By Carolyn Weber. The judges noted the informality and freshness of this ocean-colored beach facility and applauded the traditional form interpreted in a contemporary way. The concept is a group of buildings on an elevated deck platform above the flood plain. It consists of an observation tower with lifeguard and first aid facilities, a concession building, an operations staff building, a bathhouse with changing areas, and gazebos for shade and outdoor shower structures.

Photo: Warren Jagger Photography

The facility meets the needs of the users, is aesthetically pleasing, and is environmentally friendly. The builder used recycled materials and composting toilets that save one million gallons of water each season. Category: Community Recreation Building Or Clubhouse; Entrant/Architect: William Burgin Architects, Newport, R.I.; Owner: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Providence, R.I.; Builder: Promac, North Kingston, R.I.