| |
Walter and Leonore Annenberg Center for Information Science and TechnologyAugust 10, 2009 Caltech Facilities Design and Construction is marking another milestone with the completion of the Walter and Leonore Annenberg Center for Information Science and Technology (IST). The green color of the exterior glass has already led to its nickname as "the green building." Through the generous donation of the Annenberg Foundation, this project has come to fruition. The architect, Frederick Fisher and Partners has taken an innovative approach in their design to help achieve LEED Gold certification. Here are some of the highlights:
- quantity and quality control for storm water
- 30 precent reduction in water use
- 24.5 to 28 percent reduction in energy use
- minimum 20 percent use of materials with recycled content and local or regional materials
- lighting control panel
- individual HVAC controls and operable windows
- minimum 75 percent of spaces with daylight access
Hathaway Dinwiddie, the general contractor who earlier worked on Caltech's Cahill Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics, has collaborated with the Annenberg Center architect from the design phase to ensure all the details were put in place. They delivered another quality piece of work. Faculty members will be housed on the second and third floors of the Annenberg Center. The offices are designed to take advantage of the beautiful view of the mountains to the north with floor-to-ceiling windows. Each of the rooms in the building has sensors that save on use of energy for lighting, heating, and air conditioning. The use of bamboo throughout the building adds a pleasing touch, especially to the auditorium and the conference room. Here is a more detailed breakdown of spaces within the building:
- 20 faculty offices
- 16 student areas
- 14 post doc offices
- 33 grad student offices
- 14 administrative offices
- two lounge areas
- three kitchens
- five classrooms
- one auditorium
- one computer lab
- one conference room (Bechtel)
The second-floor atrium is a must-see. The unique bamboo screens, staircase, and the skylight give it an open feeling conducive to the stated purpose of casual, collegial collaboration. Brad Smith, senior project manager, denotes each of his projects by displaying the Caltech Beaver somewhere in the building. Make sure to look for it. Colorful, contemporary style of furniture creates a playful environment in lounge and student spaces. The lounge area has a spiral staircase connecting the two levels creating a very spacious, open, and inviting area with lots of natural light. Overall, the building has creativity in design, functionality, sustainable features, innnovative landscape design, and plenty of collaborative spaces that the IST department will be sure to enjoy and appreciate for many years to come. For more information, go to www.dandc.caltech.edu. |
|
