Saturday, October 31, 2009
Sustainable Suite by HD Magazine Winner
I don't know if everyone has seen this but I stumbled across it this weekend.
FROM HD MAGAZINE's WEBSITE:
WATG has won the inaugural Sustainable Suite Design competition, sponsored by USGBC, ASID, and NEWH, with Hospitality Design (HD) magazine as the exclusive media sponsor. The contest aims to showcase the best hospitality design strategies that feature environmental responsibility while enhancing the guest experience.
In conjunction with global design consultancyIDEO, WATG created the winning suite concept called Haptik, a Greek term meaning to experience interactions based on the sense of touch. The design is meant to engage the senses, allowing the guest to discover how environmental responsibility can be achieved personally and collectively. The suite's innovative green strategies include an "all-off" switch to ensure that lights are automatically turned-off based on passive infrared sensors (PIS) and room conditioning equipped by a four-pipe horizontal fan-coil system. Additionally, water use was key in reducing environmental impact; as such, the Haptik suite includes a Trombe wall in the shower that captures solar heat to warm the shower water and a greywater irrigation system that filters and recycles shower water to outdoor gardens and landscaping.
The WATG and IDEO team will build and present their showcase at the 2010 Hospitality Design Exposition & Conference (HD Expo), May 19-21, in Las Vegas.
And here is their presentation:
Darrel Rippeteau on the Martin Luther King Jr. Library
Darrel Rippeteau of Rippeteau Architects on 14th St. recently shared with me an idea he developed for breathing new life into the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library building at 9th and G Streets. Below you will find his sketches as well as a description of his philosophy.... take a look it is quite interesting.
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Public Library is a powerful landmark of the modern era which should be preserved and used as an important destination building in the Nation’s Capital for as long as it can be maintained and preserved. It can serve as a library, or as an office building, or embassy, or school, without changing the exterior which is visible from the sidewalks all around.
However, MLK is not an overly friendly and comforting structure. It must be made more livable and lovable for the thousands who should be able to work and visit over the decades and centuries to come. It harbors a deep dark airless interior suitable for machines or files, but not humans. It has no natural ventilation via its vast windows, yet the sun beats in upon people.
The accompanying sketch suggests how the sepulchral interior can be carved out and made over into a light-filled cortile like those at the Old Post Office, the International Monetary fund, and the new glassed-over courtyard at the Museum of American Art.
The cortile would penetrate through the roof all the way down to the ground floor, flooding the remotest parts of the interior with light, and making prime office and gathering spaces possible around its vortex-like sides. Within the cortile a monumental spiral staircase will connect each floor with the next and on up to the roof, where persons will alight upon the concourse bridge spanning the broad opening under the sloping glass rain water collector. The concourse will lead out onto the roof terrace along the east-west axis of the building, flanked by productive gardens, terminating in two terraces which view upon Washington architectural landmarks the Woodies Building to the west and the Museum of American Art to the east. These terraces would be connected again by a garden path, providing the roundabout circulation system so conducive to complex human interactions which make our lives meaningful and amusing (not to mention power networking rooftop soirees in schmooze-mad Washington). None of these changes would be visible from the sidewalks surrounding the site, so the original Mies concept would forever loom in frozen time, as at its creation.
Let’s address the enervating lack of air and the oppressive exposure to too much sun which occurs around the east and south elevations (and somewhat along the west elevation where a new neighbor is hamstrung in its foundations). The overhanging soffit above the deep perimeter arcades make possible new vertical ventilation and cooling systems rising three stories through the perimeter rooms and terminating in roof-top vents not unlike those on the deck of a ship. Each of these vertical ducts would harbor fresh air intakes, stale air exhausters, and booster coolers for the periods when low hot sun impacts the exposed faces of the building out of proportion to the remaining spaces inside. Coupled with a sensible central heating and cooling machine system and overnight radiant cooling, fed through the structure via room-temperature water pipes, such a perimeter ventilation/cooling system can make MLK a comfort champion. Again, nothing would be visible above the existing roof line from the surrounding sidewalks.
Perhaps the Martin Luther King, Jr. building is a sort of overbearing tough guy in our gentile city. But it is a true landmark in a style of architectural revolution and it deserves preservation. That does not have to mean restoration of every shortcoming or lack of amenity. Here is a landmark chance to prove the value of adaptive re-use through the application of amenities, technologies and alterations we can imagine now.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Photo of the Week from Infinity Photography
Please enjoy this wonderful abstract photo of a milkweek plant provided to us by Infinity PIX! For more information, or to include something like this on one of your upcoming projects visit www.infinitypix.com.
Washington Business Journals: People on the Move
Todd W. Taylor has joined the special systems design group of RTKL Associates Inc. as a principal specializing in health care. Based in the firm’s D.C. office, he will be involved in the design and installation of structured cabling systems to support low voltage systems in hospitals across the country and in the Middle East. As part of RTKL’s health care technologies team, Taylor will lead the firm’s projects at several large health care facilities across the country, including work at Ohio State University, Central DuPage Hospitalin Winfield, Ill., and at the Children’s Hospital Orange County in California. Using his more than 25 years of overall information technology experience, Taylor spent the last eight years focusing on the health care industry. Taylor joins RTKL from Smith Seckman Reid where, as technology director, he handled quality assurance and control for projects.
WDG Interior Architecture PLLC in D.C. promoted Manuel A. Lauzurique-Abiega to associate.
NeoCon East- October 28-29, 2009
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Ellerbe Becket SOLD to AECOM-DC office INCLUDED
Ellerbe Becket, an architecture and engineering firm founded in Minneapolis 100 years ago, has been sold to a Los Angeles-based architecture, planning and engineering firm. Terms of the sale to AECOM Technology Corp. were not disclosed.
The firm will be renamed AECOM Ellerbe Becket. Ellerbe officials said no job cuts will result from the sale. Ellerbe has more than 450 employees in the United States and Middle East, including 249 in Minneapolis.
Ellerbe CEO Rick Lincicome said the sale allows his firm to provide a broader range of services in more markets. AECOM now serves clients in more than 100 countries.
Ellerbe specializes in designing health care, sports, government, corporate and higher education facilities. Its Minnesota projects include LaSalle Plaza and U.S. Bancorp Center in downtown Minneapolis, Science Museum of Minnesota in St. Paul and Mayo Clinic Gonda Building in Rochester. Other projects include Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis for the NBA's Indiana Pacers, Qwest Field for the NFL's Seattle Seahawks, University Hospital in Dubai Healthcare City, and Samsung Cancer Center in Seoul, South Korea.
From the Minneapolis Tribune: Click here for more
Monday, October 26, 2009
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Monday, October 19, 2009
Mancini Duffy Announces Merger With DC-Based Architecture Firms
WASHINGTON, DC -- 10/19/09 -- Mancini Duffy, a full-service architecture and design firm headquartered in New York, is pleased to announce that two Washington, DC-based architecture practices, Michael Winstanley Architects Planners and Still & Svitchan Associates, will join Mancini Duffy's D.C. office. The merger realizes Mancini Duffy's long-term vision to create a scalable practice that can offer its clients a diverse range of integrated design solutions across different practice disciplines and markets. The D.C. office will operate as Mancini Duffy/Winstanley.
"It's rare in our profession to be able to align a large firm's expertise, culture and vision for the future with not one, but two firms," commented Anthony P. Schirripa, AIA, Chairman and CEO of Mancini Duffy. "Diversification and growth are critical features of Mancini Duffy's long term strategy -- these new relationships take us in exactly that direction at the right time."
Michael Winstanley, AIA, AICP will become the Managing Principal of the D.C. regional office and joins the Mancini Duffy firm-wide leadership team. Winstanley, formerly Design Director for Leo Daly's Washington office, founded Michael Winstanley Architects in 2004 and has built a highly regarded multi-disciplinary practice noted for its awarding winning master planning and design work.
Winstanley was attracted to the merger because he saw the potential to create a potent and expansive practice. He explained, "I made this move for a number of factors, but mostly because knowing Mancini Duffy's capabilities, reputation and resources, I realized the opportunity we have to focus on large scale design and planning projects not just in this region, but in New York and beyond. I'm also excited because I know the leadership team shares my passion for this vision, and shares the high standards for design to which both firms have always aspired."
Still & Svitchan, led by co-founder and senior partner, Doug Svitchan, AIA, has been a stalwart presence in the D.C. market for over 18 years. The firm has built a reputation for building design and design-build delivery projects over a wide range of assignments from airports to government buildings. Says Svitchan, "We saw the chance to be part of something bigger and better and we thought our experience and relationships especially in the government sector could add value to that equation." Svitchan and partner, George Eisenberger, AIA, will join Mancini Duffy as principals.
Mancini Duffy D.C. principals Anik Jhaveri, AIA and Yves Springuel, AIA have been involved with the merger plans and have played key roles in helping to shape the firm's strategy for the consolidation. Exclaims Jhaveri, "This move significantly expands our capabilities. Yves and I are looking forward to working with the new team, building on what we have already accomplished in D.C."
Mancini Duffy was advised in this transaction by mergers and acquisitions advisors, Growth Insight Inc.
Founded almost 90 years ago, Mancini·Duffy has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Connecticut, and New Jersey. Also, as a member of IPID, International Partners in Design, Mancini•Duffy serves the diverse needs of its expanding multi-national client base across the U.S. and in Great Britain, Europe, East Asia and Australia.
Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1091476
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Danielle McKenrick has a new Website and Logo!
I hope you all will take a moment to visit the new portfolio website of one of my very best friends, Danielle McKenrick. She is the graphic designer who brought my DCdesignBlog logo up to what it is today. Which i LOVE!
Here is a blurb from Danielle's ABOUT ME on her new website: I love design, and I love the creative process. It is because of this that I pursued a degree in Interactive Media from James Madison University's school of Media Arts and Design. While at JMU I worked as a freelance graphic and web designer, and was a contributing writer for the university's newspaper, The Breeze.
Following graduation, I continued my career in journalism by accepting a design job with The Free Lance-Star newspaper in Fredericksburg, VA.
My passion for design and continuing my freelance work lead me to create Delighted Studio. Since its inception, Delighted Studio has allowed me to work with a range of clients and their unique design needs. From small business owners and photographers, to newly engaged couples and proud parents, it has been my pleasure to work one-on-one with each to create custom design products.
I am so thankful to be able to do something that I love, and to work with such a diverse group of people.
Visit her website at:
Or her Blog at:
Friday, October 16, 2009
Kurt Zanelotti and friends celebrated the grand opening of their new showroom last week. Take a look at the new showroom and some of the guests who attended!
On the Left: A photo of the new Contract Carpet One Showrrom. Looks great. On the Right: Kurt Zanelotti with his 84 year old father, Tony Zanelotti, founder of thier company
Thursday, October 15, 2009
KIMBALL hosts a SEATING SOIREE- WHO ATTENDED ON MONDAY?
On the Left: William Everett, B. F. Saul Company, Hotel Division, with Linda Everett, of Innovative Design Group, Inc. On the Right: Chandria Garrett, Marriott International, Carolyn Gerges, Marriott International and Deaderia Morrise, Kimball Hospitality
On the Left: Dearderia Morris, Designer of all the new pieces featured with Kimball Hospitality and Carolyn Gerges, Marriott International On the Right: Helen Jorgenson, Host Hotels & Resorts and Rafael Fuentes, ASID
On the Left: Corrine Ritsick, Ritsick Design and Jonathan Hoppe, Marriott International On the Right: Tony Mukangura, Marriott International, Corrine Ritsick, Ritsick Design
From Left to Right: Linda Everett, IDG, Amy Doherty, Host Hotels & Resorts, Lynnette Gannaway, Choice Hotels
KIMBALL hosts a SEATING SOIREE- WHO ATTENDED?
On the Left: On the Right:Adam Horsley, Kimball Hospitality, Tony Ferguson, Director of Supply Management, Kimball Hospitality, Joey Rogers, Sales Representative for Kimball Hospitality, Bernie Knies, Director of Sales Kimball Hospitality
On the Left: Deaderia Morris, Design Director for Kimball Hospitality who designed all the wonderful new seating and casegood pieces for Kimball featured over the 2 evenings, with Reginald Pettaway, D.D.S.On the Right:Joe Rogers, Sales for Kimball Hospitality and Jenn Willkomm, Choice Hotels International
On the Left: Yvonne Nicholson, Marriott International and Bruce Hankins, Kimball Hospitality On the Right: Joe Rogers, Sales for Kimball Hospitality and Linda Milburn, Marriott International
On the Left: Maria Jacks, Marriott International and Iris Perry On the Right:Keith Good, Director of DC office of Burton Construction, Erin Larkin(enjoying her new job), as Marketing Manager with BD for Burton Construction and Brad Burton, Owner of Burton Construction.
On the Left: Joey Rogers, Kimball Sales, Teri Robinson and Lateasha Haynes, Marriott International On the Right: Janet Marie Young, Marriott International and Joey Rogers, Sales for Kimball Hospitality
On the Left: Kim Riffle and Pat MacConnell both with Marriott International On the Right:Kevin Goryance and Wenli Lin, Marriott International
On the Left: Michelle Thomas, Partner at M Design Studio and Darren Hayward, with Tai Ping Carpet On the Right: Eliizabeth Grimsley, Rand Construction, with Daisy Swift from Marriott International
On the Left:Jennifer Willkomm, Designer for Choice Hotels International and Erin Larkin, Marketing and BD for Burton Construction
News From Phillip Renfrow: Geier Brown Renfrow Celebrates 30 years!
A note from Phillip:
Celebrating our 30th year along with the opening of our new office in Alexandria we are also celebrating our commitment to the community by sponsoring Light the Night – a charity walk for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
We hosted an event with approx 170 guests including clients, former clients, former employees, friends, consultants and product reps.
One purpose of the event was to celebrate this special time but it was also important to us to provide a simple venue and use the money normally spent on a more extravagant affair on our charity – Light the Night Walk. We catered the event ourselves, the GBRA staff decorated our space using items from our sample library and we added in some fresh, seasonal flowers.
All donations we received that evening were matched by GBRArchitects as a contribution to Light the Night. It was a great event check out the photos:
On the Left: former employee George Wagube with wife Kristin and daughter Simone On the Right: Claire Geier and granddaughter Lilly in front of retrospective exhibit
On the Left: Alex and Eleanor Sked (Sked Consulting) enjoy the wine. On the Right: even some little one's were enjoying the festivites.
On the Left: GBR alumni: principals and alumni including L to R:David Marks, Kate Benarick, Eleanor Krause, Sukanya Shenoliker, Donna Wair Hall, Phillip Renfrow (principal), Karl Komatsu (former principal), Bill Geier (principal), Gabriel Romero, Siegfried Ising, and Baird Smith On the Right: James Thompson (Quinn Evans Architects) with Eliza Engle (GBRArchitects) and Christian Rojas (former GBRA) holding son Sebastian with his wife Patti.
Lastly: Brian and Nancy Stephenson with John Wittmann (GBRArchitects)
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