Van H. Gilbert Architect PC, the Albuquerque-based design firm recognized for its leadership in sustainable design, announced the Science and Math Learning Center on the University of New Mexico Campus achieved Gold certification from the US Green Building Council. The LEED for Schools rating system is unique among other LEED programs as it addresses core learning areas and requires higher performance standards for air quality, acoustics, daylighting, and thermal comfort.
Under the LEED for Schools rating system, VHGA and design partner Shepley Bulfinch implemented a wide range of sustainable design strategies and techniques that focus on enhancing the learning environment.
The Science and Math Learning Center anticipates a 24% reduction in energy use as compared to a similar building, at an annual savings of $65,000. The building’s exterior detailing responds to the strong New Mexico sun with deeply set windows on the south and north facades and sophisticated sun screening on the south. Sustainable features include the use of daylight to flood all classrooms; artificial light sensors; light shelves that bring light deep into building spaces; controlled light entering the science labs; and natural daylight to all offices on the north side of the building. The construction methods of general contractor McCarthy NM were important contributions to achieving gold certification. BD+C
Related Stories
Sponsored | Glass and Glazing | Oct 1, 2021
Specifying Responsibly to Save Birds’ Lives
Realizing sustainable, bird-friendly glass design
Sponsored | Glass and Glazing | Oct 1, 2021
Seizing the Daylight with BIPV Glass
Glass has always been an idea generator. Now, it’s also a clean energy generator.
Architects | Sep 30, 2021
Riding the great AEC resignation wave
More people than ever are reconsidering what work and career mean. What can AEC firms do to recruit and retain workers in this changing workplace environment? Karl Feldman, Partner with Hinge Marketing, discusses ideas and strategies with BD+C's John Caulfield in this exclusive interview for HorizonTV.
Glass and Glazing | Sep 30, 2021
Plans move forward on Central Place Sydney, duel towers with an AI-driven façade system
SOM and Fender Katsalidis are designing the project.
Architects | Sep 28, 2021
Hoffmann Architects Welcomes Travis Heim as Senior Staff Architect
Hoffmann Architects, an architecture and engineering firm specializing in the rehabilitation of building exteriors, announces that Travis Heim has joined the New York office as Senior Staff Architect.
AEC Business Innovation | Sep 28, 2021
Getting diversity, equity, and inclusion going in AEC firms
As a professional services organization built on attracting the best and brightest talent, VIATechnik relies on finding new ways to do just that. Here are some tips that we’ve learned through our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) journey.
Multifamily Housing | Sep 22, 2021
Designing for the ‘missing middle’ in multifamily housing
Multifamily housing expert Patrick Winters, AIA, discusses a neglected segment of the market: the "missing middle."
Multifamily Housing | Sep 22, 2021
11 notable multifamily projects to debut in 2021
A residence for older LGBTQ+ persons, a P3 student housing building, and a converted masonic lodge highlight the multifamily developments to debut this year.
Data Centers | Sep 22, 2021
Wasted energy from data centers could power nearby buildings
A Canadian architecture firm comes up with a concept for a community that’s part of a direct-current microgrid.
Hotel Facilities | Sep 22, 2021
Will hotel developers finally embrace modular construction?
Last May, MiTek, a construction software and building services company that’s part of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway conglomerate, formed a partnership with Danny Forster & Architecture to promote modular design and construction.