The Pennsylvania chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Pennsylvania) recognized the Chemical Heritage Foundation (CHF) Museum and Conference Center with a Citation of Merit award for architectural excellence. The historic redesign, led by SaylorGregg Architects of Philadelphia, was selected from nearly 100 submissions.
The 17, 000-square-foot, two-story facility is a renovated Civil War-era bank that sits in the heart of "America’s Most Historic Square Mile." The AIA jury described the integration of the museum and conference center into the existing CHF headquarters as "bold and respectful, contrasting yet complimentary." It recognized the historic masonry bank’s renovation as "beautifully integrated, and [providing] visual interest and appreciation of the entire two-story volume."
SaylorGregg Architects, a nationally recognized design firm and renowned for its historic restoration projects, infused the interior space of this classic 19th-century Italianate building with 21st-century Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) principles. Peter Saylor of SaylorGregg believes that his firm "restored grandeur not just to the building–specifically by preserving original architectural elements–but also to the chemistry profession as well."
Miriam Fisher Schaefer, Vice President of Finance and Administration for CHF, notes that, "the design is a perfect reflection of the mission of CHF–to preserve the heritage of chemistry and related sciences through its Collections, as well as to provide critical historical perspective to modern scientific discussion through its Public Outreach and Policy programs."
The award is timely as CHF is celebrating the first anniversary of the Museum opening at a special event today, Friday, October 2, 2009, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. To mark the occasion, Michael McCaulley, Tria Cafe Wine Director and Partner, will discuss the science of winemaking at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.
About the Chemical Heritage Foundation
The Chemical Heritage Foundation (CHF) fosters an understanding of chemistry’s impact on society. An independent nonprofit organization, it strives to inspire a passion for chemistry; highlight chemistry’s role in meeting current social challenges; and preserve the story of chemistry across centuries.
CHF maintains major collections of instruments, fine art, photographs, papers, and books. The foundation hosts conferences and lectures, supports research, offers fellowships, and produces educational materials. Its museum and public programs explore subjects ranging from alchemy to nanotechnology. For more information, please visit https://www.chemheritage.org/.
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