Select Page

Tag: sustainable design

UCI Medical Center Irvine awarded to Hensel Phelps + CO Architects design-build team

The University of California, Irvine, awarded the UCI Medical Center Irvine project to the Hensel Phelps + CO Architects design-build team. The new medical center embraces UCI’s commitment to sustainable design and construction, incorporating recycled water in the central plant and for irrigation, green power, and the preservation of the San Joaquin Marsh Reserve.  

Read More

How to design sustainable public infrastructure in 2020 and beyond

“To begin, I believe we must start with and fully embrace the fact that the design process is not linear. It is circular. Good design must allow for questioning previous decisions and acknowledge that perhaps other ideas and methods can and should be incorporated. A circular design process enables exponential change and advancement. We must not start with just “thinking” about green building materials. The challenge really is: How do we question everything so that the design truly manifests into a sustainable project?” explains author Luis Vidal, President & Founding Partner of luis vidal + architects.

Read More

The Statue of Liberty Museum, designed by FXCollaborative, achieves LEED Gold certification

The US Green Building Council recently awarded The Statue of Liberty Museum, designed by FXCollaborative, LEED Gold certification in recognition of the project’s sustainable design and respect for its ecological and environmental impact. The museum’s design features integrated resiliency measures as well as high-performance systems, highly insulated walls, extensive thermal bridge mitigation, glass orientation that minimizes solar heat gain, radiant floor heating, demand-control ventilation, high-efficiency lighting, and low-flow plumbing fixtures.

Read More

Sustainable design featured at Mansueto High School in Chicago

With Mansueto High School, designed by Wheeler Kearns Architects, Noble Network of Charter Schools has transformed 5.5 acres of industrial brownfield in Chicago’s largest “park desert” into a place of great opportunity for its students. The 67,000-sq. ft. two-story school structure, with a dark brick exterior and a light, gray metal panel interior, wraps almost completely around a landscaped courtyard. The use of masonry anchors the building’s identity, replicating the historical context of the site, providing a sense of protection, and shielding interior functions from the traffic noise created along the busy industrial thoroughfare.

Read More

Calvin Ahn named principal at Ashley McGraw Architects

Ashley McGraw Architects is pleased to announce that Calvin Ahn RA, LEED AP BD+C has been named a principal in the firm. An active member of the design community, Ahn has presented his work and research on sustainable design at numerous professional conferences, including the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association BuildingEnergy Conference, Getting to Zero National Forum, and the SUNY Physical Plant Administrators Association.

Read More

Modera Pearl in Portland, Oregon

Modera Pearl, designed by SERA, is targeting LEED Silver certification through a combination of energy savings and integrated sustainable design elements. A 28,000-square-foot green roof tops the building. For the small percentage of roof area dedicated to mechanical and amenity space, the stormwater will be captured and channeled to the central courtyard’s stormwater garden, showcased through exposed splash blocks and touch pools.

Read More

Sustainable Design Excellence: ASLA Center for Landscape Architecture in Washington, D.C.

The 12,600-square-foot headquarters, located in the historic Chinatown district of Washington, DC, was built in 1995 and completely renovated in 2016 to achieve LEED Platinum and WELL Gold certification. ASLA worked with architecture firm Gensler and landscape architecture firm Oehme van Sweden to build a new Center that embodies the mission, vision and values of the Society. The project integrates new construction into the existing space and footprint; captures and reuses stormwater runoff; maximizes daylight within the space; increases occupant comfort and wellness; provides flexible, collaborative work spaces; and models environmental values.

Read More

American Planning Association honors American Institute of Architects Sustainable Design Assessment Team program

The American Planning Association (APA) is recognizing the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Sustainable Design Assessment Team (SDAT) program with its 2019 Excellence in Sustainability Awards for its dedication to supporting and growing sustainable communities. The award, given by the APA’s Sustainable Communities Division, supports planners and related professionals in their efforts to foster a sustainable and resilient future. AIA’s SDAT program works with localities around the country to create community-driven action plans that help them achieve sustainable design plans for the future. Complete details of the program are available online.

Read More

USA pavilion at XXII Triennale International Exhibition shines light on materials revolution

The American pavilion, titled RECKONstruct, at the XXII International Exhibition of La Triennale di Milano will be unveiled alongside showcases from around the world on March 1, 2019. The theme of this year’s International Exhibition is Broken Nature: Design Takes on Human Survival, illuminating the connection between humanity and the natural environment through design. The American pavilion, conceived and developed by a group of passionate environmental advocates including Arup, Humanscale, MIT’s SHINE Program, Novità Communications and NextWave Plastics, demonstrates how sustainable design can respond to the current global environmental crisis.

Read More

El Cerrito Recycling Center + Environmental Resource Center, sustainable in design and in practice

“Our goal was to create a recycling and environmental resource center that brings people and community together, inspires better awareness about environmental issues, and satisfies operational needs in creative and efficient ways. We believe the El Cerrito Recycling Center is a story about regeneration and restoration,” said Chris Noll, Noll & Tam Architects.

Read More

Cradle to Cradle Certified products

The Cradle to Cradle program certifies products based on five quality categories—material health, material reutilization, renewable energy and carbon management, water stewardship, and social fairness. Click here to see a list of building supply & materials, as well as other products, that are Cradle to Cradle certified.

SiteLock