What about the rural?

U.S. Census Bureau defines rural as any population, housing, or territory NOT in an urban area. So by its definition, rural is not a self-defined condition, but it is the absence of the urban. Then it goes forward to define urbanized areas as having a population of 50,000 or more. The green area on the map above (US Census) represents all the area in the US that falls under the classification of rural based on this definition.

2019 Posts: A Year in Review

As we begin a new year, it is important to take a retrospective look at the previous one. We celebrate the high points and learn from the low. Happy New Year to our readers. We thank you for your continued support and can’t wait to read what 2020 has in store for Blueprint South Dakota and the architecture community. So, in case you missed it, here are the highlights from 2019.

Taking Professional Exams

What are Professional Exams and Why are They Important? Professional exams, including the Architect Registration Examination, are a critical step in the licensing process, and it is imperative that professionals obtain licenses to practice in their field. According to the AIA: “Improperly designed buildings can pose a threat to occupants and the public. The essential…

2019 AIA SD Merit Award – Farmhouse Bistro – JLG Architects

For decades, a series of dilapidated farm structures on a rolling farmstead along Spearfish Creek defined quintessential rural Americana. When the original owner demolished the buildings and listed the property for sale, the new owner, Merideth Pangburn-Walker, decided to use the opportunity to create a restaurant that reflected the fondly-remembered old farmstead in both structure…

2019 AIA SD Merit Award – Augustana University Hamre Recital Hall – TSP, Inc.

Augustana University students had performed in the same Kresge Recital Hall for nearly 50 years. Nestled deep within the interior of a large Humanites and Arts building, its color palette evoked the 1970s, and the acoustics scheme was abstract and minimalist. Augustana came to TSP to help them formulate a list of improvements for the…

2019 AIA SD Merit Award – Northern State University Athletic Pavilion – COOP Architecture

Des Moines, Iowa-based substance architecture and Tim Hickman, AIA, LEED AP, served as juror, considering 28 submitted projects, for the 2019 AIA SD Design Awards.  One of the four awards given was for the NSU Athletic Fields & Pavilion project by record architect COOP Architecture. The building’s story is something like this; Northern State University…