Three SOM projects were honored in the Structural Engineers Association of Northern California (SEAONC) 2016 Excellence in Structural Engineering Awards program. The San Francisco Business Times recently published a supplement celebrating the winning projects, which include the LAX Central Terminal Area Pedestrian Bridge Prototype Study; The Strand, American Conservatory Theater; and 350 Mission Street.
SOM won an Award of Merit in the Study/Research/Guidelines category for its LAX Central Terminal Area Pedestrian Bridge Prototype Study. The prototype bridges are intended to replace seven bridges connecting terminals to the parking garage at Los Angeles International Airport. The study aimed to optimize the structure for weight, quantity of materials, and embodied carbon.
The Strand, American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco won an Award of Excellence in the Retrofit/Alteration category. The project involved renovating and retrofitting an abandoned, century-old cinema into a theater and education facility. The building’s historic shell was maintained while upgrades to the structural system were made in a way that reused 81 percent of the original structure.
350 Mission Street in downtown San Francisco also won an Award of Merit in the New Construction category. The 30-story, LEED® Platinum-certified office tower is designed for environmental performance, social engagement, and material efficiency. The long-span concrete slabs used in the project create expansive views and allow for more energy-efficient HVAC systems.
The winners were selected by a panel of distinguished jurors, who reviewed a total of 24 entries in nine categories. The award recipients were initially recognized at a ceremony on May 3, 2016 at the City Club of San Francisco.