PRISM JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 EDITION

Architectural — acoustics an important component to controlling sound, noise in student housing facilities

by KWK Architects

When designing a residence hall, special attention is given to architectural acoustics to help control noise and create a calmer, more peaceful environment for the students. Understanding sound isolation, mechanical noise and vibration control, and room acoustics is an essential component of designing any student housing facility.

“The acoustical qualities within a building can impact our ability to relax, focus and communicate. Design professionals who understand this can specify proper sound and noise management strategies which are essential for quality residential hall design. If the strategies are implemented properly, they will help relieve stress, promote health and wellness, and create a calmer environment for students to thrive,” said student housing design expert Javier Esteban, Principal at KWK Architects.

According to Esteban, there is a clear distinction between sound and noise. Sound is described as a vibration that travels through the air or another medium and can be heard when it reaches a person’s or animal’s ear. Noise is defined as an undesirable sound. In both cases, there is a human component to the definitions. Some people can hear better than others, for example adolescents can hear higher frequencies than older people. Then there’s the subjective aspect of sound – a sound might be considered noise by some people while others can listen to it for hours.

Because of these indeterminate and often subjective components of sound, several organizations have defined certain criteria to control or manage sound. The two most common are Impact Insulation Class (IIC, or otherwise known as Impact Noise Reduction) and Sound Transmission Class (STC). Read more

Window films − why they offer a quick return on investment

by Darrell Smith, executive director of the International Window Film Association

“Window film savvy” facility managers, architects and building owners know that one of the fastest ROIs they can achieve on a building where there are older, existing windows that are structurally sound is to have window film professionally installed on either the interior or exterior of a building.
According to the US Department of Energy (DOE), between 25-35% of wasted building energy is blamed on inefficient windows. The California Energy Commission even estimates that 40% of a typical building’s cooling requirements are related to solar heat gain through windows.

Independent analysis conducted by ConSol, a California based energy consulting firm, reported that window film is one of the most cost-effective measures to reduce energy use in California. In fact, window film outpaces traditional techniques such as updating HVAC systems, air sealing and caulking or adding R-38 ceiling insulation. ConSol’s study used many of the same processes the California Energy Commission utilizes in determining relative value of energy savings for the state.  Read more

Window film solutions for transforming commercial spaces

by 3M Commercial Solutions Division

Creating an environment that is comfortable for tenants and welcoming to guests requires a holistic approach when selecting building products for both new construction and ongoing maintenance. Fortunately, the specifying process can be simplified by identifying turnkey solutions to common challenges in construction and design – such as sustainability efforts and cost considerations – that can help designers and architects achieve their project objectives. One multipurpose product that provides a variety of opportunities are window films.

Window films offer a solution to a number of challenges which architects and designers face today. However, as there are many window film options on the market, it’s important to understand the applications and benefits of every available product to ensure best results.  Read more

Inspira Medical Center Adds Vertical Expansion with the Help of Sto Panel Technology

by Sto Panel Technology

Inspira Medical Center in Vineland, New Jersey had a growing patient population and needed to expand. In the course of planning the project, the general contractor, Hunter Roberts Construction Group, was aware of the capabilities of Sto Panel Technology affiliate, Jersey Panel, also located in Vineland, and brought them on board early for design-assist support. More than 30,000 square feet of exterior walls were added to the Acute Care building on the medical campus in under two weeks.

To fulfill the design intent, StoPanel Classic NExT ci was chosen for the cladding.  StoPanel Classic NExT ci is a prefabricated insulated exterior wall panel system that weighs almost 90 percent less than a precast panel of the same size. The lightweight prefabricated panels are both energy efficient and durable, incorporating the thermal control layer in the insulation and the air, water, and vapor control layers in a StoGuard® waterproofing and air barrier.  Using StoPanel Classic NExT ci with its Sto patented drainage wedge, the team was able to match the design theme of the existing one-story building with StoPanels, all while offering a tremendous “speed to market” benefit, especially since the main exterior panel installation took place during an especially harsh winter. Read more

Harley Ellis Devereaux (HED) and Walsh Construction complete biophilic design-embodied Palos Health South Campus

Harley Ellis Devereaux (HED) and Walsh Construction announced January 7, the successful completion of the new biophilic-emphasized Palos Health South Campus in the Chicago suburb of Orland Park, IL. The $80 million design-build renovation was executed over the course of a phased, five-year process beginning in 2013 bringing new, modern technologies to an aging campus and incorporating a sophisticated new Cancer program with the help of academic partner Loyola University.

The completed nature-centric campus includes a new 83,000 square foot Ambulatory Care Center, 40,000 square feet of renovated space in an existing building on the site, and the construction of a new 316-car parking deck. An initial campus master plan unified the campus by adjusting clinics into an academic health center model and organized services to increase collaboration and patient ease. Read more

Transforming a quick stop into a memorable stay through the power of design

by Olga Gorbunova, Principal, Stantec

Imagine a space where you can enjoy regional specialties and locally grown produce. Where you can learn local history and view historic artifacts. Where your littles ones can use their imagination in a custom play area with local inspiration, while your pup enjoys a walk in a comfort area. And where you can even save some time by obtaining a camping or fishing license at an interactive Department of Environmental Conservation kiosk. Would you believe that all of this, and more, can be found at a New York State (NYS) Welcome Center?

In the state of New York, the rest stop – that unassuming place along the highway that provides a respite for drivers who may be fatigued or are simply in need of a break from the road – is being transformed into a regionally influenced cultural destination for locals and travelers alike. This effort is part of the NYS Welcome Center program led by New York Governor Cuomo’s office, in collaboration with the Department of Transportation, Thruway Authority, Empire State Development, Department of Agriculture and Markets, and local tourism agencies.

The program goal is to create destinations that embody the spirit of a regional community, support the local economy, and enhance the experience for residents and visitors – all while promoting tourism across New York state. Launched in 2015, the effort will bring 11 new Welcome Centers to the state’s tourism regions upon completion, redefining the role a public realm project can play in embodying regional spirit. Read more

Nature, technology, and community meet in the concept design of Pittsburgh International Airport’s Terminal Modernization Program

Pittsburghers will tell you that our city, the town where the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers meet, is a great place to live. The people tend to be very nice, and more than happy to give you directions or help you find the best sandwich shop in town. Today we have another reason to love our fair corner of southwestern Pennsylvania. As part of a special board meeting and the annual State of the Airport event, the Allegheny County Airport Authority Board of Directors approved a visionary concept design for the Terminal Modernization Program at Pittsburgh International Airport

The design team joint venture of architectural and engineering firms Gensler and HDR in association with luis vidal + architects, were awarded the design contract in July 2018. They have been studying the Pittsburgh region and taking their inspiration directly from the rolling hills and rivers, neighborhoods and communities, and new economic diversity that has led to Pittsburgh’s re-emergence over the past few decades.

The design, like our three rivers coming together at The Point, is based on a unique philosophy of nature, technology and community – NaTeCo. “I’m pleased to be part of this historic venture to bring all of these rich elements together at Pittsburgh International Airport,” said architect Luis Vidal, founder and Executive President at luis vidal + architects. “The combination of nature, technology and community form the DNA of the region and that should be reflected in the structure of the building to enhance the experience for all users and leave a memorable impression.” Read more