1988 Deconcini Building
"Tucson, Arizona"
ARCHITECT: Seaver Franks Architects
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In 1986, Robert Boucher collaborated with Mike Franks of Douglas Seaver and
Associates in Tucson, Arizona, to create a facade for a modern office building.
The concept addressed the use of a modern window wall grid system that provided
a contemporary sense of space for its occupants but was grounded in masonry and
wore a facade that tipped its hat to the regional traditions of the area.
The facade, as an original composition, continued the symbolic dialogue
begun by Louis Sullivan in Chicago and carried on by Henry Trost in early
Tucson. In this sense, it was a post-post modern building in that it was as
intensely crafted as its inspirational predecessors.
Much of the
traditional detailing of these early pioneers was reinterpreted by hands that
had followed the original shapes in the restoration of the Owl's club. Murals,
friezes, and Sullivanesque tiles were created afresh as a tribute to the
knowledge gained and inspiration born through the preservation and understanding
of earlier works.
Historic preservation not only restores buildings, it
reawakens skills and crafts that seek their fortune again.
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Drawing of the Deconcini Law Offices
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DETAILS OF THE CONSTRUCTION
AND DESIGN
The initial installation of castings delineate the perimeter of the facade so that the finish plasterers can use the tiles as a stop.
BACK AT THE STUDIO
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The
art is in the details.
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DETAILS OF ADDITIONAL PATTERNS AND CASTING
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On the Lathe - Finish Sanding the
mahogany pattern
(shown at right) for the facade crest.
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Freize
tiles made with MDF and mahogany
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The
Tree of Life
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Conch
at keystone
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Model for the Sullivanesque seed pod
capital
(feed me Seymour!)
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Casting
of scrolls at Pediment
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Frieze Tile that was bent to fit
the
curvature of the soffit
modeled in plastilina.
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A-B-A Repeating
pattern for the column tile (shown in cast stone with patina.)
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Clay Patterns for custom tiles at the
doorframe
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Quatrefoil tile that clads base
pier.
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FINIS 1988
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Time
to completion - 9 months
CREDITS
Melody Peters - Artist/Sculptor
Ted Breault
- Artist/Sculptor
Tod Hoyer - Turnings
Mike Crumrine -
Installation
Mike Franks - Architect