Located on the Missouri State University Campus in Springfield, the Greenwood Lab School Science Scholars' Addition opened for classes on January 17.

Greenwood students have a history of excellence in science and many go on to have careers in science-related fields. A new science wing has been a long-term dream for the school. The project was made possible by a family with three generations of Greenwood graduates who offered matching funds specifically for this project.

This addition is not just about adding more space, it's also about adding innovative, state-of-the-art labs and learning facilities for teaching students about physics, earth sciences, chemistry, and biology. The building is designed to be a teaching tool for high school and university students that features over-sized, flexible space for a range of curricula and pedagogy. All classroom elements (desks, lab stations, and computers) are mobile for greater flexibility and adaptability. As our MEP engineer on the project, Ross & Baruzzini designed utility service pipes that are color coded so students know exactly how their classrooms are serviced. The classroom ventilation system was designed to meet university laboratory air quality levels. Designed to be a truly 21st century school, the addition is intended to foster creativity and curiosity in an informal, student-oriented environment.

Additional needs addressed by the project include:

•  Informal learning spaces consisting of three student gathering/lounge areas, one of which can accommodate an entire class
• Enhanced primary and middle school science facilities in the existing science classrooms, which were renovated and re-equipped
• A new "front" to the rear of the building along an emerging primary vehicular route on campus
• Recognition of financial contributions by individuals and families with glass plaques that incorporate science iconography throughout the addition

Designed to and pursuing LEED Silver certification, the addition is oriented for passive solar heating and daylight harvesting which includes automatic and manual lighting settings. Further sustainable techniques utilized in the design include increased thermal performance and indoor air quality, an energy efficient mechanical system, and an efficient use of construction resources. 

In 1836 Springfield founder John Polk Campbell set aside the space now known as Park Central Square. He called it Public Square. The most recent rehabilitation marks the 1972 version as the longest-lived version of the historic center of Springfield.

In 1974 Park Central Square was closed to traffic, and "tuning forks" were implemented at the east and west ends of downtown. In addition to the changes in traffic, additional concrete retaining walls and green space were installed around the square. The gazebo was painted dark brown.

These improvements failed. In the late 1980s the square and its spoke streets were reopened. In 1999 the tuning forks were decommissioned and two-way traffic was returned to McDaniel and Olive Streets. Park Central Square received its first maintenance project, by removing all of the trees on the brick plaza, as well as the concrete seating blocks. New concrete bricks were installed in places. Shrubs were added, as well as one ramp connecting lower level fo the square to the area underneath the gazebo. The remaining latticework was removed from the gazebo, and the gazebo frame was painted dark green.

By 2008 Park Central Square was in poor condition. The fountain's 40-year-old piping leaked, and replacement parts for the pumps were no longer available. 1 in 3 brick pavers were damaged. The square had little direct access from the perimeter, and was isolated due to the additional concrete walls and overgrown shrubbery. Lighting was inadequate. View the before photos and see the conditions at the square.

What's more, the perimeter of the square was as inactive as its center. In the mid 2000's the City of Springfield received federal funds specifically for improvements to the square, and the focus was on activating the square by making changes to it.

As changes were contemplated, a small but tenacious group of advocates of landscape architect Lawrence Halprin and Associates' square design listed the square on the National Register of Historic Places. This assured that if federal funds were used, the State Historic Preservation Office could determine how. Park Central Square - the portion designed by Halprin and Associates - became a preservation project.

Preservation projects often incorporate minor changes to improve accessibility, and this is where the most significant changes were made. Ramps at four corners of the square provide improved access. Formerly elevated areas at the southwest and northwest corners, and south of the fountain, were lowered to align with new perimeter sidewalks to improve accessibility. These spaces can also be used as informal seating and dining areas.

New irrigation, sound, lighting, security camera and drainage systems were installed. 40 truckloads of well-draining subsoil were brought on site to replace hard, expansive clay. 72,000 new brick pavers were placed. And, although 31 trees were removed in this project, 65 were added back.

These changes may not be immediately obvious, and that's the point. Lawrence Halprin and Associates' Park Central Square has been rehabilitated to last another 40 years. It has been adaptively reused to improve its purpose as an active space for programmed and unprogrammed activities.

Number of years that "The Pie" occupied Springfield's Public Square: 38

Number of years (and counting) for Lawrence Halprin & Associates' Park Central Square: 40

Number of interim revisions to Halprin & Associates' Park Central Square from 1971 to 2010: 1

Number of pipes supplying heads and jets in the original fountain: 7

     Number that have been replaced due to water loss from leaks: 6

Number of legal ramps for wheelchairs prior to renovation: 0 

     After renovation: 4

Number of barriers in the sidewalk around the inner portion of Park Central Square prior to renovation: 8

     After renovation: 0

Cubic yards of structural soil imported into square during renovation: 500

     In truckloads: 38.5

Cubic yards of rock imported for stormwater drainage: 2,250

     In miles: 3

Number of new brick pavers, each placed by hand: 72,000

Number of trees in the area of Halprin and Associates' Park Central Square prior to renovation: 36

Number of trees removed as part of the renovation, due to disease or nonconformence with Halprin design: 23

Estimated number of years before the remaining ash trees specified by Halprin and Associates will be dieseased by borers: 2

Number of tees in Halprin and Associates' Park Central Square after renovation: 71

Days early that the square will be open, compared to time allowed in the construction contract: 20

Number of public square designed by Halprin and Associates listed on the National Register of Historic Places: 2

• The Great Outpost by Nantahala Outdoor Center - Gatlinburg, TN
• Nantahala Outdoor Center Store at the Grove Park Inn - Asheville, NC
• Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World (various projects) - Springfield, MO
• Plato's Closet - Springfield, MO
• ShowPlex Cinemas Expansion & Imax Addition - Springfield, MO

Watch this video about NOC's Store coming soon to the Grove Park Inn! A vacation destination for adventure-seekers!

Who responded? 297 people completed the online survey, and of those...

• 17% were Consultants
• 16% we've worked with as Part of a Construction Team
• 29% were a Past or Current Client
• 38% were None of the Above

Q1: When you think of BR&P, what comes to mind?

The top 5 most frequently used words to describe BR&P are:

1. Architect/Architecture (116 mentions)
2. Firm (58 mentions)
3. Good/Great (28 mentions)
4. Community/Civic (21 mentions)
5. Quality (21 mentions)

Q2: If you have worked with BR&P, how would you rank the experience?

• 80% of Consultants said Excellent or Above Average
• 87% of those who were Part of a Construction Team said Excellent or Above Average
• 82% of Past or Current Clients said Excellent or Above Average

Q3: If you have worked with BR&P, would you work with us again on another project?

• 84% of Consultants said Yes
• 96% of those who were Part of a Construction Team said Yes
• 87% of Past or Current Clients said Yes

Q4: Would you refer BR&P to a friend or colleague?

• 78% of Consultants said Yes
• 89% of those who were Part of a Construction Team said Yes
• 88% of Past or Current Clients said Yes
• 71% of None of the Above said Yes

Q5: How could we be of better value to you?

The top 3 ideas:

1. Continue to do what you're doing (26 mentions)
2. Not sure (20 mentions)
3. Fix the economy (7 mentions - and we would love to be able to do that!)

What did we learn as a result of this survey?

We learned a lot about how were are perceived in the business community among people we've worked with and those we haven't. Geoffrey is known by some for being a private pilot (2 mentions), and people remember Tim's glasses (5 mentions). We learned that, overall, the perception of BR&P is positive. We are viewed as a professional, community-oriented architectural firm that does quality work.

We also learned we have some work to do. We learned that we need to be better listeners and absorb the feedback and input we receive from all team members. Also, we need to give all projects the same amount of care and attention to detail, regardless of size or scope. In this "new normal" era, we need to be even more nimble, flexible and resourceful than ever.

We appreciate all the feedback and insight gained as a result of this survey. This is our 33rd year in business in Springfield, and we look forward to many, many years to come. We are committed to quality, and continuously strive to be passionate client advocates, a proactive team member with consultants and contractors and an engaged, contributing member of the Springfield community.

It seems that with all the bad news about the economy, employment rate, and fluctuating home prices that people are actually spending more time at home. Renovations, small additions, and making use of the entire home - including the back yard - has become very popular. With that trend comes the opportunity to spend more time with friends and family and take on some improvement projects that help that time be more enjoyable, and increase the value of your home. That's a two for one deal.

The Home Builders Association recently hosted the Home Show at the Springfield Expo and if you had a chance to attend, you were probably overwhelmed with information. Now you have a chance to follow up on some of the ideas you saw, and talk one-on-one with some specific Springfield based businesses regarding how you can improve the quality of your home life. And at the same time, you can help give back to Ozark Greenways and Friends of the Garden. Again, accomplishing two things with one action.

See the flyer to the right for more information on the Outdoor Living Party being hosted by Maschino's. I invite you to stop by and talk to the people that will be there - not just the business owners, but other home owners looking for the same thing as you are. You might just meet a new frined who has something in common with you, and you may even win an awesome door prize! Bam! Another two for one deal. 

badib-yazdi@brpae.com

By: Bruce Adib-Yazdi, AIA, LEED AP BD+C

My trip to Salt Lake City last week confirmed my anecdotal knowledge - that is, retail is not dead, at least not in this market segment. Besides the buzz among the vendors and buyers, a few pieces of key data provided by Leisure Trend Group boosted my confidence. Outdoor retail sales have outpaced the general retail market for the last two years, up until December 2010.

The main demographic for this segment is what LTG calls the 'Active American' and some of their most recent trends are listed below. And check out the quote in the photo:

• Equipment for shorter hiking and camping trips, within 50 miles
• They will pay more for gear that will last longer and be of higher quality
• They are motivated by gaining higher levels of performance in their activity
• Using a smartphone to post before, during and after an activity is important
• They find it extremely important to do activities with family and friends

Of course, there's a ton of gear and apparel to see. Here are a few of the new ideas, at completely opposite ends of the spectrum. On the 'Low Tech,' but highly useful end, were a couple of simple products. One was an easy to install, disposable membrane called the Phone Dome that encapsulates your iPhone for complete waterproof enclosure and even underwater use.

Another was an easy-to-use multi-function eyeglass/sunglass holder that works as a protector, case and neckstrap. http://www.hides.com/ 

One the high tech end, was an argon filled insulating vest. Lighter and more flexible than down filled vests. http://www.klymit.com/index.php/products/kinetic-vests.html

I also found THE BEST energy bar I have ever tasted in my life. Olympic Granola Bars are all non-processed, all natural and very tasty. The thing that struck me was that they are already approaching non-profits for fundraising opportunities. Look out Trails End popcorn... 

As far as booth design goes, there were lots of good ones. On opposite ends of the spectrum were Keen and The North Face. Keen was very tactile, warm and inviting. The North Face looked like it was from another world. Both were striking. 

On Wednesday night, the Wolf moon (full moon in January) peeked over the clouds and presented itself in such an awesome way I had to get a photo. Sometimes you just have to stop and smell the roses, or check out the moon.

One 'fun' thing was a marketing tool Chico Bags called the Bag Monster. It represents the number of plastic shopping bags an average family might consume in a year if they did not use reusable bags.

All in all, a great trip. I even got one solid day of skiing in. 10" of fresh snow, and no lift lines. And while the skiing was good, the best part of the trip is hanging out with 15-20,000 up beat, active, positive people. It does not get much better than that. 

The American's with Disabilities Act (ADA) was first adopted as a standard in 1991, with new revisions just recently adopted in September 2010; however most hotels built before and unfortunately many built since 1991 do not completely meet the ADA standards, even after upgrades have been undertaken. The reasons for non-compliance are numerous, but the two largest impediments to conformance with ADA are cost and clear solutions. An existing hotel, or any private facility for that matter is required by Title III of ADA to remove architectural barriers if the removal is readily achievable. Title III goes on to define readily achievable with twenty-one examples; however, there can be a hundred issues that arise when reviewing a hotel for non-compliance of ADA. For an Owner, it can be very difficult in many cases to determine what should and could be undertaken to help alleviate the problems within their financial means.

It is important to remember that ADA is a Federal law and is not administered by the local code officials. It is handled in Court by a Federal Judge. A handicapped person who feels that they have been discriminated against by your lack of effort to comply with ADA can get an attorney and file suit in Federal Court. 

Unlike the Building Codes which are prescriptive and considered minimum standards, the ADA is written vaguely and the prescriptive means of meeting the requirements are established in Court by the Judges as each situation is adjudicated. The fines are fairly tough if the judge feels that you have not made an effort to comply. Needless to say, it is in your best interest to make sure your facility complies or that you have made a good effort to comply given the project and your resources.

The best course of action is to review the entire facility and determine what changes will be the most beneficial and make the greatest impact towards making a hotel conform to the ADA, within a reasonable budget. Here are some examples.

1. An existing three-story hotel has three staircases. Two are required exit stairs and one is an open stairs connecting three floors of the hotel. The open stairs is in the middle of the hotel and most visible to users of the hotel. None of the stairs meet the handrail extension requirements of ADA, yet it would be costly to remove and replace the handrails on all three staircases. Since the open staircase in the middle of the hotel is the most visible to the hotel guests and the most used, it seems reasonable and readily achievable to require that the handrails be replaced on this staircase. If the hotel later goes through any construction renovation, the other two stairs could be upgraded to code requirements, which also require handrail extensions; however, the hotel is only undergoing an upgrade for ADA at this time. If this was the only ADA non-compliance issue, all three staircases would need to be upgraded, but if this issue is one of several that are needing correction, the budget may require that other more critical issues be corrected and only the one staircase in the hotel be corrected at this time.

2. An existing elevator in a hotel does not meet the minimum elevator clearance requirements, yet a person is also able to get into the elevator at the same time as the person in the wheelchair. Estimates to replace the elevator range from $80,000 to $100,000 because the walls around the elevator are structural load bearing walls and can not easily be moved out to accommodate a bigger elevator. The elevator does have Braille signage next to the push buttons as well as many other features that meet ADA; however, the size does not meet the minimum size stipulated by the ADA for existing facilities. Due to the high cost for replacing the elevator, this would not be a readily achievable solution. And, since the elevator can still be accessed by a person in a wheelchair, the elevator would probably not have to be replaced at this time.

3. Existing accessible parking spaces at a hotel are over the 2% slope limit allowed by ADA. In lieu of trying to remove the pavement, re-grade the slope to meet the 2% limit, and repave the parking spaces. It would be more readily achievable to relocate the ADA parking spaces on site that are still close enough to the entrance and meet the 2% limit. This may require relocating signage and tearing out some concrete sidewalks in order to provide a curb ramp, but these costs are minimal compared to repaving, and not providing accessible parking spaces is probably not an option a hotel should pursue.

4. An existing hotel has 120 rooms with only two ADA accessible guest rooms. For new hotels, ADA requires seven accessible rooms when a hotel has 120 rooms. Of these seven required accessible rooms, two are required to have a roll-in shower in lieu of a bathtub. The existing two accessible guest rooms in the hotel have bathtubs. Due to the fact that the hotel has load bearing wood framed walls, it would be extremely costly to remove load bearing walls in the guest rooms and create bathrooms large enough to meet the ADA requirements. In addition, the guest rooms are small enough that providing larger ADA restrooms will compromise the maneuverability around the bed and desk in the remaining area of the guest room. As a compromise, the Owner could add at least one or two more accessible guest rooms with a roll-in shower on the first floor, perhaps combining three guest rooms into only two if necessary to get the required amount of space. If major renovation work were to occur at the hotel in the future, the Owner would need to try and add the extra three or four accessible guest rooms.

The above examples are not solutions that will work on every existing hotel, or always be acceptable to a judge if litigation were to proceed, because the ADA does not give clear and cannot provide black and white solutions for every single situation in existing facilities. If the judge perceives that the Owner is willing to do as much as possible within their means, compromises may become acceptable, but solutions may be quite different depending upon who is making the recommendations. Even though there may be many options, the key will be finding a way to making the greatest impact on non-compliance that is most beneficial to your hotel guests within your financial means!

I was recently in Asheville, NC on business and had the opportunity to visit The Biltmore. My experience taught me a thing or two I thought would be worth sharing. I'm usually a little skeptical of highly marketed tourist attractions, but I ended up with a little time to kill and a complimentary admission (usually $59), so I took the tour.

First, when I was told it could take a full day, I thought 'Really?' The drive from the estate entrance was spectacular. It is called 'Approach Drive' for a reason. You never see the house until after you park and stroll to the gated entry. I arrived about two hours before the 'house' was to close. I skipped the headphones and guided tour and just walked the guided path with the tour booklet.

The things that struck me about the design of the home are fundamentally the same things we consider today even though it was opened in 1895.

1. The home was designed around a specific lifestyle and activities. From indoor gardens; to separate dining rooms for breakfast and dinner; his and her bedrooms; exercise rooms; learning and entertainment rooms - Each had a purpose and was designed to accomodate a certain way of life. Including the outdoor activity 'rooms' and gardens.

2. The technology used to help make the lifestyle possible was cutting edge for the time. Mechanical refrigeration, running hot and cold water, electric dumbwaiters, and push button call systems from the pool were all employed. And one of the structural engineering feats were amazing - a spiral stair of solid stone steps, with no center support.

3. The craftmanship of the woodwork, plaster and stone was amazing. The maintenance and restoration of same, as well as antique furniture was equally striking.

4. The home needed very little artifical light or heating and air conditioning. Windows provided much of the needed light and air movement. Fireplaces in each room allowed for heating for each space as needed.

5. Most of the gardening, farming, hunting was done right on the estate. From food to flowers, everything was gathered and prepared on the property.

The Biltmore is marketed as the 'Largest House in America.' But it is more than a 'house.' It is a home designed to fit a lifestyle, using state of the art technology, built to last by fine craftsmen, and made to use as little outside energy as possible. And when it came time to feast, they ate locally grown foods. These are all things that still apply today, although sometimes I think we choose not to go through the effort in the name of efficiency and economy.

 A side note is that while this home may have seemed to be selfishly lavish indulgence for a wealthy family, it became during the Great Depression a source of jobs and economic development when it was first opened to the public in 1930. And to this day, serves as a major economic and tourism driver for the City of Asheville, population 72,000.

Next time I might just spend the whole day. To learn more, check out the Biltmore website at www.biltmore.com.

By: Bruce Adib-Yazdi, AIA, LEED AP BD+C

When will it stop? I saw Christmas trees going up at Lowes in early September and vowed to myself 'I will not shop at Lowes anymore.' Now retailers like (gulp) Wal-Mart and (double-gulp) Amazon are 'moving' Black Friday from Thanksgiving to Halloween. Read the article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/28/business/28friday.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss

At what point will consumers demand their holidays be put back in the order they are supposed to be? I think we are on the bubble of that sort of boycotting of companies trying to squeeze Christmas money out of Halloween.