by ArchitectureWeek
Each project in the 2008 "Top Ten Green Projects" awards by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Committee on the Environment (COTE) was evaluated on ten measures, documented extensively on the COTE Web site. These include design innovation, community context and land use, longevity, bioclimatic design, water and energy conservation, materials, and indoor environment.
The ten winners � plus one honorable mention � approach sustainable design through an exemplary integration of architecture, technology, and natural systems.
One of this year's winning projects, the Aldo Leopold Legacy Center, a LEED Platinum-certified visitor center and nonprofit offices in Baraboo, Wisconsin, designed by The Kubala Washatko Architects, Inc, was featured in depth ArchitectureWeek No. 352. This beautiful project, aided by the deeply forethoughtful stewardship of Leopold himself, has apparently the highest number of LEED certification points of any new building to date, at least as of late 2007.
Temporary, with Longevity
The Discovery Center at South Lake Union in Seattle, Washington, demonstrates how a temporary building can be intrinsically sustainable. Many of center's sustainable strategies typify the Top Ten Green Projects: extensive daylighting, thermally efficient building envelope, stormwater management through rain gardens and permeable pavers, and use of recycled materials.
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