Three Jacksonville buildings, including two at the University of North Florida, are among the 58 across the state in the People’s Choice competition sponsored by the Florida Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
Buildings must have been constructed in the past five years and be public spaces that contribute to the well-being of residents.
Online voting in the competition will be conducted at floridapeopleschoice.org through midnight, July 18. Buildings will be listed by the structure’s name and location. The results will be announced July 19 at institute’s annual convention in Miami.
The Jacksonville buildings are:
• Community Animal Hospital for the Jacksonville Humane Society Inc.: On April 7, 2007, fire ripped through this facility. Firefighters rescued 80 pets, but 86 died. The fire prompted the society to replace its aging facilities, rebrand to increase public awareness and expand its services. The design challenge required a plan to satisfy the hospital’s objectives to rebrand, to establish rules for future development and to set fundraising goals. The hospital is part of the city’s effort to reduce pet overpopulation and tackle the homeless pet crisis.
• UNF Student Union: In addition to serving as a center of study, gathering and administration for the university, the facility also serves to increase the profile of the university within the community. The building has attracted community groups to use the shared space, which in turn has raised its profile even further. The award-winning design has served as an architectural catalyst, being the first of several projects that have substantially increased the design quality of the campus.
• UNF Student Wellness Center: The new three-story center invigorates the north end of the campus, reflecting the university’s role as an active learning, recreation and competitive center. The building serves multiple users, continuing a vision of facilities for the university. It also provides multiple large recreation and academic venues, supporting existing and new program offerings. The facility provides a new home for the Recreation, Health Promotions, and Physical Education departments.