WJArchitects has been selected to renovate Temple Beth-El originally designed in 1960 by the famed Miami Architect Morris Lapidus. Famous for quotes such as “Too much is never enough.” And “Let me just design things People Like.” The building has many unique features that WJA will reinvigorate and honor the original design intentions.   Particularly the monolithic roof was an elegant response to the interior spaces and gives a striking presence on the adjacent roadway.  Below the edge of the roof originally were reflection pools sending shimmering light from below onto the interior ceiling.  Even the light fixtures and Bimah were designed by Lapidus.  WJA is honored that the congregation has trusted us with the renovation of their beloved Temple Beth-El.

Original Article from 1960

Michael Maltzan Architecture Team -Wannemacher Jensen Architects is Associate Architect

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Full proposals can be viewed at http://www.stpete.org/PierDesign/

Throughout the design process, WJA has been exciting to discuss all of the possibilities and consider the impact this design will have on the City, the County and its residents.  In a recent interview with 83 Degrees, Jason spoke candidly about MMA, their reputation, and the positive aspects that our collaboration has brought to the design which will hopefully one day be implemented in the community we call home.

“Michael Maltzan Architecture has received international acclaim and prominence that will ensure an iconic design with international appeal and innovation,” says Jason Jensen of WJ Architects. “We have strong roots in the area, contributing to local wishes and constraints while ensuring that the residents of St. Pete have a voice in our team’s design. Together, we will provide an international design, tailored to fit St. Petersburg’s environment and lifestyle.”

“We believe that we have a very collaborative team who is sensitive to local needs by taking the time to listen and getting to know the community and local environment,” says Jensen. “The objective is to work with the community to arrive at a solution that is embraced. Only then do we begin designing a place rich with experiences, a place that will truly make memories.”   -83  Degrees, Tuesday November 1, 2011

After submitting on November 29^th, the next milestone is a presentation to the jury on December 16.  One of the three design teams will be selected by the jury on January 6, 2012 and then subject for approval by the City Council on February 2, 2012.

This project was a temporary light installation at the Gala Corina Art and Design Exhibition.  WJArchitects utilizes installations as  a means to investigate and experiment with individual conditions without the pressure of program.  A simple spatial hypothesis  is determined first for the piece and then the experimentation begins without a final pre-conceived outcome defined.  We have to resit the urge to design and define walls first to avoid tainting the exploration process. We do not create a space and then illuminate that space.  If you have one point of light and introduce one solid plane there is a space defined by shadow.  We then trace the shadow edges to define where the next plane will be constructed.  The form essentially grows into a system of interconnected planes and light sources.  If one moves then the entire system is effected.  With each installation our ability to predict outcomes has increased and our our ability to define space with light has increased.

This progression occurs within the same space without any changes in tangible form.  The space appears as a volume of light or as a solid plane defined by a frame of light.

Wannemacher Jensen Architects Inc. designs architecture of inspiration and optimism. To achieve this we assemble and empower talented designers to promote community and client ambitions, advance creative development, redefine conventions, and generate purpose driven solutions.

Wannemacher Jensen Architects, Inc. was founded in 1992

Partners Lisa Wannemacher, AIA & Jason Jensen, AIA LEED AP

Lead a talented team of Architects and Interior Designers

AWARDS

2011 AIA Tampa Bay

Merit Award for Architecture

Christ the King Christian Ministry Center

Location: Largo, Florida

2011 AIA Tampa Bay

Environment Sustainability Award

Largo Community Center

Location: Largo, Florida

2011 Recreation Management

Innovative Architecture & Design

Largo Community Center

Location: Largo, Florida

2010-2011 APWA

Project of the Year: Structures

Largo Community Center

Location: Largo, Florida

2009 AIA Tampa Bay

Honor Award for Architecture

Walter Fuller Park Overlook

Location: St. Petersburg, Florida

2009 AIA Tampa Bay

H. Dean Row FAIA Award for Design Excellence

Roberts Recreation Center

Location: St. Petersburg, Florida

2008 AIA TAMPA BAY

The Garcia Award

Jason Jensen

2008 AIA TAMPA BAY

Firm of the Year Award

Wannemacher Jensen Architects, Inc

2008 AIA TAMPA BAY

Merit Award for Architecture

Coopers Point Observation Tower

Location: Clearwater, Florida

2008 Historic Preservation Awards

Honorable Mention, Adaptive Re-use

319 5^th St. North

Location: St. Petersburg, Florida

2007 AIA TAMPA BAY

Merit Award for Architecture

North Shore Pool

Location: St. Petersburg, Florida

2006 AIA TAMPA BAY

Honor Award for Architecture

Northwest Recreation Center

Location: St. Petersburg, Florida

2006 AIA TAMPA BAY

Merit Award for Architecture

Spertus Institute of Judaica

Location: Chicago, Illinois

2005 AIA TAMPA BAY

Merit Award for Architecture

Cypress Forest Park Recreation Center

Location: Oldsmar, Florida

2005 AIA TAMPA BAY

Honor Award for Architecture

Materiality of Light

Location: Largo, Florida

2004 AIA TAMPA BAY

Honor Award for Architecture

Project Creo, Center for Art and Design

Location: St. Petersburg, Florida

2003 AIA TAMPA BAY

Merit Award for Architecture

Northwest Recreation Center

Location: St. Petersburg, Florida

2003 AIA TAMPA BAY

Honor Award for Architecture

Sukkah Ritual Hut

Location: Gainesville, FL

2002 HCPC AWARD

Hillsborough County Planning Commission Award

Courthouse Square Park

Location: Tampa, Florida