sweet sparkman tops I.M. pei's iconic dormitories in florida with latticed screen

Sweet Sparkman Wins Reimagining Pei Competition

The Reimagining Pei competition, hosted by the New College of Florida in collaboration with Architecture Sarasota, announced Sweet Sparkman Architecture & Interiors as the winner. This initiative aimed to honor I.M. Pei’s architectural legacy while modernizing the iconic brutalist-style dormitories on the college’s East Campus (Pei Campus). The climax of the competition took place at the Mildred Sainer Pavilion on November 15, showcasing presentations by three finalists, including the entries from Brooks+Scarpa and STUDIOS Architecture. All three contestants found inspiration in New College’s recent foray into intercollegiate athletics, integrating innovative designs for athletic facilities into their proposals.

Sweet Sparkman’s proposal stood out for its vision of expanding pedestrian pathways, enhancing campus vehicular access, and offering a creative reinterpretation of the Palm Court. Their designs aimed to maintain the essence of the traditional Pei architecture while envisioning a world-class athletics complex surrounding the dormitories. The proposed design is topped by a latticed screen formed by slender intertwined beams, forming a courtyard space for student activities and public events.

all images by Sweet Sparkman Architecture & Interiors, ©The New College of Florida

Sweet Sparkman’s Innovative Palm Court Vision

The jury recognized the diverse design approaches of the three finalists: Brooks+Scarpa’s environmentally responsive designs, STUDIOS Architecture’s focus on material sourcing, upcycling, and recycling, and Sweet Sparkman’s expertise in climate-specific designs.

Morris ‘Marty’ Hylton III, President of Architecture Sarasota, commended all finalists for their dedication, emphasizing Sweet Sparkman’s vision for the Palm Court as a versatile public space benefiting both the college and Sarasota community.‘Architecture Sarasota is grateful to all three finalists for their creativity and remarkable dedication in developing bold solutions for adapting and repurposing the Pei Dormitories’ said Architecture Sarasota President Morris ‘Marty’ Hylton III. ‘We would especially like to congratulate Sweet Sparkman Architecture & Interiors whose design concept proposes transforming and activating the Palm Court as a dynamic and versatile public space for both the New College campus and the larger Sarasota community. The Reimagining Pei competition demonstrated the power of design thinking in transforming places and inspiring people.’