The American Institute of Architects, California Council (AIACC) announced Barton Myers, FAIA, as the 2011 recipient of the Distinguished Practice Award. This award recognizes an individual architect's work, responses to the challenges of an individual building type, innovations within the design and construction process, design excellence, and a demonstrated collaborative spirit. The award is given in recognition of a career that exemplifies dedication and commitment to the built environment.
Through his building designs, and emergence as a leader in his lifelong mission to bring people together in a single place, Myers has greatly enhanced the vitality of cities through the communal experience of the performing arts. Great public buildings are theaters of memory. Their storytelling function demonstrates the dedication of the architects, craftsmen and artists who created them. The effects of the Myers innovations, in collaboration with Richard Pilbrow, as well as scores of engineers and technicians, are demonstrated in the design of dozens of performing arts complexes constructed across the globe today.
Myers feels that theaters should reflect the craftsmanship of the arts they house. Much of his inspiration came from the traditional Italian influence and has contributed to the design innovations of his practice which also incorporates the architectural legacy of the Italians.
His first performing arts/theater commission was for the Citadel Theater in Edmonton, Alberta Canada. Although still considered one of the best theaters in Canada, it was a prelude to future developments. He went on to design the Portland Center for the Performing Arts, which embodied his first full expression of the collective theatrical experience pioneered centuries before him by the Italians. Myers' list of "first principles" has influenced all of the performing arts centers he designs. These include the context and site of the structure, its lobby, craftsmanship, and much more. His impact in the design and development of performing arts houses across the country will be felt for years to come. He not only brought his design innovations to fruition in Portland, but in many performing arts centers across America, and continues his advocacy and contribution to the role of these public spaces.
Myers' impact on the architectural profession and his ability to instill a passion in his colleagues in pursuit of new directions in design is impressive. His more than 35 year career has impacted the awareness of the scale, texture and material in building a strong relationship between the inside and outside of the theater. He is a master of the lobbies themselves and achieves the goal of bringing people together for a collective experience in beautiful performance halls that enhance the sense of the occasion with the warmth and richness his design experience brings to the audience.
The AIACC recognized Barton Myers, FAIA, and his career, characterized by professionalism, leadership and innovation.