SRQ Magazine | 4Walls Design Competition | Evolution - DSDG Architects

EVOLUTION - DSDG ARCHITECTS

GOLD Residential Building

4WALLS Design Competition - December 2022

The crown site on Golden Gate Point, the first full elevation visible from the entry promenade represents the Evolution of building design on the peninsula. We see a new mix of modern, and contemporary buildings popping up on the man-made landmass. Starting ten years ago, the small one and two-story buildings started to come down to make way for new, shining towers. Signifying Sarasota’s growth and cultural change, the Evolution Condominium transforms the architectural style of the whole neighborhood. The Evolution features twenty new condominium units spread on 8 levels above a parking plinth. Ultimately a rectangular building and tower, the balconies are the dramatic element as each level alternates proud facets for an active elevation filled with glass, shadow, and abundant light. Each balcony cantilevers to a point at the outmost corner of the building when the next floor above or below is the opposite with the cantilevered point in the center spine of the building. The spine is also the spring point for each floor slab, the only vertical element in the façade as each slab to slab is filled with glass to open residents to light, nature, and inversely a glowing volume at night. Materiality is important too, how the building sits and its acceptance into nature. In a city setting it is hard to get a natural setting. To achieve this, we left a large green area on the front setback as a buffer from the road and traffic. The area will be filled with tall grasses, lush tropical flowers in planter beds, meandering walking paths, and creeping vine wall features. The vine is a critical element as the nature is intended to absorb and grow into the building. The pool has an acrylic wall to activate the sidewalk area with blue hues to break from traditional ideals of white wall tower bases. Evolution’s motto is “Luxury close to nature” meaning splendor at home, and delight in the open air.

Architect

DSDG Architects

Developer

WB Golden Point, LLC

Interior Design

DSDG Architects

Structural Engineer

Karins Engineering Group

Mechanical Engineer

Quest Design Group

Landscape Architect

David W. Johnston Associates

Civil Engineer

A.M. Engineering