After 19 years, things look very much the same at the UVA School of Architecture
This past week I returned to the UVA School of Architecture to give a lecture on sustainable design. Walking through the studios many things are the same as when I was an undergrad student. From the scraps of paper on the floor, parts and pieces of models. wood hutch storage cabinets on the desks to Frank on the wall, things appeared to be very much the same.
W.G. Clark had a nice display of his years of work in what used to be a jury room. The bass wood models and prototype studies brought back memories.
Some things have been upgraded since I graduated. The naug lounge has bright colors and new seating.
Instead of drafting boards there are computers and 3D printers.
There was one change that was very disappointing. The model of Jefferson’s University built in 1926 used to have a prominent display area in the naug. Now it has been discarded to a corner under the stair with recycling bins and ladder storage. This model should have a premier location to celebrate the history of the University and model building.
Returning to School of Architecture each year to present on green building is a joy for me. I love seeing what the students are working on and challenging a new generation to think about design through a sustainable lens. As time passes the landscape around the architectural building, Campbell Hall, has changed dramatically, but the heart of the Architectural School, the studio, remains a vibrant place of discovery, debate, and investigation.
Can you see the night sky? Full Cut-Off lighting might provide us all with a new view.
No matter where you live in the United States, you probably have not seen a sky without some glow from natural lights. Even in our National Forests here on the east coast we are seeing sky glow from surrounding city lights. This has changed our circadian circuitry, impacted our hormone levels, and could potentially be making us more susceptible to cancer, diabetes, and obesity.
James Madison University Class
I was recently invited to speak to a class of students at James Madison University about how architects use site lighting in their designs. The idea of presenting in a class investigating “dark skies” led by Shanil Virani and Paul Bogard was intimidating to say the least. These two leaders in the country on the topic of dark skies are walking these students through a process of discovery – how can we provide safe, efficient, healthy, lighting while preserving our night sky? I am looking forward to the conclusions they develop.
There are many reasons to use artificial lighting at night.
Accessibility
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Landscape and Architectural accents
Safety
The biggest reason that I have heard that we need more light at night is for safety. However, simply providing more light does not make you safer. You can see in this picture that has a wall pack for lighting, plenty of lighting, that more lighting is not the answer. You cannot see if there is someone standing under the light fixture or not. The light is blinding your approach to the building.
Old world fixtures influence modern aesthetics
Many of our modern-day fixtures are designed to look like fixtures that used to be lit by candle. These fixtures, where you see the bulb, allow light to go in all directions instead of just the direction you need the light for safety and accessibility. The idea of directional lighting, light that is directed in a particular direction, is called full cut-off lighting. These lights protect the night sky. More than that, they make accessibility easier by lighting the pathway and increase safety by directing light down out of your eyes. We can design better exterior lighting solutions. The technology available has evolved over the last 15 years and now many choices for aesthetically pleasing fixtures are available in the full cut-off option. The challenge is replacing all the many existing fixtures that don’t meet the standard for full cut-off lighting and of course changing habits of designers that are used to selecting options that are harmful to our night skies and our safety.
So a friend from Staunton called me to ask for a favor. He has a water leak in his roof and after several attempts to plug the leak, there was still a water leak. Using our thermal imaging camera, we are fairly certain we identified the cause of the problem. If we get a good rain I will return to the building to verify the source.
As a reward for my visit, I had the opportunity to visit Emmanual Episcopal Church in Staunton. This structure that was built in the late 1890’s is stunning.
Don’t ignore issues like these. Read this post to find out why deferred maintenance can destroy your building, and call us any time to check out your problems.
I am really looking forward to being in our new office. There are many subcontractors in the building right now including plumbing, electric, HVAC, and framers. The roof repair on the warehouse has started which is a major change. The electricians have cut, sliced, and inserted wiring in all the upstairs walls and work downstairs will start soon. Our first window was installed to determine compliance with tax credit standards as well as trim requirements. There is still much work to be done.
An End of an Era, but a New Beginning at Innisfree Village
Construction is wrapping up at the newest group home, The Meadow II, at Innisfree Village, a voluntary community for adults with intellectual disabilities. This will mark our last project with Executive Director Carolyn Ohle who retired the summer of 2015 after being with Innisfree since 1976. Carolyn has been a joy to work alongside in the completion of multiple projects at their beautiful, 550 acre site in Crozet, Virginia. The latest home, The Meadow II, replaces the very first home built at Innisfree and will house 8 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms for residents and caregivers. The design was driven by the special needs of the residents conveyed by Carolyn who, from experience, was able to show us which design features work and don’t work in previous homes. The home has a zero grade entry and the first floor is wheelchair accessible. The home design blends both private resident rooms and large community spaces such as a first floor dining room, living room, and screen porch, and a second floor loft. The project was put out to bid and awarded to Strauss Construction. Construction will be completed early 2016.
Construction photos credit Eli Strauss Strauss Construction
Model photo credit Carolyn Ohle, built by one of the residents
Lead Designer: Paul Tassell in the Charlottesville office
