PLAINWELL, MI — TowerPinkster announces that two of the company's projects have received 2021 design awards from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Southwest Michigan chapter. Projects were juried by a selection of peers from the AIA’s Central Idaho chapter.

• Location: Plainwell, Michigan
• Size: 20,000 square feet

Ransom District Library needed a new building to better provide for their community in Plainwell, Michigan. TowerPinkster has designed a building that reflects a natural, modern aesthetic with updated systems and facilities. Located right by the river, the building offers nature views from the children’s room, river view room, and the event space, providing relaxing environments for the community.

In addition, the new library has a new parking lot with better circulation, a book drop connected directly to the building, one secure entry into the building, and outdoor spaces for the community to enjoy.

Jury Comments: "The spaces are connected to each other and to the site with daylight, large windows, the patio, and even a double-sided fireplace. This is shown not only in photos but in the site plan and the floor plan that was provided. The materials used reflect both the spaces that they are placed in as well as the exterior environment. The unique roof shape brought in daylight but will shed the snow and rain while adding and contributing to the unique elevations. We also like the photos of the brick and coping as well as the entry showing that even the smallest of details were thought out, designed, and then built well."

• Location: Portage, Michigan
• Size: 485,000 square feet

The facility is a one-of-a-kind design with a focus on innovation and sustainability. The completed center will pursue LEED Silver Certification and will house more than 1,500 employees. The aim of the design is to create a forward-thinking environment that attracts talent through design, encourages collaboration and camaraderie among employees, and facilitates innovation and design through thoughtful, high functioning, and comfortable workplace design.

Jury Comments: "From the fun, large elements in the common areas to the focus on human connectivity and collaboration, the interior spaces seem to offer a dynamic workplace to inspire and engage. There is a certain theme of transparency that the jury really connected with. We all loved the amphitheater stair that visually connected the spaces."