Commercial Architecture March 2016 - (Page 6)

DEPARTMENT The Architects The Virginia Beach (VA) Library celebrates civic partnership with a 400-ft.-long circulation spine in a 125,000-sq.-ft., two-story solution offering 360-deg. approachability. Design For Authenticity How can commercial architecture become more authentic? The best way is to create building solutions that are true to their places, people, and legacies. Gordon Carrier, FAIA, NCARB A new wave in architectural design combines honor the community's heritage, we preserved the area's leries and trendy restaurants as for innovative workplaces. strategic, sustainable design ideas with gardens and green views, even using the hedgerow grids Simple and sleek, the new glass-wrapped 16-story full-service architecture, interiors, branding, to organize the landscape. marketing, and graphics. We call it dimensional brand- headquarters tower is a "showcase" of sustainability and innovation that reflects the "extraordinary compa- ing, a way to integrate brand identity on every level. UNIVERSITY ELEVATES SCIENCE, FAITH ny" within, said Steve Black, president of Cisterra, the This design approach helps organizations capitalize on The leaders of a smaller university in San Diego with ro- building's developer. "We've worked with them a long their essentials: who they are, and what makes them bust STEM programs asked us to create a major new sci- time to build a project specifically for their needs." Next successful. ence center. This type of building is a rather common, door is the 1930s Fire Station No. 4, preserving early The method demands a hard look at the past, pres- large investment for most colleges. But it's different San Diego history. The HQ location also injects more ent, and future. The histories of client and location are here. Point Loma Nazarene Univ. is not only Christian, vitality into this blossoming area on weekdays, a valu- essential, but so is the future vision. The present-the it's an evangelical institution. able contribution. client's culture and trajectory-matters too. Taken to- Yet, going back to its 1800s roots in Los Angeles as These project stories illuminate three essential as- gether, these reveal the truest and fullest brand story. Pacific Bible College, PLNU is a notably progressive pects of authenticity in architecture. First, the best The design team translates the findings into built space, organization committed to liberal arts education and designs honor their heritage, telling the world why the in partnership with the client, telling the story with scientific discovery. Even on matters such as evolution, building does what it does. Second, they commit to liv- experiential architecture and interiors, environmental the school seeks truth through faith and science, throw- ing in the present-if the mission says support the com- graphics, spatial relationships, signage, and wayfinding. ing an uppercut into tedious religious stereotypes. So munity, for example, every aspect must be supportive. The result is a genuine and consistent message-a to- does PLNU's new academic and laboratory building: Third, the building, interiors, and graphics must shape tally unique experience true to culture and heritage-as 13 new labs wrapped in glass and smooth concrete are the future, reinforcing brand values going forward. the following case studies illustrate. equipped for biology and chemistry classes. A curved environmental screen of perforated metal panels shields The result is lasting, purposeful, and authentic architecture. CA A VIRGINIA BEACH LIBRARY FOR ALL students and classrooms from the southern sun. Light Gordon Carrier, FAIA, NCARB, is founding design prin- "It takes a whole village," goes the African proverb, and streams through the laser-cut Greek letters alpha and cipal at Carrier Johnson + CULTURE, San Diego, a leading this modern library embodies one community's desire omega, which carry religious and scientific meaning. global architecture, design, and strategic-branding practice to collaborate for a better future by creating a village-like Our design principal, Ray Varela, likens the dappled known for innovative building, living, and communications place for reading and research. Tidewater Community effect to the interiors of a cathedral. solutions, reflecting the unique three-dimensional brand op- College and the city of Virginia Beach, VA, envisaged portunities for each situation (carrierjohnson.com). a future of shared resources built on former farmlands LOYAL BUSINESS SUPPORTS ITS CITY marked by hedgerows and irrigation ditches. Here, col- Debra L. Reed, CEO of energy company Sempra, wrote, lege students and city residents would share knowledge "We are pleased to remain headquartered in downtown and learn together, in an efficient, collective way. San Diego ... the vibrant economic center of one of the The building celebrates the notion of civic partner- world's few developing megaregions," and "the perfect ship and engagement with a 400-ft.-long "Main Street" home base from which to manage and grow our global Interview With Gordon Carrier circulation spine in a 125,000-sq.-ft., two-story solution business." Learn more about making commercial architecture offering 360-deg. approachability (no back door) and This commitment to its legacy and location is sym- a welcoming face to the entire coastal community. Its bolized in its new headquarters in San Diego's downtown shapes come from nature, which connects all users. To East Village, a ballpark district known as much for art gal- 6 COMMERCI A L A RCHI T EC T URE MARCH 2016 commercialarchitecturemagazine.com authentic in our interview with Gordon Carrier at commercialarchitecturemagazine.com/architects. http://www.carrierjohnson.com http://www.commercialarchitecturemagazine.com/architects http://www.commercialarchitecturemagazine.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Commercial Architecture March 2016

Table of Contents
Editor's Notebook
The Architects: Design For Authenticity
Thriving On Change
Ken's View
Facial Recognition Enhances Museum Experience
Building Technology Products
LEDS Brighten Facility From Front To Back
Lighting & Electrical Products
ACM Panels, Prismatic Finish Focus Community's Attention
Pine Workshop Boosts Fence Building
Exteriors Products
Water Gets A Boost
HVAC & Plumbing Products
Polished Concrete Provides Solid Footing
Feature Wall Welcomes Travelers
Interiors Products
Franklin's Kite Reimagined As Glazed Facade
Renovation Recaptures Original Design
Windows & Doors Products
Showcase
Index

Commercial Architecture March 2016