Evelyn’s House, St. Louis, MO
By Alise O'Brien
Evelyn’s House provides a holistic approach to the emotional, spiritual and physical care of terminally ill patients of all ages, offering therapies for complex symptoms or respite in a home-like setting. The 18,000-square-foot ranch-style hospice house, a collaboration between BJC, Architextures and Trivers Associates Inc., offers warm, comfortable surroundings where patients can receive specialized care that involve family members and caregivers. With 16 spacious suites, families can enjoy time together in comfort and privacy. This beautiful hospice home offers inviting family gathering spaces, kitchen and dining rooms to share home-cooked meals, comfortable spaces for loved ones to sleep, art and music therapy rooms, meditation room, kids and teen activity room, spa, salon and beautiful gardens. For more information visit www.bjchospice.org/evelynshouse or call 314-996-8100.
Pontchartrain Hotel, New Orleans, LA
By Christian Horan
The famed Pontchartrain Hotel in New Orleans’ Garden District reopened in 2016. Well-known for its illustrious past and distinguished guests, the 106-room hotel was restored by AJ Capital Partners to maintain its historical feel while imparting a sense of modern comfort and style. The hotel features four main dining spaces – the iconic Caribbean Room, the Bayou Bar, the Silver Whistle Café and Hot Tin, a panoramic rooftop lounge. The Pontchartrain is located on St. Charles Avenue. The hotel was originally built in 1927 and named after the Count de Pontchartrain, a member of Louis XVI’s court. The rich history of old French New Orleans is reflected throughout the hotel in its architecture, design and service.
Harbin Opera House, Harbin, China
The Harbin Opera House was designed by MAD Architects to seamlessly blend with the surrounding nature and topography. On the exterior, the curvilinear façade is composed of smooth, white aluminum panels. The architectural mass wraps a large public plaza and, during winter months, melts into the snowy winter environment. Upon entering the grand lobby, visitors see large transparent glass walls spanning the grand lobby, visually connecting the curvilinear interior with the swooping façade and exterior plaza. Above, a crystalline glass curtain wall soars over the lobby space and is supported by a lightweight diagrid structure. The structure is comprised of glass pyramids and the surface alternates between smooth and faceted to mimic the snow and ice of the frigid climate. The grand theater is clad in rich wood.
