NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Barry Svigals, founder and managing partner of Connecticut architectural firm Svigals + Partners, was recently elevated to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) prestigious College of Fellows (FAIA). Svigals was acknowledged for his significant contribution to the architecture profession, specifically for reawakening the tradition of enlivening buildings with hand-made sculptural artwork integrated with architecture. Svigals is among 76 architects throughout the U.S. newly honored with FAIA distinction.
“I am deeply honored to be recognized in this way by my peers,” said Svigals. “I am particularly delighted that the College of Fellows recognized that sculpture in architecture can be an important and relevant dimension of the architecture of our times. My hope is that this will being attention to those besides myself who create wonderful and inspiring architecture using sculpture in their designs. Indeed, the presence of figurative elements engages people at another level of appreciation; it invites them in. This aspect of inclusion and connectedness is even more important today to remind us of our collective humanity.”
The use of figurative art in architecture is a centuries-old tradition, but has not been widely practiced for the past 60 or 70 years, according to Svigals. His mission is to reawaken figurative sculpture in architecture, exploring its inclusion in both traditional and contemporary ways. An accomplished architect and a sculptor, Svigals first studied sculpture at Yale University while pursuing his architecture degree and later at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux Arts in Paris, where he experienced, traveling throughout Europe, the power of sculpture in architecture. Svigals has been including figurative art in his architecture for more than 20 years. These projects have included works at Boston College and the University of Connecticut as well as a number of elementary schools for the City of New Haven.
“From my perspective as both an architect and a sculptor, sculptural elements become part of the initial design consideration when exploring the expression of the architecture,” noted Svigals. “In this way, art and architecture are integral components of the creative process. Beyond the expression of program in space and form, the sculptures evoke a feeling of the architecture that is highly personal to the client and intimately connected to their mission.”
According to the AIA, fewer than 2,500 AIA members are distinguished with the honor of fellowship – out of a membership of more than 75,000. It is conferred on architects with at least 10 years of AIA membership who have contributed significantly to one or more of the following areas: the aesthetic, scientific, and practical efficiency of the profession; the standards of architectural education, training, and practice; the building industry through leadership in the AIA and other related professional organizations; advancement of living standards of people through an improved environment; and to society through significant public service.
As a new Fellow, Svigals is entitled to use the coveted designation “FAIA” following his name. He will be invested in the College of Fellows at the 2007 AIA National Convention and Design Expo in San Antonio on May 4.
In addition to his recent FAIA designation, Svigals is the recipient of many professional awards, including the 2006 American School & University Architectural Portfolio – Outstanding Building, 2002 Golden Trowel Award and 2000 AIA Connecticut Design Award. In May 2006, he received an honorary doctor of humane letters degree from Albertus Magnus College, New Haven, Conn. for his work on the school’s new Academic Center – specifically a 9-foot, 6-inch cast bronze telemon of St. Albert the Great. A popular lecturer and visiting critic, he is a member of the faculty of the Yale School of Architecture, his alma mater.
