Western Savings Bank, Tucson Branch (1972)

It could be said that good architecture hits you right between the eyes.  In this plan for Western Savings Bank, W.A. Sarmiento provided a plan that took an eye-shaped, curving oval and repeated its pattern along a curved window wall.  The effect of the pattern of the exterior, precast concrete curving ellipses form an elegant screen for the window wall behind.

Western Savings Bank believed that good design does pay and started their building program in 1955.  Therefore they gave their attention to providing an attractive environment by using the principles of architecture as a billboard to gain favor with customers.  In addition, Western Savings contributed to the overall urban design of cities and wanted to positively influence local architecture.  Therefore, they hired local and familiar architects.

In the Tucson Western Savings by Sarmiento, two convex curving walls create a single volume.  The concrete screen serves a double purpose as it also creates the structural form necessary to support a cantilevered roof.  The fluid rounded shape with cantilever recalls earlier structures by Sarmiento such as the Chancery Building in St. Louis, though executed here in different materials that also integrate form and function, structure and beauty.  The Tucson Modern Architecture Preservation Project, which documented fifty of the top mid-century modern works in the city, states that this building is worthy of preservation and the work of a master architect in W.A. Sarmiento.=

More information:        Tucson MAPP Modern 50

Photo credit: W.A. Sarmiento