We've got some truly "Green Buildings" in our Emerald City. In recognition of Earth Day 2006 the American Institute of Architects (AIA) named Ballard Library and Neighborhood Service Center designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson of Seattle, one of the Top Ten Green Projects in the United States.
This project, the first major building designed within the new Ballard Municipal Master Plan Zone, consists of the 15,000 square-foot Ballard Library, a 3,600 square-foot neighborhood service center and 18,000 square-feet of below grade parking.
Fifteen years ago Ballard was still a sleepy neighborhood, today it's one of the city's most attractive pedestrian areas. Make a day-trip of your visit to the library. After taking in all of the building's features, topped by the green roof, check out the neighborhood shopping area, and the multitude of good restaurants that will no doubt satisfy your other green (or omnivore) cravings.
AIA Jury Comments:“One of the things we were looking for was projects that are truly integrated. The roof is the real expression of this building: it vents, it’s a green roof, there are photovoltaics there; it’s a bit move that does many things at once. Beautiful buildings will be preserved, and this is very much part of sustainability. This will be a 100-year building because people will want to save it. Everyone would want that library in their neighborhood. This is the kind of building that can be a catalyst for change—pushing individual buildings as well as neighborhoods to become more sustainable.”
Previously published by hotelbycity 1/14/2007
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