(Seattle, Wash., December 13, 2023) – DLR Group has been honored with the prestigious American Architecture Award for its work on projects spanning multiple sectors, including exposition, cultural performing arts, and civic. The award is presented by the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design, together with The European Center for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies and Metropolitan Arts Press. DLR Group will accept these awards at the Gala Awards Reception Dinner on December 13 at the Arts Club of Chicago.

The list of DLR Group’s winning projects include:

Ford Nature Center

Youngstown, Ohio

The redeveloped Ford Nature Center in Youngstown, Ohio occupies a historic stone mansion originally designed in 1913 features a refresh of all exhibits, including the addition of a new 1,500-SF gallery that overlooks the building’s landscape. The gallery addition also includes a roof terrace, and is set into the site’s topography, expanding the building’s size without impacting its historic character. The facility was recognized in the Museums and Cultural Buildings category.

Minnesota USA Expo 2027

Minneapolis

In anticipation of Minnesota USA Expo 2027, DLR Group was commissioned by the State Department to represent the United States in a competition between five countries to select the host site. The proposed design was a new development that links to existing structures at the Mall of America and surrounding areas in Minneapolis. DLR Group’s design centered around the city’s identity as the land of the lakes, thematizing water as a connector and foundation for health and vitality. The master plan was recognized in Exposition category.

Three DLR Group designs that received honorable mention include:

La Sierra University’s New Museum and Amphitheater

Riverside, California

La Sierra University’s New Museum and Amphitheater uses its 40,000 SF to celebrate its archaeology and natural history collections. The design takes inspiration from oases and is organized to act as a beacon that connects the campus and community while fostering curiosity for new audiences.

The SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center

Sacramento, California

The SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center was transformed into an acoustically superior performance space through DLR Group’s renovation of 98,000 SF and addition of 25,000 SF of program space, including the largest electro-acoustic enhancement system in California.

Pinal County Attorney’s Office

Florence, Arizona

The new, 56,000-SF Pinal County Attorney’s Office’s biomimetic design draws inspiration from the local saguaro cactus, providing both natural cooling and daylight throughout the building.