Charleston SC (July 2018) – The new South Carolina Welcome Center at Fort Mill, designed by Liollio Architecture, has been honored with a 2018 Brick in Architecture Best in Class (Commercial) Award. Five Best in Class projects were awarded among the 19 winners for outstanding design that incorporates clay brick. Judged by a jury of independent design professionals, the Brick Industry Association’s (BIA) design competition awarded five Best in Class, five Gold, five Silver and four Bronze awards from 88 total entries. The Brick in Architecture Awards showcases the best work in clay face and paving brick from architects across the country. Competition entries will be featured in the Brick Gallery on Brick in Architecture's website: www.gobrick.com.
The new South Carolina Welcome Center is a replacement of an existing structure on I-77 entering the state from Charlotte NC. Conceptualized as the front porch of the state and infused with references to local culture, the design invites visitors to sit and stay a while with porch swings, comfortable seating and a bright airy lobby that is warm and filled with light. The design team incorporated building products indigenous to the state. The visual pattern of exterior brick is inspired by local Catawba pottery, known for beautiful colors and patterns derived directly from local soils. A flexible, adaptable lobby with mobile furnishings and integrated technology-based interfaces supports the customer service design piloted by South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism for its new Welcome Centers.
About BIA: Founded in 1934, BIA is the nationally recognized authority on clay brick construction representing the nation’s distributors and manufacturers of clay brick and suppliers of related products.
About Liollio: Liollio believes creativity originates through the eyes and stories of communities based on subtle and restrained design, rooted in context, culture and collaboration. For over 62 years, Liollio has provided architecture, interior design, programming, historic preservation and master planning services. Liollio has been honored by the American Institute of Architects South Carolina Chapter as a Firm Award Recipient. Visit liollio.com for more info.
