RIDGEWOOD, NJ – The Society of American Registered Architects (SARA) recently honored Poskanzer Skott Architects (PSA) of Ridgewood as a winner in its 2013 National Celebration of Architecture and Design Program. The firm received Bronze recognition in the built category for its design of the new Mediacom headquarters, which opened just weeks ago in Blooming Grove, N.Y.
PSA partner Barry Poskanzer, AIA, accepted the award at SARA’s National Conference in Manhattan on October 11. Celebration of Architecture and Design nominations were judged by a jury consisting of nationally recognized architects and scholars. Winners displayed superior program solutions and designs, positive social and environmental implications, and compelling overall aesthetics among other considerations.
“On the heels of the Mediacom headquarters grand opening last month, this honor is particularly gratifying,” Poskanzer noted. “SARA is recognized as one of our industry’s finest professional societies, and it provides high-level networking, education and support for its members. We are privileged to be among this year’s award recipients, which included a number of distinguished firms and projects.”
The SARA award is the fourth major recognition for the Mediacom design. Earlier this year, the Architects League of Northern New Jersey presented it with a 2013 Peer Design Gold Award (built project category), and the AIA Westchester Hudson Valley chapter gave it a citation in its 2013 Excellence in Design Awards competition. In 2012, the AIA Newark & Suburban honored it with a Peer Design Bronze Award (un-built project category).
Poskanzer describes the building design as “paying dual homage to its agri-cultural context as well as the architecture of classic modernism.” Mediacom, the nation’s 8th largest cable television company, retained PSA in spring 2011 as architect and master planner for the 110,000-square-foot, three-story structure. Working closely with its client, PSA spearheaded every detail in the design and development of the property, from initial site planning to final finishes, and completed the project in summer 2013, just 26 months after the initial meeting.
Set on 200 acres of farmland, the headquarters is set high on a hill surrounded by stone walls and “wild” meadows. Echoing its rustic setting, PSA incorporated a dramatic, three-story silo that houses conference spaces. Inside, the emphasis is on maximizing natural light and hilltop views for every employee. A serpentine glass wall and sweeping steel and glass staircase highlight a striking three-story lobby. The ground floor features lifestyle amenities including a full-service cafeteria and fitness center. The second and third stories include conference and training spaces, private offices, workstations and a skylight roof garden. Loft ceilings and dramatic lighting project a spacious feel throughout.
PSA is an established, award-winning design and planning firm recognized for its innovative and workable design solutions. The company has broad experience in the entire design process from concept to completion working on behalf of office, industrial, retail, multi-family, educational, health care and residential real estate clients, including the public, private and non-profit sectors.