Hey! What’s the Big Idea? Creative Process of Holly & Smith Architects
BY PIERRE THERIOT, AIA
A DISTINCTIVE DESIGN APPROACH
At H/S, we are known for our distinctive design approach, characterized by an appreciation for context, climate, and local culture with aspirations to Design for Life. The approach is central to our creative process and influences every aspect of our architectural practice.
Our design process is rooted in research and iterative exploration. This enables our work to be informed by comprehensive data and continuous refinement. The cornerstone of our methodology is collaboration, which we achieve through interactive workshops involving all stakeholders at key milestones. The workshops serve as a dynamic platform for the process, allowing us to present options, gather feedback, and make necessary adjustments. This cycle of feedback and improvement results in a final product that is not only functional but aesthetically pleasing. By engaging everyone involved in our work, we harness a diverse range of perspectives and expertise. This collaborative environment fosters open communication and encourages the sharing of ideas, ultimately leading to both practical and innovative solutions. Through
this research-driven and collaborative approach, we aim to reach a consensus that reflects a unified vision. The outcome is a design that is well-considered, effectively addresses the project’s requirements, and has buy-in from all parties involved.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE BIG IDEA
Of course, the way that we interface with our clients and design team plays a critical role in the success of our process. But how do we get there and where do we start? We typically start with the following question: What is the essence that defines the project?
In other words what’s the Big Idea?
MANIFESTED IN ARCHITECTURAL EXPERIENCE
The Big Idea in H/S projects is the guiding concept that shapes the entire architectural experience. This idea distills the essence of the project, providing a cohesive vision that informs every design decision. It is not merely an aesthetic choice but a narrative thread that weaves through the project, shaping the user experience from the moment they encounter the building. Whether it is the play of light and shadow, the flow of spaces, or the tactile quality of materials, the Big Idea is manifested in ways that engage the senses and create a memorable experience.
CASE STUDY: LSU BARNES OGDEN ART & DESIGN COMPLEX
An example of how a big idea became manifested into architectural experience was the H/S design and adaptive reuse of the LSU Barnes Ogden Art & Design Complex. A rich history of architectural context, place & service provided the canvas by which a legacy of finely crafted artifacts could exist within a duality of process and presentation. The historic industrial materiality of the existing 100+ year old facility was preserved and juxtaposed amongst modern interventions and program. The resulting experience culminated in a duality of experiences that is both refined and imperfect - much like the traditional Japanese aesthetic of Wabi Sabi.
The Big Idea in this case embraced the beauty of imperfection. Just as an artist’s process can be both imperfect and chaotic it will somehow, through rigorous effort, culminate in results that are both beautiful in presentation and timeless in their expression. So too was the big idea for this design. Exposed historic structural elements such as roughly painted masonry, exposed concrete, industrial steel roof trusses, and the occasional graffiti art piece were juxtaposed with interventions of newly incorporated refined materials such as steel fabrications, structural glass enclosures, exotic wood species, and refined interior finishes to create a harmony that suggests this metaphor for the creation and presentation of art.
Yielding to Nature – Delgado Advanced Technology Center
Street View – Connecting Interventions
Courtyard Plaza View
New Main Entry Gallery
SPECIFIC TO ITS TIME & PLACE
Each project by H/S is deeply rooted in its specific time and place. A Big Idea can also be discovered through our efforts to conduct thorough site analyses, which studies the geography, climate, history, and culture of the location. This contextual understanding produces a design that is not generic but a unique response to the site’s conditions.
For instance, in a project situated in a historic district, the design might incorporate elements that do not emulate but rather echo the architectural language of the surroundings while introducing contemporary features that address current needs, behaviors, and technologies. This approach enables the architecture to be both timeless and relevant.
BALANCING THEMES & IDEAS
The development of a Big Idea allows for a unified direction of design intent and storytelling that will resonate with its evolving history and place making.
Most times there are various influences on a project, both positive and negative. Balancing these themes and ideas involves synthesizing diverse influences and requirements into a cohesive design. We search for common ground between tradition, innovation, site, context, and program to achieve thoughtful intervention and sustainable work.
Site Analysis – UL Lafayette Engineering Building
ECoE Bridge – UL Lafayette Engineering Building
A PURPOSE AND PROMISE FOR THE BETTERMENT OF LIFE
The goal of the Big Idea in the design process is the betterment of life through relevant experience. We strive to create environments that enhance the quality of life for their occupants and the broader community. This purpose is reflected in our commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and social responsibility. Whether it is through the creation of public spaces that encourage community engagement or the design of energy-efficient buildings that reduce environmental impact, H/S aims to fulfill a promise of positive change and lasting impact. Our work
transcends mere construction, contributing to the well-being and advancement of society.
RESPONSE TO HOT & HUMID CLIMATE
In our region of south Louisiana, with hot and humid climates, we tailor our work to provide comfort and sustainability in a modern way which speaks to our region. We employ passive cooling techniques where feasible, such as solar orientation, natural ventilation, shading devices, and the strategic placement of openings to enhance airflow and harvest natural light. This climate-responsive design not only enhances occupant comfort but also minimizes the building’s environmental footprint. The resulting architecture is Regionally Modern
Baltzell Building, Hammond, LA – Historic Adaptive Reuse
The Pond House – Net Zero Residential
St. Michael Special School – Historic Renovation and Addition
PROGRAMMING LOCAL CULTURE AND HUMAN BEHAVIOR
Understanding and incorporating local culture and human behavior is another hallmark of the H/S design philosophy. We engage with the community, conducting workshops and interviews to gather insights into cultural practices, social norms, and behavioral patterns. This information informs the design process, so that the resulting spaces are not only functional but also resonate with the local populace. Whether through the incorporation of traditional building forms, the use of locally sourced materials, or the creation of communal spaces that foster social interaction, H/S creates environments that reflect and celebrate local culture.
H/S EXPERIENCE As human beings, we spend our personal and professional time within the built environment. As Architects, we are privileged to create spaces where people can gather, live, learn, work, eat, sleep, and worship. Therefore, it is incumbent that we design spaces that enhance the quality of life and nurture a greater passion for living. Our design approach is influenced by the environment, culture, and community in which architecture exists. To take it further... We Design for Life.
CONCLUSION
By embracing the Big Idea as an underlying premise:
• We craft architectural experiences that are both innovative and deeply rooted in their specific time and place.
• Our work not only harmonizes tradition with modernity but also prioritizes sustainability, inclusivity, and cultural resonance.
• Through our thoughtful and context-sensitive designs, we strive to enhance the quality of life for all who interact with our spaces, leaving a positive and lasting impact on communities.
• WE DESIGN FOR LIFE. ■
Pierre Theriot, AIA, is Principal and Design Director at Holly & Smith Architects and he works hand-in-hand with the client and the design team to establish early design goals and further ensure design continuity throughout all phases of the project. His approach to design is rooted in a regionally modern focus which encourages a healthy relationship with the environment and local culture that will persist throughout the life of the building. He pursues a collaborative process between the design team and stakeholders through a series of workshops used to study options, gain consensus and create design solutions that not only function well but also enrich people’s lives and nurture a passion for living. hollyandsmith.com
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