The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University

Check out the new Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University – completed in 2 phases the building’s first phase is Gold Certified while the second phase is Platinum Certified projects.  The architect for the project is Lord, Aeck & Sargent / Gould Evans.

Aside from being a great piece of architecture, the building functions as a state of the art research facility and a demonstration of ecological laboratory design.

An interesting design strategy was to mitigate the Urban Heat Island effect, using reflective roof membrane, high albedo paving and hardscape shaded by landscaping.

Low flow fixtures and waterless urinals use 30% less water.

An atrium delivers natural light deep into the building, and combined with exterior shading systems, maximizes sunlight while minimizing solar heat gain.

For more information on Green Building Design, contact us at www.dyami.com.

Commercial Building Owners – Save 30-40% of your energy budget and get a tax deduction?

How? Benchmark your building against the ASHRAE 90.1 building standard, and meet a certain level of energy reductions – that’s how.  Be sure to use an independent 3rd party to benchmark your building, while using IRS and DOE approved software. 

Not only will you save 30-40% of your engergy budget, but you will be entitled to a tax deduction between $0.60 and $1.80 PER SQUARE FOOT which accelerate the depreciation of capital invested in energy efficiency improvements.

Since I’m not an accountant, ask your CPA about any tax incentive programs that may be available to you.

New Study: Green Jobs to Support Nearly 8 Million Jobs Over Next 4 Years

The US Green Building Council (USGBC)  and Booz Allen Hamilton have completed a study determining that despite the challenging economic outlook, green building will support 7.9 million jobs over the next 4 years.

The study also determined that green construction spending currently supports more than 2 million American jobs and generates more than $100 billion in gross domestic product and wages.  The study was released at the USGBC’s annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo.

It is most likely just a matter of time until green requirements become part of the International Building Code, leading the way for each state to adopt them into their state and local codes.  But when you get right down to “Green Design”, shouldn’t we just call it “Good Design”? 

To me, the real benefit of the Green Design movement is that building owners will eventually have statistical proof that “Good Design” not only pays for itself, but increases productivity and the bottom line – and this will raise the level of building design across the board.

The World’s First LEED Platinum Hotel

Quaintance-Weaver Restaurants & Hotels announced that The Proximity Hotel and Print Works Bistro have been awarded LEED Platinum by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

LEED is the USGBC’s rating system for designing and constructing the world’s greenest, most energy efficient, and high performing buildings.

The owners of the hotel believe that the costs to build green are minor, do not compromise the guest experience, provide a substantial financial return, and last but not least help the environment.

We at DYAMI are currently involved in many hotel renovation projects where we are working towards LEED certification. We have found that if you properly identify and target key achievable methods, you can “go green” with a minimal additional cost. When considering lifecycle costs, the cost of operating the facility over time, we can actually save our clients money.

Proximity Lobby

Consider the following not so obvious “green” objectives:
Recycle construction debris.
Source materials locally.
Use recycled content.
Restore natural site elements.
Install regenerative drive elevators which generate electricity on descent.
Provide natural daylighting.
Use energy recovery systems.
Source furniture locally.
Commission local artists and craftsmen.

Combine ideas to have fun with Wine!

Hotels Magazine recently featured a new concept that just might establish a trend. With younger clientelle becoming increasingly curious about fine wine, Strategic Hotels and Resorts, Chicago, is currently combining their stagnant tea rooms with a wine tasting experience to generate interest and revenue.

A visitor can sample over 500 varieties of wine, handmade chocolates, cheeses, and of course, tea. This interactive and hip model is expressed through design as a combination of Northern California meets the Far East (see photo).

Classes are offered, educating the consumer about the history of wine, and practical applications such as pairings with cheese and chocolates.

Creative Cue: Are you experiencing a challenge in your business that can be addressed by combining your original concept with a new concept to create a totally different result or experience? As designers, we address issues like this on a daily basis, and have found much success with this technique. Try it!