[Touloukian Touloukian Inc - SGI New England Buddhist Center  - COVER IMG] Peter Vanderwarker

SGI New England Buddhist Center

PrizeHonorable Mention in Architectural Design / Restoration & Renovation
Firm LocationBoston, United States
CompanyTouloukian Touloukian Inc
Lead ArchitectTheodore Touloukian
Design TeamLandscape Architect: Halvorson Design Partnership; General Contractor: J. Calnan & Associates; MEP Engineer: WB Engineers; Structural Engineer: Souza True and Partners, Inc; Lighting Designer: LAM Partners
ClientSGI International

Previously an office building and then an art institute, our office re-envisioned the existing structure as a new culture center for the religious institution of Soka Gakkai International. The client sought a building transformation that would be light and inviting, reflective of their mission. Our response was to paint the existing masonry an off-white color that appears to change relative to the time of day. Located along a fast street, the architecture employs an undulating vertical louver system to break up the monotony of the existing facade against the speed of the adjacent roadway.