High Performing Buildings - Summer 2009 - (Page 8)

Reclaimed cypress milled into 1 in. slats covers the walls and ceiling of the first-floor chapel. that influenced the project design. Situated in a mature, residential area of Evanston across from a city park and adjacent to the tracks of a commuter train, the design balances the limitations of a small site with an ambitious program. The Evanston zoning ordinance limited the building to far less than the original plans for 42,000 ft2. Specifically, the ordinance restricted the lot coverage and building height. The lot coverage requirements were instrumental in the final organization of the building. The Congregation requested that all of the major components — the worship space, early childhood program and administrative space of the synagogue — be located on the ground floor. However, it was physically impossible to place all of these functions at grade, or even on the first two floors. A detailed analysis mapped space use hour by hour, day by day over a typical week to identify opportunities for flexibility and efficiencies, leading to a 25% reduction in space. The design solution layered the building with the most frequently 8 HIGH PERFORMING BUILDINGS Summer 2009 The bimah, or raised platform, located on the east wall of the sanctuary is made of black walnut milled from storm-felled trees from local park districts. Photo © Steve Hall, Hedrich Blessing Photo © Steve Hall, Hedrich Blessing

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