AFRO-PANAMANIAN WINS NATIONAL ARCHITECTURAL PRIZE 2006
The work of architecture entitled “Natural Habitat” by its designer, Mario L. Small, was awarded the “Grand Prize” by Panama’s Society of Engineers and Architects (SPIA), recognized as one of the most outstanding architectural works in the Republic of Panama for the year 2006. The work is the home of its architect Small, who is part of a select group of Panamanians that graduated from the prestigious University of Harvard after earning a scholarship based on his high academic grade point average. Small graduated from Harvard in 1972 with a Masters Degree in Architecture. He earlier earned his Bachelors degree from Carleton College (Minnesota) after having graduated from Paraiso High School in the former Canal Zone. He also holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of Oklahoma.
For Mario the conceptual focus of the prized work is a natural habitat to house the diverse activities of a family in an environment wherein the function, form and technical aspects all combine harmoniously to produce diverse experiences, according to each activity, including circulation. The quality of the different spaces provides spiritual experiences thru perceptual vision. Nevertheless, these perceptions are not only visual, but include the other senses, such as, hearing, touch and smell. Also important was the use of basic natural concepts of bioclimatic architecture.
This distinction given by the SPIA to architect Mario Small corresponds to the category of Single Family Residence, Class 1C (large residence). The Grand Prize is an award given by the judges in recognition of a design, which reflects an outstanding example of architectural excellence conforming to criteria, procedures and norms of the contest.
E.P. Watson