France, Indiana Collaboration Benefits Vigo County Schools

August 17, 2012

News Release

(Terre Haute, Ind.) - Two Indianapolis architecture and engineering firms are joining Majeur Won design agency of Paris, France to construct canopy entryways that will be unique to each of 13 Terre Haute-area schools. BSA Lifestructures will be the architect of record, while site work and engineering will be provided by American Structurepoint. Freitag-Weinhardt, an affiliate of FA Wilhelm in Indianapolis, will serve as general contractor.

Design direction of the 13 structures is being led by Majeur Won, an international design agency of consultants and partners located around the world. The agency was founded by Matthew Won Piker, who attended Vigo County Schools before going on to graduate with architecture degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of Cincinnati.

Daniel Tanoos, Superintendent of the Vigo County School Corporation, announced that the entryways will be rolled-out in three phases beginning this fall. Representatives from BSA Lifestructures, American Structurepoint, Freitag-Weinhardt, and FA Wilhelm attended a project kick-off hosted by Majeur Won on August 6 in Terre Haute at the Indiana Landmarks Regional Office. During the event, preliminary designs for the first four schools to receive entryways were unveiled, receiving positive reviews from both the academic and business communities. It was also revealed that community members would have the chance to provide feedback on the designs, as well as assist with the construction of the canopies during a series of controlled participation days.

Superintendent Tanoos commended the partner companies for sharing in the project's community-driven vision and for coming together to resolve what had been identi!ed as an issue for several years in the Vigo County School Corporation. “Every year, Principals would ask me to help protect a certain entrance to a particular school because kids were having to sit through classes drenched after being dropped off at school during inclement weather. Many of them would have to go home to change because they simply could not focus on their studies. It's an issue that I didn't see going away for a long time, but I'm thrilled that these companies have come on-board to help us out,” stated Tanoos at the event.

After the event, the head of business development for BSA Lifestructures, Shawn Mulholland added, “#ecommunity aspect of the project is truly unique. We're happy to be a part of the team, and to deliver something that will improve the day-to-day experience at Terre Haute schools.” In addition, Lynn Busby and Mark Unger of FA Wilhelm and Freitag-Weinhardt, respectively, shared, “It's exciting to be working on a project where you can see the positive impact almost immediately. Hearing from the kids has been fun.” Greg Henneke, of American Structurepoint simply noted, “We want to support good ideas. #at's what we see happening here.”

With construction on Phase I canopies to commence later this fall, Majeur Won will continue to encourage community feedback on designs for Phases II and III, which will be revealed in the coming weeks. A series of town hall meetings will be held to allow for community members to gather and provide input, as was done during Phase I. Piker, a former intern of BSA Lifestructures in Indianapolis and Chicago, described the project as having a “multidisciplinary approach to design, and as an opportunity to better the areas where people work and live in a simple but real way.” Tanoos said the project illustrates the values of a well-rounded education.

“Here we have one of our own coming back all the way from France to help out. It's inspiring, and that's what it's all about – allowing our kids to compete not only on a local level, but also nationally and internationally.”

To view preliminary designs for Phase I entryways, please visit www.majeurwon.com.

Source: Majeur Won