Pub. 2 2019 Directory

29 The program consists of administrative functions, including private and open space offices, along with a conference room. As a headquarters building, a large conference room was needed to accommodate group meetings with 15-20 directors from around the world. • Provide an iconic facility that is engaging and attractive to reflect USAC’s mission to expand horizons, inspire, and accomplish more than imagined; it’s purpose is beyond traditional education with a focus on distinguishing yourself. • Connect inside and outside and create a welcome entrance that makes people feel safe. • Address both streets to the east and to the west. The owner’s request to include an entrance on both streets inspired the building parti. Rather than giving all of the site area to interior square footage to maximize the footprint, the design responds to the owner’s request by incorporating an entry courtyard along the south face, which activates the pedestrian flow from both streets. This outdoor space provides multiple design strategies to emphasize distinguished spaces and details. A shade trellis provides a respectful boundary to the adjacent property while creating diffused heat gain, natural light and an iconic entry design element. This outdoor room for the USAC’s periodic gatherings includes a “donor recognition” wall along the retaining wall at the south property line and resolves the change in elevation from Terrace Drive and N. Virginia Street. Bold forms, transparency and strong colors and materials helps to meet the Owner’s brief and distinguishes the building from its neighbors while contributing to the modern architecture arising in neighboring sites. Generous amounts of natural light flood deep into the spaces, which creates a low electrical demand, a positive environment, and a lantern to the street at night for a safe pedestrian space around the building. Given the relatively small square footage on each level, the interior space consists of few deliberate design moves. The necessary concrete sheer wall in the center of the lower level defines the collaborative workroom. A carefully detailed open stair marks the edge of the wall facing the court to activate the seam between inside and out and addresses the client’s wish to eliminate the “fish bowl” effect for the open office space. The second floor includes the large open office space and accommodates the large conference room with an associated view deck that gently cantilevers the sidewalk and courtyard. b