LEO A DALY earns multiple AIA Palm Beach design awards

Several LEO A DALY projects received 2022 Design Awards from the Palm Beach chapter of the American Institute of Architects. The local chapter recognized the winning project teams and clients at a ceremony in October.  

“It is great to be recognized by the AIA for our design and the work of our team to execute these challenging and impactful facilities,” said Bill Hanser, AIA, managing principal for the West Palm Beach design studio. “Addressing our client’s needs, the effect the projects have on the environment, and their contribution to our communities are at the core of our approach. This enables our studio to produce exciting work we are all proud of.”

Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts Expansion and Renovation

AIA Palm Beach Merit Award of Excellence

This nationally recognized performing arts center in West Palm Beach consists of four venues offering more than 1400 events each year. Originally built in 1992 on a site in a blighted area in the city, it is credited by many as the catalyst for a transformation that has ushered in new development and revitalized the district.  

The client sought to design an expansion to elevate and enhance visitor experience, improve the flow of traffic in and around the center, and make the center a more accessible, safe and pedestrian friendly venue for the entire community. With the new additions to the façade, new traffic flows and a pedestrian bridge, the Kravis Center will continue to be the face of West Palm Beach.  

The jury liked the outcome of the project and “can envision people enjoying the space. The extension connects well with the existing building.” 

Arthrex Headquarters – New Administration Building, Hotel & Wellness Center, Naples, Florida

Citation Award of Excellence Non-residential

A new campus dedicated to health, innovation and community was needed after Arthrex, a pioneer in the field of arthroscopy, had outgrown its existing headquarters, designed by LEO A DALY in 2004. An expansion study and new master plan led to the development of this 30-acre campus, which, in addition to the original headquarters building, includes a new administrative complex, wellness center, hotel and a vastly expanded outdoor park.  

Health is at the center of this new campus design: 

• Patient health – Each year, 10,000 surgeons travel to Naples to assist in the development of Arthrex products and to learn the new surgical techniques enabled by them. An on-campus hotel hosts these visiting physicians while the administrative building allows them to participate in training, education and new product development and a wellness center provides a venue to study the impacts of new surgical techniques on patients. 
• Employee health – The master plan creates a university-like campus focused on collaboration and wellness. The administration building is woven into the exterior space, connecting programmatically and visually to nature. The pedestrian focused campus is rich with outdoor amenities to encourage a healthier work-life atmosphere.  
• Community health – The expanded site has been transformed into a neighborhood-friendly park. Demolishing a warehouse, covering over a canal, removing a vehicular right of way, and reshaping a retention pond enabled the creation of a vast outdoor green space for the neighborhood’s use. A stylish pavilion creates a new entertainment hub where neighbors can gather, enjoy performances, and build social bonds.  

The jury said, “this project is well done. The interiors are good and the exterior has personality. There are clear intentions and a quality of function.” 

The Curve Sports & Wellness Center at Boca Grove

Merit Award of Excellence Non-Residential

This two-story sports and wellness facility rejuvenates the community of Boca Crove with clean, modern architecture and a luxurious environment. Spaces for athletic activities include a lap pool, fitness center, a multi-purpose fitness room, Pilates room, locker rooms, dining and various outdoor and indoor play areas for children. The pool includes a deep-water aerobics area, lap lanes, and a splash pad for children. A jacuzzi, cabanas and a pool-side restaurant with a bar and kitchen provide for more leisure activities.  

The curvature of the building creates two contrasting experiences. From the main entrance on the south, the concave façade wraps around the exterior space, creating a welcoming experience for visitors. From the north, the convex façade maximizes views to the pool terrace and adjacent amenities, and fans out to connect with outdoor spaces on the ground floor. The curved layout responds to the existing site conditions to preserve trees on the entrance side of the facility. To highlight the main entrance and circulation through the structure, a stone clad wall intersects the arc, creating a breezeway through the building.  

The jury said, “This project had nice composition.” They appreciated the “open views and radial design” and praised the concave entry.