The University of New Mexico

NEWS RELEASE

March 11, 2008

UNM’s Pearl Hall and Richardson Pavilion Receive Contractors’ Awards

Two University of New Mexico buildings received awards at the Best Buildings Award Banquet sponsored by the New Mexico Building Branch of the Associated General Contractors and Southwest Contractor.

George Pearl Hall, home to UNM’s School of Architecture and Planning and Fine Arts and Design Library, received the 2008 Grand Prize of Show.

In recognizing the building, judges noted, “this project demonstrates how function and aesthetics can blend in a landmark building that has, as its principal function, education. The essential workings of the building are exposed so that architectural students can see firsthand how all aspects of the construction process – structural, mechanical, electrical, fireproofing, sound control, utilities, etc. – come into play.”

The building is named for well-known architect, George Pearl, FAIA, who for many years was a principal in Stevens, Mallory, Pearl, and Campbell, now known as SMPC.

George Pearl Hall is also a winner in Buildings $20 million and over, an honor it shared with the $132 million Barbara and Bill Richardson Pavilion/UNM Children’s Hospital.

George Pearl Hall was awarded for outstanding specialty work for the sprayed fireproofing and sound insulation installed by ANI. The UNM Children’s Hospital, the largest building project ever undertaken in the state, received a Partnering award.

“These two awards validate the University’s commitment to buildings of high quality that are also memorable expressions of good regional design and constructible architecture. We are grateful to the NM Branch of AGC for their recognition,” Roger Lujan, University architect, said.

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