July 7, 2006—The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and its Committee on the Environment (COTE) recently selected its top ten examples of sustainable architecture and green design solutions that protect and enhance the environment.
According to AIA, the 2006 COTE Top Ten Green Projects address environmental conservation and the notion of sustainable development with designs that integrate architecture, technology, and natural systems. They make a positive contribution to their community, improve comfort for building occupants, and reduce environmental impacts through strategies such as reuse of existing structures, connection to transit systems, low-impact site development, energy and water conservation, use of sustainable or renewable construction materials, and design that improves indoor air quality.
The jury selected projects that cover a broad spectrum of project and building types; recipients include civic, office, residential, academic, and institutional. The 2006 Top Ten Green Projects (listed in alphabetical order) are:
- Ballard Library and Neighborhood Service Center in Seattle, WA—Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, Seattle, WA;
- Benjamin Franklin Elementary School in Kirkland, WA—Mahlum Architects, Seattle, WA;
- Corporate Headquarters for Alberici in Overland, MO—Mackey Mitchell Associates, St. Louis, MO;
- Philadelphia Forensic Science Center in Philadelphia, PA—Croxton Collaborative Architects, New York City & Cecil Baker Associates, Philadelphia, PA;
- Regional Animal Campus in Las Vegas, NV—Tate Snyder Kimsey Architects, Henderson, NV;
- Renovation of the Motherhouse in Monroe, MI—Susan Maxman & Partners, Philadelphia, PA;
- School of Nursing & Student Community Center in Houston, TX—BNIM Architects, Kansas City, MO, & Lake/Flato Architects, San Antonio, TX;
- Solar Umbrella House in Venice, CA—Pugh + Scarpa, Santa Monica, CA;
- Westcave Preserve Environmental Learning Center in Travis County, TX—Jackson & McElhaney Architects, Austin, TX; and
- World Birding Center, Mission, TX—Lake/Flato Architects, San Antonio, TX.
For more information on this year’s winners, visit AIA.
