Category Archives: Architects and Architecture

Thomas Rogers Kimball, FAIA – Unsung Hero of the Nebraska Capitol

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1934 Portrait of Thomas Rogers Kimball, FAIA

1934 Portrait of Thomas Rogers Kimball, FAIA

In 1920 an architectural competition was held in Nebraska to commission an architect to design and oversee construction of a new State Capitol. Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue of NYC was ultimately selected from a very distinguished field of competitors, including McKim Mead & White, Paul Phillippe Cret, John Russell Pope and others whose works line the National Mall in Washington DC. This incredible field of local and nationally known architects were in the competition because of the very skillful, “behind the scenes,” guidance of one of Nebraska’s first nationally prominent architects, Thomas Rogers Kimball, FAIA of Omaha.

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Nebraska Capitol Masterpiece Receives Recognition

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The Architectural Foundation of Nebraska was a contributor to Capitol Masterpiece.  

Capitol Masterpiece

Top-rated work in production, promotion, community engagement and instructional media was recognized when 29 awards were presented to public television stations from around the country at the National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA) conference in Dallas Texas. NET is a member of NETA.

NET Communications received the “Multi-Media Promotion” award for its Nebraska’s Capitol Masterpiece campaign promotion – the first ever given by NETA.

It’s a Capitol like no other. Nebraska’s Capitol is a national historic landmark … a masterpiece of art and architecture, and the spirit of everything Nebraskan. “Nebraska’s Capitol Masterpiece” explores the enduring nature of Nebraska’s statehouse and how its visionary design portrays Nebraska’s people, its history, and democracy. The program examines how the Capitol was envisioned by a renowned creative team – architect Bertram Goodhue, sculptor Lee Lawrie, muralist Hildreth Meiere, and University of Nebraska philosopher Hartley Burr Alexander. The inspiration behind the building’s architectural sculpture, sage inscriptions, and majestic mosaics makes the statehouse “Nebraska’s Capitol Masterpiece.”

Judges had this to say, “It’s a great example of how to be thorough, of all the various options available and how to plan to make the most of the time you have to promote. It’s very well thought out, very well designed and makes for an overall solid promotions package any agency would be happy to sell to someone for way too much money. The community outreach factor made this multi-media presentation stand apart.” Capitol Masterpiece is available through NETV or purchased at the Landmark Stores Gifts at the State Capitol building.

Live

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College World Series, TD Ameritrade Park. Photo copyright HDR.

College World Series, TD Ameritrade Park. Photo copyright HDR.

Live

Full of life; at the moment of its happening

Architecture creates space for people to interact.

Even as we move to a virtual society, one thing that will never be replaced is the “live” experience. A unique connection occurs between people when they interact in real life; it gives rise to an energy that is life, that cannot be replicated.

A live performance is special because it fosters a shared energy and connection between the performer(s) and the patrons, also between the patrons themselves. Architecture shapes the experience by making it more intimate or more engaging. Whether the performance is music, theater, or a sporting event, the design can enhance the experience. Continue reading

AFN 2014 AIA Lincoln Architects’ Home Tour Update

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1408_architects-home-tour-program

The 2014 Architects’ Home Tour, sponsored by the Architectural Foundation of Nebraska and AIA Lincoln, was held Sunday, September 21, 2014.  This year’s Tour was a huge success!

Thank you to all the home owners, architects, sponsors, and volunteers, without whom the Tour could not happen.  Our Home Team planning committee worked very hard beginning in the spring to make sure the Tour would feature wonderful homes and go smoothly.  We had a lot of great publicity, including a wonderful article in the Lincoln Journal Star and interviews on local TV stations KLKN channel 8 and KOLN/KGIN channels 10/11.

It was very exciting to see crowds of people excited about architecture and these beautiful homes, and overhear comments from visitors.  My favorite comment was, “This house is a poem.”

The next scheduled tour will be held in the fall of 2016.  You can go to the 2014 Home Tour website, or view the Journal Star article (page 1) and (page 2).

Update: Cool Spaces!

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Steven Chung, AIA, interviewing Frank Geary, FAIA.  Photo courtesy of Cool Spaces!

Steven Chung, AIA, interviewing Frank Geary, FAIA. Photo courtesy of Cool Spaces!

Earlier this spring I wrote about a PBS program called Cool Spaces!, which aims to show viewers what’s new and exciting in the world of architecture and design.  At the time there were no air dates schedule in Nebraska, but I’m pleased to share that the program is currently airing on Wednesdays at 10:00pm on NET1.

If you’re curious, you can watch the trailer here.

And, you can visit the Cool Spaces! website here.

It’s always exciting to see architecture and architects featured on television.  Tune in and check it out.