Two Physical Plant staffers were a big part of winning a design award for one recent MSU building project.

The Skandalaris Football Center addition is the winner of the interiors category of the 2009 Metal Architecture Design Awards. The Physical Plant worked closely on the project with Integrated Design Solutions, the architectural firm responsible for the building’s award-winning design.

Engineer/Architect III Jeff Kasdorf and Planner/Inspector/Analyst I Erin Bowdell were deeply involved in the venture.

“I represented the project during the construction phase; Jeff was the lead during the design phase,” said Bowdell. “I took the project from the demolition of the existing building to the ultimate rebuilding. We both helped make sure that we were meeting all of the goals of the project while keeping within the Physical Plant’s construction standards.”

As part of the award, the Skandalaris addition will appear on an upcoming cover of Metal Architecture magazine. Bowdell felt the project was a huge success, especially considering the intricacy of the design, which features an elevator shaft shaped like a football.

“This new building sets a new national standard in terms of football buildings and exhibit space,” she said.

Judging criteria for the award included overall appearance, innovativeness of material use and significance of metal to achieving project objectives. The winner, in addition to the Metal Architecture cover spot, receives a $1,500 prize.

The 28,000-square-foot Skandalaris Football Center addition was completed in September 2008. Barton Malow Company, Lansing Glass and Architectural Metals Inc. were closely involved with the award-winning aspects of the project.

June 18, 2009