May 2, 2008—The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and its Committee on the Environment (COTE) have selected the top ten examples of sustainable architecture and green design solutions that protect and enhance the environment, says AIA.
The project descriptions highlight both the design innovations and sustainable strategies, along with the metrics achieved in terms of reduced carbon emissions, reduced energy consumption and improved building functionality.
The 2008 COTE Top Ten Green Projects program celebrates projects that are the result of a thoroughly integrated approach to architecture, natural systems and technology. They make a positive contribution to their communities, improve comfort for building occupants and reduce environmental impacts through strategies such as reuse of existing structures, connection to transit systems, low-impact and regenerative site development, energy and water conservation, use of sustainable or renewable construction materials, and design that improves indoor air quality.
The projects, in alphabetical order, are:
- The Aldo Leopold Legacy Center, Kubala Washatko Architects, Cedarburg, WI
- Cesar Chavez Library, Line and Space, LLC, Tucson, AZ
- Discovery Center at South Lake Union, The Miller/Hull Partnership, Seattle, WA
- Pocono Environmental Education Center, Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, Wilkes-Barre, PA
- Garthwaite Center for Science and Art, Cambridge School of Weston Architerra, Inc., Boston, MA
- Lavin-Bernick Center for University Life, VJAA, Minneapolis, MN; Macallen Building Condominiums
- Office, dA Inc. and Burt Hill Inc., Boston, MA
- Queens Botanical Garden Visitor & Administration Center, BKSK Architects, New York, NY
- The Nueva School, Hillside Learning Complex, Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects, San Francisco, CA
- Yale University Sculpture Building and Gallery, KieranTimberlake Associates LLP, Philadelphia, PA
For more information, see the AIA Web site.
