library!”

This library center connects an 1850’a antebellum farm house to a modern state-of-the-art library. The Library is also environmentally friendly and although it is not certified by USGBC the library was built to LEED Silver specifications. This new library includes many amenities such as public meeting areas, an automated collection sorting system, a drive-thru window, considerable computer resources, private study areas, and an area dedicated to food service! The collection areas are divided into spaces that serve appropriate age groups, with the individual areas separated by seating and reading areas. The children’s library is themed in an agricultural setting to pay homage to the rich history of the homestead’s past.

This library center connects an 1850’a antebellum farmhouse to a modern state-of-the-art library. The Library is also environmentally friendly and although it is not certified by USGBC the library was built to LEED Silver specifications. This new library includes many amenities such as public meeting areas, an automated collection sorting system, a drive thru window, considerable computer resources, private study areas, and an area dedicated to food service! The collection areas are divided into spaces that serve appropriate age groups, with the individual areas separated by seating and reading areas. The children’s library is themed in an agricultural setting to pay homage to the rich history of the homestead’s past.

More Function at the Junction with a Fusion Facility

Posted By bsapp – Apr 30 | 2013

How does a community spark a downtown revival, provide much needed gathering space, expand city programs and promote health and wellness-all on a very limited budget? One method is through “fusion”

More Function at the Junction is a great article on the Carl Junction Community written by our own Kristi Beattie. See page 34

2 Outstanding Projects Published in Learning By Design

Posted By bsapp – Apr 16 | 2013

Sapp Design Associates is pleased to announce that two of our recent 21st Century Educational Projects have received Outstanding Project Awards in Learning by Design’s much-anticipated Spring 2013 edition, showcasing the nation’s best educational design and construction projects, from Pre-k through 12th to College and University Facilities. The projects from Sapp Design where Summit Intermediate, Nixa, Missouri and Irving Elementary, Joplin, Missouri. Both of these projects feature Outstanding 21st Century Design Solutions customized for each client.

Click Images to Read Articles:

A Tour of the New Woodneath Branch Library

Posted By bsapp – Feb 8 | 2013

Recently two of our designs for public libraries were featured in a story called “Reimagining the Public Library” by Kansas City Public Television. The Woodneath Branch Library and the Midwest Genealogy Center are part of the Mid Continent Public Library (MCPL), which has been a long-time client of Sapp Design Associates Architects. We are proud and excited to see the recognition for the planning and design that has transformed MCPL’s vision into reality.

Outstanding Design in AS&U Magazine

Posted By bsapp – Dec 3 | 2012

Sapp Design Associates Architects is excited to announce that Nixa Summit Intermediate has been selected for publication in Penton Media’s American School &University’s 2012 Architectural Portfolio. The project is featured in the November 2012 edition of the magazine and also on the web at www.SchoolDesigns.com. An annual competition honoring education design excellence, the Architectural Portfolio spotlights projects representing today’s most effective learning environments.

Additional details/background/data about the project

A Jury of American Institute of Architects (AIA) Committee on Architecture for Education members and educational administrators evaluated submissions from architectural firms, Schools and Universities across the country. 148 projects were chosen for publication in AS&U, which reaches 57,000 facility planners, school and university administrators and architects with this issue. This is the 30th year the competition has been held.

The jury considers the following specific criteria to make it selection: student centric 21st-century schools, community use/ partnerships, sustainable energy efficiency, design that is reflective of culture and community, Design that respects its environment, flexibility maintenance and materials. In addition, the jury considered that kids want to learn where they live – that design should consider new trends users should enjoy the environment, incorporating informal spaces for learning such as the outdoors. The jury also commented that the design process should be inclusive facility us to change for those who may be resistant.

Click Here for Article

Bonnie Crawford now AIA

Posted By bsapp – Nov 25 | 2012

We very pleased to announce that Bonnie Crawford has recently completed and passed her registration exams and officially received a Missouri Architectural License. Bonnie joined SDA Architects in June 2005 and is a graduate of Drury University. She is a member of the American Institute of Architects and a LEED Accredited Professional.

Her many responsibilities include programming, client relations, project management, and construction administration. Her areas of professional expertise include project disciplines in recreation, education, religious and civic.

417 Featured Firm

Posted By bsapp – Oct 16 | 2012

Jury Comments:“The jury found the approach to program to be very ambitious and creative; the design itself exhibited interesting lines and innovative use of materials, brought together in a cohesive whole that makes a worthy civic monument.”[/bra_blockquote]Take a look at the July 2012 Issue of 4 17 Magazine’s feature on this years AIA Architectural Design Awards with one of the winners being The Carl Junction Community Center. We are proud to have the public Jury select one of SDA Architect’s project as a winner because 90% of our work is public projects and the public is who we aim to please with that being said this year is shaping up to be a great year with new designs rolling out and new buildings under construction.

Carl Junction Community Center Wins Public Recognition Award

Posted By bsapp – Jun 13 | 2012

We are proud to announce that the Carl Junction Community Center has been awarded one of the three Public Recognitions Awards given by the Springfield, AIA Chapter.

[bra_blockquote align=’right’]Jury Comments: “The jury found the approach to program to be very ambitious and creative; the design itself exhibited interesting lines and innovative use of materials, brought together in a cohesive whole that makes a worthy civic monument.”[/bra_blockquote]

Public Jury Judges:

The 2012 Public Jury included Brian Fogle, President of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, Amanda Rehani, Finance Director for the Springfield Regional Arts Council and David Hall, Fire Chief for the Springfield Fire Department, all of Springfield, MO. The Public Jury Liaison was Saundra Weddle, Ph.D., Professor of Architecture at Drury University, Springfield, MO.