Contract - April 2009 - (Page 20)

industry Crystal Ball Dubai—Here’s a little glimpse into the future, courtesy of Vincent Callebaut Architecture in Paris. Since the city of Dubai has pushed the envelope already in so many areas of design and construction, some are trying to take it one step further. Because of the ever-alarming issue of rising sea levels, many are now considering what once might have been dubbed impossible—building on water. Callebaut’s theory is the “Lilypad” concept, which would create self-sufficient floating cities in Dubai, Untied Arab Emirates. They would generate power from the sun, wind, and water and produce zero emissions. These “ecopolis,” as he calls them, can accommodate 50,000 inhabitants, centered around an artificial lagoon that collects and purifies rain water. The entire project is based on three marinas and three mountains, all covered by a stratum of suspended gardens that are crossed by a network of streets and alleyways. The goal is to create a harmonious relationship between humanity and nature. The structure itself was inspired by a blown out version of the highly ribbed water lilypad leaf of the Amazon, which produces more energy than it consumes. Expected completion date? Callebaut predicts close to 2100. Rendering courtesy of Vincent Callebaut Architecture Seeking Solutions Trenton, N.J.—RMJM Hillier has unveiled the design for the Vista Center, a new LEED Platinum office tower in Trenton, N.J., that will bring new jobs, revenue, and the city’s largest commercial development in decades. The Vista Center is a 25story, 700,000-sq-ft. project that is planned directly adjacent to the Trenton Transit Center— which is in the final phase of a $75 million renovation program. tivity thanks to floor plans and high ceilings that bring daylight deep into the building and a highperformance air distribution system that will optimize indoor environmental quality. Other sustainable features include roof-mounted solar panels, storm water collection, the use of local materials, and high-performance facades with low-energy glazing that reduces heating and cooling expenses. But besides these green incentives, the building offers financial incentives, as well. It is the first office building in Trenton to qualify for the state’s new Urban Transit Hub Tax Credit, allowing tenants to take a credit against their New Jersey Corporate Income Tax equal to the entire project capital costs in equal investments over 10 years. The credit can potentially subsidize the full amount of a tenant’s rent. For more industry news, visit www.contractmagazine.com. “The design aims to create a memorable gateway to the city that will attract people and businesses because they want to work in a building that is beautiful, healthy, and energy efficient, and you don’t need a car to get there,” says Sergio Coscia, project architect with RMJM. “The City of Trenton and the developer are setting a wonderful example for the rest of the state and the region on the importance of investing in transit-oriented development and sustainable design.” According to Coscia, the building layout will also increase employee produc20 contract april 2009 www.contractmagazine.com http://www.contractmagazine.com http://www.contractmagazine.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Contract - April 2009

Contract - April 2009
Contents
Editorial
Industry
Resources
All Purpose
Pure Platinum
View From Above
Pioneering Spirit
Lead By Design
A Rank Above
Designers Rate: Green Products
A Three-Pronged Approach
Ad Index
Perspectives

Contract - April 2009