ASU Biodesign Institute Earns Arizona’s First USGBC Platinum
The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University, Tempe, has garnered Platinum certification, the highest designation for environmentally friendly design and construction from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Building B, which opened last year, is the first building in Arizona to have earned the Platinum distinction; Building A, which opened in 2004, received a Gold-level certification. The two buildings, which were constructed separately, connect on all levels with glass walkways.

Takoma Walk Project Proposal Recognized with Charter Award from the Congress for the New Urbanism
Intricate mixed-used proposal integrates historic design while addressing site challenges
Takoma Walk, a proposed mixed-use development in historic downtown Takoma Park, Md., calls for restoration of a historic building for 10,000 square feet of retail space, office space, plus a combined 70 walk-ups, penthouses, duplexes and flats, and mews units. The daunting challenges facing D.C.-based Cunningham + Quill Architects and developers ICG Properties and Keystar LLC included a dramatic grade change, unusually shaped site, changes in building use and scale, and blending with a historic community.

Library Given New Life as Senior Center
Adaptive reuse doubles space and divides functions
Anticipating the needs of its aging population, the city of Odenton, Md., retained the Arlington, Va.-based firm The Lukmire Partnership to transform its former library into the newest senior center in Anne Arundel County, Md.. The firm was an easy choice for the county, says Jim Cox, AIA, partner in charge. Not only does the firm have a standing contract with the Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works, but the firm’s Annapolis office also recently completed the county’s new West County Library. Dedicated as the Catherine L. O’Malley Senior Activity Center Annex, the 6,800-square-foot facility was designed to accommodate the needs of a growing senior population, offering health, recreational, and social opportunities.