Renovating for a Greener, More Accessible Future

Case Studies of Product Solutions
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Sponsored by Bradley Corporation, ClimateMaster, Inc., EFCO, a Pella Company, NanaWall Systems, Pella Commercial, TOTO, and U.S. Concrete, Inc.
C.C. Sullivan

Learning Objectives:

  1. Discuss "socially sustainable design" and how it is defined.
  2. List techniques and technologies for green building and adaptive, universal and/or accessible design.
  3. Provide examples of specific products or materials that enhance the sustainability and accessibility of building designs.
  4. Describe building standards, codes and principles that may contribute to socially sustainable design, including a pilot LEED credit.

Credits:

HSW
1 AIA LU/HSW
GBCI
1 GBCI CE Hour

An unexpected symposium at the 2010 Build Boston conference addressed a topic that few of the event’s attendees had learned much about before: socially sustainable design. The term, and the symposium raised some eyebrows at the time — “What’s social sustainability?” many asked.

Yet, the series of workshops and events led by Valerie Fletcher, executive director of Boston’s Institute for Human Centered Design (IHCD), proved a watershed moment, introducing a sweeping and valuable mindset to a growing audience — and a growing body of renovation work. Topics covered included enhanced pedestrian design, facilities that accommodate children with autism and dual-sensory impairments, and ways to make the city’s Quincy Market area more accessible to people with disabilities. Clearly, inclusive design is at the heart of social sustainability — and it is driving more of today’s renovation and new construction projects.

“The biggest takeaway from the workshops was that many architects still treat these criteria as limitations rather than opportunities,” wrote Flavia Gnecco, a user-experience designer at Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Mass., who attended the symposium. By using a collaborative approach with clients or potential end-users, she says, “designers can avoid jumping into sketching from assumptions and concentrate on finding innovative solutions that gracefully satisfy multiple needs at one time.”

Architects should use inclusive design principles — also known as adaptive, universal and accessible design — says IHCD’s Fletcher, not merely out of selflessness but also out of a market-based rationale. “Human diversity of age and ability has never been greater and is expected to increase steadily over the next 40 years,” she says. Today about 35 million U.S. citizens are over the age of 65, and about 78 million baby boomers will increase the number. An astounding 54.5 million have a disability, according to statistics compiled by the IHCD.

Sustainable window products are a valuable part of the design of facilities such as Mitchell Hall at the University of New Mexico.

Photo courtesy of Pella Commercial

 

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Originally published in Architectural Record
Originally published in April 2012

Notice

Academies
Renovating for a Greener, More Accessible Future
Buyer's Guide
RAPID DRYING CONCRETE
Aridus® is a proprietary concrete mix that helps prevent moisture problems by drying faster than conventional concrete mixes, allowing flooring materials to be installed on concrete in 30 days or less. The result is a faster and more effective floor covering installation that helps keep critical projects on schedule and significantly reduces the risk of liabilities for owners, designers and builders.
U.S. Concrete, Inc.
www.us-concrete.com/aridus
SELF-GENERATING HYDROPOWER TECHNOLOGY
Engineered to require no electricity or routine battery replacement, EcoPower technology is the perfect combination of hands-free operation, low maintenance, easy installation and ecology. EcoPower products save energy and provide maximum performance in even the most demanding high-traffic commercial spaces.
OPERABLE GLASS WALL SYSTEMS
NanaWall operable glass wall systems optimize limited floor space in schools, increase classroom flexibility, and create a more enjoyable teaching environment for educators. Teaching staff can use the operable glass walls to either combine classroom activities or to separate students for specific activities.
NanaWall Systems
www.Nanawall.com
DIGITAL GEOTHERMAL SYSTEM
The Tranquility®22 Digital series is a unique, industry-changing product that incorporates high-end features like a two-stage compressor, EnergyStar tier 3 efficiency, variable-speed fan, communicating digital controls and true "plug-and-play" functionality at a very competitive price point. It also has one of the industry's smallest footprints, making it suitable for installation in tight places.
ClimateMaster, Inc.
www.climatemaster.com
SINGLE STATION LAVATORY SYSTEM
Bradley Corp. introduces its elegantly refined Verge Lavatory System in a new design made expressly for individual users. Verge is characterized by its graceful curves, soft radius edges and sleek design. Made with Bradley's Evero® Natural Quartz Material, composed of a bio-based resin, Verge is durable and eco-friendly.
Bradley Corporation
www.bradleycorp.com
UNITIZED CURTAIN WALL
The 8750XD Unitized Curtain Wall is the newest member of EFCO's XTherm® family of products. Thanks to their strut design, with patented Duracast® fiberglass composite, they can offer a best-in-class U-factor. With their optional 875X Wall Vent, EFCO is sure to meet your design needs.
EFCO, A Pella Company
www.efcocorp.com