Posted by By Michelle London-Bell – Contributor
The Dallas Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (DANOMA) toured Dallas’ premier nature retreat, in Southern Dallas on Thursday, April 15, 2010. The center, which opened in 2008, is located off East Loop 12 and Interstate 45, on 6,000 acres of land at the basin of the Trinity River.
Larry Lockhart, Treasurer of DANOMA
The center was designed by world renowned architect Antoine Predock, with similar characteristics throughout that resemble a residential project Predock designed for a bird lover – with its long corridors and raised walkways providing a captivating visual element. A sustainable and “green” facility, the City of Dallas reclaimed and transformed the land as an ode to its natural beauty, and the center was designed with LEED-certified features in mind: energy efficiency, recycled materials, to name a few.
The center host a Free Third Thursday, where visitors can take nature hiking trails, view hands on exhibits, eat at the picnic, and encounter amphibians in their natural environment. Larry Lockhart, Treasurer of DANOMA, spearheaded the chapter’s visit. “The center is beautiful. Many citizens of Dallas, including several school children and adults, Boys and Girl Scouts, and families have taken advantage of exploring the grounds today. I have explored the beauty in the facility. The trail that led to the Trinity River gave me a different perspective and a greater appreciation for Dallas,” Lockhart said.
View Larger Map
This event is one of many engaging and architecturally relevant events that DANOMA hosts throughout the year. “We have previously toured the Rachosky House in North Dallas, the Tutankhamun (exhibit) at the Dallas Museum of Art, the Preservation Dallas Wilson House and St. James AME church, and plan to tour a construction site of the Sachse Municipal Campus,” Lockhart stated.
The Dallas Chapter of NOMA hosts monthly meetings where attendees discuss all aspects of the design and construction of a project and address the business aspects of the architectural industry. “We provide a platform for mentoring young designers to provide viewpoints and collaborate on ideas including but not limited to recent design process changes, to marketing endeavors, pricing, short listing and the proposal/business development process,” Lockhart said. In addition, DANOMA regularly invites guest speakers from related architectural fields to attend meetings and speak on relevant topics and high-profile projects within the Dallas area, including the Homeless Assistance Center, better known as “The Bridge” in downtown Dallas.
Trinity River as seen from Audubon Center (file photo)
The members of DANOMA have designed and displayed a kiosk at North Park Mall for the 2008 AIA Retrospect Exhibit to inform the general public of accomplishments that the Dallas Chapter of NOMA has achieved in recent years. DANOMA has also made an impact in the community by working with local organizations such as the Alameda Heights Community Center and Paul Quinn College to gain insight on design-related issues, research the current state of the campuses, and develop with proactive and creative solutions.
Many DANOMA members are actively involved in Mayor Tom Leppert’s Southern Dallas Task Force. “It is very important to us to give back to our community and to sew back into the lives of our young and growing peers in the architecture profession,” said Lockhart.
For more information about the Dallas Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects, visit www.dallasnoma.org or the national website at www.noma.net.
Michelle London-Bell is a new contributor to Dallas South News with experience as a freelance writer. She has a passion for fashion, the arts, and community and cultural affairs and can be reached at dallasurbanmedia@gmail.com.
/