AIA Honors Y.O.U. Facility for Innovation

Awards

Evanston nonprofit project includes commissioning by G/BA; People’s Choice voting under way.

The 12,600-square-foot headquarters office and program building of Evanston nonprofit Youth & Opportunity United (Y.O.U.) has received the 2016 TAP Innovation Award from the American Institute of Architects. The facility was designed by hometown firm Studio Talo Architecture and is being commissioned as a pro bono project by Grumman/Butkus Associates. Senior Principal Alexander Butkus serves on the group’s Board of Directors.

The TAP/CCA Innovation Awards program is a joint annual project of the AIA’s Technology in Architectural Practice and Construction Contract Administration Knowledge Communities. Studio Talo’s Y.O.U. design was cited for exemplary use of technology in a small firm, due in part to its implementation of 360º virtual reality video renderings in the interior spaces. The renderings, which feature actual Y.O.U. clients, help community members and donors better grasp the group’s mission. A sample of the VR experience is available at YouTube.

One of only five innovation honorees this year, the project is now up for a People’s Choice award. Click here for the voting site.

G/BA congratulates Y.O.U. and Studio Talo for this impressive achievement.

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