Architecture Commons^™

In Transit - Transition Movement Inspires Dramatic Carbon Cuts In House Refurb, Joseph Little

Articles

Drawing on the ‘Energy Descent Action Plan’ he developed at Kinsale, Rob Hopkins and his team launched Transition Town Totnes (in the UK) one and a half years ago. 64 recognised transition communities and 600 other groups (and counting) are now in communication with Rob’s team to launch their versions of this initiative in their communities worldwide.¹ The Transition Ireland Network is coordinated by Davie Philip of Cultivate and several transition initiatives are underway here.

Frame It - Thoughts On Education, Reducing Carbon And Vapour, Joseph Little, Robbie Cousins

Articles

Joseph Little believes timber frame can be the backbone of a new generation of low-carbon, energy-efficient housing, and be used as an intelligent response to Climate Change and fuel prices. But he tells Robbie Cousins that timber frame manufacturers, suppliers and architects need to gear-up and work more closely together if the true potential of this vision is to be realised.

Joseph Little’s chief bugbear is poor construction standards & details on site and the core of this issue is how the knowledge set of architects and builders and how standards are controlled. The seeds of this idea may have …

The Design Process Of A Residential Project, Christine Gale

Landscape Architecture & Regional Planning Masters Projects

This master's project is a residential design project that focuses on the design process and the design of the residence itself. The residence that was used for this project was a thirty five acre site located in Rydal, Pennsylvania. The design process started with research that looked at the country place era and three case studies that were quintessential examples of axial residential designs from different eras. This research was meant to serve as inspiration for my design. The second phase of the project focuses on a site analysis which was also crucial in helping to make design decisions.

The …

Redeveloping Amherst Town Center: Sustainable Zoning And Design With Form-Based Codes, Nathaniel J. Malloy

Landscape Architecture & Regional Planning Masters Projects

Today with 3-dimensional computer modeling and sophisticated mapping technology, a community can envision their future more realistically than in recent history. This software and technology can help communities plan to use energy-efficient construction, preserve open space, reduce dependence on the automobile, and increase the diversity, density and affordability of housing opportunities; these tools can help communities plan and develop sustainably. Many communities, however, continue to rely on conventional zoning and traditional land use techniques that cannot take advantage of these new resources - will sprawl ever end? Form-based codes have evolved in response to criticisms of conventional, Euclidean zoning and …

Spotlight On Construction: Planning, Communication Are Key In Building New Libraries, Kathryn S. Ames, Greg Heid

Georgia Library Quarterly

The article presents an outline for beginning the process of building new library for the community based on planning principles that will lead to a well-documented and articulated plan for the future. The development of a comprehensive strategic plan of library service is the first step a library system should take. The Public Library Association (PLA) "New Planning for Results," which has been used successfully by many libraries in the U.S. is one example of a successful planning model. The final step in the process is writing a building program.

Spotlight On Construction: Georgia Gwinnett College Prepares To Build Academic Library, Joy Garmon, Gene Ruffin

Georgia Library Quarterly

The article reports on the construction of Georgia Gwinnett College's (GGC) academic library. The current library space is housed on two open floors within the Signature Building. A new, stand-alone building will be needed to meet all of the needs of the new college. GGC established the Library Planning Group in 2006. The new library will incorporate concepts and services that have been successful in other facilities. The goal of the project is that the library will become a learning center for the entire college community.

Spotlight On Construction: Forsyth County Public Library Unveils Expansion, Renovation

Georgia Library Quarterly

The article unveils the expansion and renovation of Forsyth County Public Library in Georgia. A 15,000-square-foot Administrative Office facility was added to the Cumming Library building which provide space for headquarters staff. The new design scheme features mahogany furnishings, traditionally styled, such as end panels and the circulation desk. The children's area doubled in size and large murals were painted on two walls. The biggest challenge of the renovation was moving the collection and shelving to lay new carpet.