March 2009

Rubbing architectural shoulders with the Watercube National Swimming Center in Beijing, an innovative office / retail / apartment complex in the Netherlands and the Kensington Oval, Barbados, the Lamar Construction Cantilever, designed by the Grand Rapids firm of Integrated Architecture is the only US winner in the 2008 IDA, International Design Awards’ commercial architecture division.

The International Design Awards will be presented March 26th in Los Angeles and they exist to celebrate the world's visionary designers, discover new and emerging talent, and promote the appreciation of design worldwide. The Lamar project competed against hundreds of other designs from architects around the world. All told, architects and designers of interiors, fashion, products, and graphics submitted over 1000 entries from 52 countries. Jurors included Qingyun Ma, Dean of Architecture, University of Southern California; Gwynne Pugh, Pugh+Scarpa Architects; Rido Busse, Chairman, German Industry and Trade Board and other leaders and editors in the design fields.

While Integrated Architecture has built a reputation for cost-effective, innovative sustainable design, the Lamar project offered a unique opportunity. Mike Corby, AIA, LEED AP, Executive Vice President, lead the design effort. “It is not often that a company’s identity can be literally expressed in its building. The Lamar cantilever, a 6,000 SF hovering box of glass and steel illustrates Lamar’s craft in a powerful fashion as it floats 88 feet above the ground.”

The Lamar Cantilever hangs out along the South side of I-196 at the Hudsonville Exit.

Lamar Construction
Corporate Headquarters