AIACV Experience Architecture 2019 Event Guide + Awards | Page 31

FIRM DREYFUSS + BLACKFORD ARCHITECTURE PROJECT PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY, GAS SAFETY ACADEMY LOCATION Winters, California As a significant advancement in training practices, the Gas Safety Academy campus is a center of excellence for PG&E. It artfully leverages architectural ingenuity to incorporate industry best practices and technology-led instruction, elevating the standards of gas-pipeline safety to the highest levels in the United States. JURY’S COMMENTS “Within the limitations of an industrial building, this project achieves a certain level of artistry with a low-opportunity project type. The planning is very simple and straightforward. In a building where you would not expect much in the way of exterior spaces, those that are created are surprising and well considered. The interior material palette feels elevated — polished concrete and the use of graphics as wayfinding and as a way to highlight structural moments is skillful. The architects were able to maintain a level of clarity while accommodating a very technical program. It’s an honest expression of the function of the building.” • PHOTO BY DAVID WAKELY SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SUPPLEMENT Go to aiacv.org/exparch Go to to register 31