Design for institutions – functionality, aesthetics and longevity
Public buildings should be designed well to serve the public and as a sound investment to last for generations.
The public buildings in every community reflect its cultural, economic and political life.
The ease of access, comfort of use, and aesthetic appearance of public buildings add to enjoyment and pride of living in one’s community.
Large, visible entrance as an important feature of public building architecture creates a welcome to those it serves.
D E S I G N – functionality, aesthetics and civic purpose
Designing a public building for a purpose to serve and enhance community life of several generations.
Schools, Colleges, and Universities
– the design of efficiency and comfort in an educational environment improves the performance for students and educators
– the continual expansion of information technology in learning classrooms and laboratories requires flexibility to be designed into a building
– classroom lighting through natural light will reduce artificial lighting, operating costs, and create an ambience of aesthetic quality and comfort
– a well-insulated building and the use of high performance doors and windows result in greater air quality, cost savings, and energy conservation
Libraries
– efficient library design will address both the immediate and future needs of those it serves and the technologies used
– library design process begins with the preparation of a written architectural facility program addressing current and future needs for variety of functions and spaces
– lighting design and acoustics are a major contributor to effectiveness of a library environment
– climate control including ventilation, humidity and temperature are essential for equipment and library materials
Galleries and Museums
– special measures for protection can include systems of environmental control, fire, water, or man-made threat
– various ancillary spaces may include visitor space, office space, object preparation space, display construction, archival space, and employee support space
– lighting design, power distribution, and the mounting of temporary walls requires flexibility in exhibition space to accomodate exhibit expansion, contraction or relocation
– the design of gallery or museum buildings requires many features including well designed patron navigation to serve undistracted viewing of the exhibit
Public Office Buildings
– public office architecture creates spaces that provide for future changes in user needs and technology
– architectural design features will allow simple, economical renovation and alteration
– raised floors allow easy routing and access to cabling and power distribution and add ease to office workstation modification and relocation
Entertainment
– the aesthetics of the design of performance space serve the greater patron experience of both performance and vanue
– the seating provided should be comfortable and have good sightlines
– good acoustical and theatrical design are essential for performance delivery
– safety is paramount and includes provisions for minimizing flammability, fire isolation, and emergency exiting routes
– the performance platform will optimize the experience of the art for the audience
“Effective problem solver…”
“I have known and worked with Vern for many years beginning in 2002. In all of the projects which we worked on together, Vern has provided functional and pleasing design tailored to fit project budgets. In addition, he has proved an effective problem solver and mediator when unforeseen construction problems arose. I wholeheartedly recommend Vern for both commercial and private construction projects.
John George, Business Manager, Boulder Montessori School