High Performing Buildings - Summer 2009 - (Page 46)

The courtyard provides daylighting to interior offices and gives employees a secure area for enjoying the outdoors. Seventy-nine percent of work spaces have access to views of the courtyard or exterior landscape. Transportation The architect worked with the city of Omaha to add two bus stops near the building. To encourage a physical and healthy lifestyle, the building includes bicycle racks and a fitness center with lockers and showers. Accommodations also were made to encourage the use of green vehicles. Covered parking stalls are equipped with electric vehicle recharging stations. Parking stalls for carpooling and bus pooling are also available. Concrete, which reflects heat, is used in these areas in lieu of asphalt, which absorbs it. The courtyard includes native vegetation, which helps reduce irrigation needs. Green Space The site’s green space, which is larger than the building’s footprint, promotes a healthy lifestyle and reduces the heat island effect produced by many large developments. The building’s interior courtyard, which includes native vegetation, meets service and security goals. Summer 2009 While the electric recharging stations for green vehicles have not been used yet, building managers expect that demand will increase in the future. 46 HIGH Designers wrapped the building around a central courtyard, giving employees and guests a private, secure area for enjoying the outdoors during breaks. It provides wind protection as well as access to light and controlled views for large areas of the building. PERFORMING BUILDINGS

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of High Performing Buildings - Summer 2009

High Performing Buildings - Summer 2009
Contents
Commentary
Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation
Designing Efficient Lighting
CSOB Headquarters, Prague
U.S. Homeland Security, Omaha
Stellar Commercial Building
Advertisers Index

High Performing Buildings - Summer 2009