HOUSTON — The Rice School of Architecture announced that Assistant Professor Georgina Baronian and her firm, clovisbaronian, have been awarded a prestigious AIA Houston Design Award in the “On the Boards” category for their project E33, a mixed-use development located in the Garden City Arts District.
Baronian and her design partner, Sam Clovis, led the architectural vision for this innovative project, which “embodies a forward-thinking approach to urban design while honoring the industrial heritage of its surroundings,” a news release from the university said.
“Situated in the rapidly evolving Garden City Arts District, E33 bridges the gap between the area’s industrial past and its transformation into a pedestrian-friendly, medium-density neighborhood. The project includes a contemporary art gallery at street level and four residential units above, offering a vibrant mix of culture and living space,” the release continued.
A feature of E33 that reportedly stands out is the architectural language that defines its aesthetic. The building’s structure is wrapped in a delicate, woven metal mesh, creating a shimmering outer skin that softens the visual impact of the building’s mass while reinterpreting the industrial architecture of nearby warehouses.
“Winning the AIA Houston award is a tremendous honor for our firm,” Baronian said. “Our aim with E33 was to design a building that not only respects the area’s industrial roots but also envisions a more sustainable, community-oriented future for Garden City.”
Rice School of Architecture Dean Igor Marjanović spoke of the firm’s innovative contribution to architectural practice: “Georgina Baronian’s work with clovisbaronian is a perfect example of the kind of planetary design we champion at the Rice School of Architecture. E33 reflects not only a deep respect for place and context but also a bold vision for the future of urban living. This award is a well-deserved recognition of her team’s commitment to architectural excellence and social responsibility.”
Source: Rice University
