Each year the Texas Society of Architects recognizes a building that was completed 25-50 years ago which they believe has “stood the test of time by retaining its central form, character, and overall architectural integrity”. This year, the prestigious honor is awarded to Fountain Place, designed by Henry Cobb of I. M. Pei & Partners and completed back in 1986 in Dallas, Texas.
This 60-story office highrise has established itself as an iconic staple of the Dallas skyline, commanding its surroundings with a sleek, geometric form. The tower also acts as an urban attraction with a six-acre park space spread out at its base. The original plan was to have two identical towers next to each other on the site, but due to the real estate crash of 1987, a second tower was never built.
The jury unanimously chose Fountain Place earlier this month, and an award ceremony will be held October 28th in Dallas. The jury consisted of Dan Hart, president of the Society; Ray Bailey, FAIA, current holder of the Lifetime Achievement Medal; Sarah M. Whiting, Assoc. AIA, dean of Rice University’s School of Architecture; Michael Malone, chair of the Design Committee; and Stephen Sharpe, editor of Texas Architect.
