WMIG 2009 Awards Presentation – Episode 1

DLR Group answered questions on its Panther Lake Elementary school last week and showcased a dynamic graphic that is both an influence on and byproduct of the firm’s planning process. The team iteratively developed this throughout the design process and the goals are color coded based on where the goal came from–client, design team, collaborative process, etc.

And the inspiration? DLR said, “We got tired of making lists of goals.” Agreed, this looks like much more fun!

Apologies for the lack of a true live blog yesterday. We’ll make up for it with continued anecdotes from yesterday’s What Makes it Green? event in Seattle.

Overall, the jury found the submittals to be of high quality and on par with the best projects they are seeing around the country and world. And they also appreciated the elements that make architecture in the Northwest particular to our place. Plentiful geothermal applications and unique attention to water were specifically noted.

The jury also concentrated on community connections—“Why this project, why here?” asked Gwynne Pugh. They were consistently interested in how occupants come and go from a building, thus pushing the envelope on site selection and truly integrated design.

Harkening back to the themes laid out by program co-chairs Tom Paladino and Dave Goldberg, jurors looked for a project’s big idea, its analytics, and how it turned out. Rigorous analyses that drove design decisions were few, but the jury was impressed with the examples they found. Working within tight budgets and market-rate construction was applauded. Authentic evaluation and reporting were rewarded, and taking this a step further, Kevin Hydes urged reception attendees to find what’s not working—positing that this is where the real learning and success lies.

To catch up a bit on What Makes it Green?, we’ll continue to post highlights and excerpts from projects and the jury’s review process. This year’s submittal criteria was especially designed for more flexibility and storytelling. The jury shortlisted and interviewed 15 project teams and the stories did not disappoint.  The jury was able to fine tune its decisions with real personal interactions, which they said made for a unique awards program.

At the What Makes it Green? reception tonight, the jury walked us through the 10 best projects. Here they are!

Barn Beach Reserve, Bassetti Architects

The jury asked, “Where’s the beach?” Turns out that this Leavenworth project is an product of three community groups, and the jury keyed into the educational components of the building and the associated mission.

Brightwater Wastewater Treatment Facility, Mithun

Exemplary design integration turns sewage treatment into opportunity. Methane is captured and used throughout the project. A new energy technology incubator allows local companies to test their latest innovations.

Building 35: Natural Sciences Building, Miller|Hull

The jury enjoyed the exactness of decision making process and use of existing site conditions. Two core structural systems were utilized for two very different program needs–laboratory and classrooms.

Dockside Green, Perkins + Will

This is the first group of buildings in a 26-building planned community that will replace a heavily damaged brownfield along the water in Victoria, BC. The project builds social equity through job training and preference for small, locally owned retail businesses.

The Joseph Vance Building, ZGF

Back to the future, says the jury. This project is part of the Jonathan Rose Companies’ smart growth investment fund dedicated to renovating existing buildings. The Vance Building was upgraded with simple low-cost measures that kept most of the envelope intact. Natural ventilation was restored to working order and the occupancy rate skyrocketed to approximately 95 percent. Low rents attract non-profits and start-ups in what is now a vibrant office environment.

Klos Building, High Plains Architects

We learned a new acronym today–VLB. Very Low Budget. This historic renovation of an 1893 building in Billings, MT, was based on rediscovering its assets. Water collection systems have been a huge success, solid waste has nearly been eliminated and most occupants bike or walk to the building.

Olympic Mills Commerce Center, Works Partnership Architecture

This project was deemed transformative because of its delight. The jury was convinced that this adaptive reuse of an old mill would be loved and looked after for many, many years. The project features low rental rates and significant reused materials.

San Juan Channel House, D+A Studio

More delight, this time through the vision of a husband and wife duo–designer and builder. Their personal conviction to create a healthy home with local materials yielded an engaging process of learning and a high performing house. The jury also noted the intentional flexibility of spaces, which denotes future wealth creation.

Terry Thomas, Weber Thompson

Weber Thompson worked closely with a private developer to create its own office space and a building without air conditioning. Energy performance is impressive at 35 kBtu/sf/yr, and occupants are comfortable inside at 80 degrees given the air flow. External space is intentionally part of the program.

EPA Region 8 Headquarters, ZGF

This large project boasts impressive facade treatments and climatic responsive design. The jury was thrilled with the detail provided on process, analysis, and POE studies.

Let’s get to know this year’s jury. They’re now deliberating about the best projects, after interviewing project teams for two hours. But who are these mystical leaders? Here’s an abbreviated rundown–trust me, they are far more amazing than these brief words.

Kevin Hydes is President and CEO of the Integral Group, and brings a deep history in engineering and green building. Before starting Integral, Kevin served as the Chair of the US and World Green Building Council, co-founder of the Canadian Green Building Council, a VP at Stantec and President of Keen Engineering.

Sandy Wiggins is Principal of Consilience, LLC, a national green development consultancy, and Chairman of e3bank, a triple bottom line full service bank with a mission to facilitate the transition to a green economy. He is also a Director of Silpa, Inc., an international green building technical consultancy with offices in Bangalore and Dubai. Sandy has been the Chair of the U.S. Green Building Council, the Green Building Certification Institute, and Philadelphia’s Delaware Valley Green Building Council. He is also an adjunct professor in Philadelphia University’s Master of Science in Sustainable Design program.

Gwynne Pugh has been practicing architecture, planning, civil and structural engineering since 1971. He is the co-founder of Pugh + Scarpa Architects, which has received more than 40 major design awards, notably 12 national AIA Awards, including 2006 and 2003 AIA Committee on the Environment “Top Ten Green Project” awards, 2005 Record Houses, 2003 Record Interiors, and the 2003 Rudy Bruner Prize. Mr. Pugh is a recent Chair of the Santa Monica Planning Commission, and as a Consultant to the Cities of Carson, Long Beach, San Diego, and Los Angeles as well as the Getty Conservation Institute.

John Breshears from ZGF tells us about their design of the EPA Region 8 Headquarters in Denver, CO. They’ve tracked two full years of performance data, and Breshears noted the learning that has ensued. The hallmark design approach was a large atrium and no closed spaces along the building’s perimeter–a “living room” feel for a large organization. The project boasts significant post-occupation evaluation, including an energy model recalibration, and one of the best under-floor air distribution examples.

The jury specifically asked about the approach to solar shading, and Breshears offered an invigorating overview of the project’s climatic response and variety of shading strategies. These were primarily differentiated between to large L-shape forms–one bearing most of the sun, the other absorbing the site’s prevailing wind.

We’re up and running here at What Makes it Green? The jury is leading a frantic pace to briefly interview about 15 project teams. The room is full with approximately 50 local designers.

A quick kick-off note for our big day at What Makes it Green? … We’ll soon be broadcasting from the Seattle Municipal Tower and the jury will interview team members from a short list of projects at 11 a.m. PDT. Later in the day, we’ll move to Farestart (7th & Virginia) to celebrate the top projects and hear more from the jury. Join us in person or stay tuned here for updates. We’re also on Twitter: @AIAseattleCOTE

We’re gearing up for What Makes it Green?, AIA Seattle’s annual celebration of the best sustainable architecture in the Pacific Northwest. This year is a little different as there are no longer educational sessions directly offered through WMIG. We’re instead concentrating on great projects and recruited a fabulous jury to help us dissect the the most sustainable designs and buildings.

Two local leaders curated the 2009 version. Tom Paladino runs a green building consultancy, Paladino & Co., and Dave Goldberg is a principal at Mithun.