• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

TVS Design of Centers for Disease Control Arlen Specter Headquarters and Emergency Operations Center Wins Silver LEED-NC

Posted on: Tuesday, 28 November 2006, 18:00 CST

ATLANTA, Nov. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Thompson, Ventulett, Stainback & Associates is pleased to announce the design of the CDC Arlen Specter Headquarters and Emergency Operations Center has earned the prestigious LEED- NC Silver rating (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design - New Construction) from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

"As the principal agency in the United States government protecting the health and safety of all Americans, CDC officials wanted to serve as an example for providing healthy work environments for their employees," said Carlie Bullock-Jones, ASID, LEED(R), TVS sustainable design team leader and member of the USGBC's Core Committee for the LEED-CI program. "This facility further promotes an active lifestyle through its placement next to a large open space with walking paths connecting adjacent facilities," she added.

The newly constructed 12-story structure provides the CDC with highly efficient and flexible office space. The Emergency Operations Center incorporates the most current technology, which will greatly enhance CDC's ability to manage emergency situations wherever and whenever they occur.

"The team responded to the complex program and aggressive budget, while still demonstrating CDC's role as a global leader in the improvement of health and the environment," says Micah Rosen, AIA, LEED(R) project manager for TVS. "The project shows that environmentally responsible buildings can be accomplished with conventional development budgets and construction methods, if the client makes it a priority."

To meet LEED-NC's rigorous standards, TVS and the CDC implemented several innovative and creative strategies, including designing the building to maintain a high level of energy efficiency.

This building is designed to be 20% more efficient than current building standards require. On the interior of the building, designers incorporated healthy workplace initiatives by ensuring superior indoor air quality.

Other sustainable strategies for the facility include: - An open space adjacent to the building exceeds the building footprint by approximately 300%. - Adjacent rainwater retention pond - Use of sunscreens on the facade of the building blocks the intensity of the sun. - Minimization or elimination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in materials specified for paints, adhesives, carpets and composite wood materials. - Location is served by 2 bus lines, 23 alternative fuel refueling stations, bicycle storage and shower facilities to promote alternative transportation. - The building design also lessens the "heat island effect" by incorporating a reflective roofing material and a green roof has been placed over a portion of the facility.

LEED-NC is the nationally recognized standard for certifying high- performance green architecture that is healthy, creates a productive place to work, less costly to operate and maintain, and reduces the environmental footprint, according to the USGBC. LEED-NC offers four levels of certification: baseline certified, followed by silver, gold and platinum certification, predicated on specific design and environmental criteria.

Bullock-Jones leads the Sustainable Design initiative for TVS and TVS Interiors, guiding multiple clients, consultants and design teams through collaborative green building strategies. She has teamed on many award-winning projects and led the effort for the first LEED CI Platinum rated facility in the country, the Interface Showroom and offices. As an active participant in leading-edge green building initiatives and activities, she is a member of the USGBC's LEED Commercial Interiors Core Committee as well as the national ASID Sustainable Design Council. In 2004, she received the ASID Georgia Chapter Presidential Citation for Distinguished Service to the Society and Profession.

About the CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is one of the 13 major operating components of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which is the principal agency in the United States government for protecting the health and safety of all Americans and for providing essential human services. Since it was founded in 1946 to help control malaria, CDC has remained at the forefront of public health efforts to prevent and control infectious and chronic diseases, injuries, workplace hazards, disabilities, and environmental health threats. Today, CDC is globally recognized for conducting research and investigations and for its action oriented approach. CDC applies research and findings to improve people's daily lives and responds to health emergencies -- something that distinguishes CDC from its peer agencies.

About TVS

TVS is an internationally recognized design firm with offices in Atlanta, Chicago and Dubai, that provides architecture, interior design and planning services to a diverse clientele. The firm is widely recognized for the excellence of its designs including corporate and commercial office facilities, hospitality, retail and entertainment, education, convention centers and mixed-used developments. In 2002 TVS was honored with the prestigious AIA 2002 Architecture Firm Award, which is the highest honor awarded to a firm by the American Institute of Architects. The AIA selects one firm each year to receive this award in recognition of the consistent achievement of design excellence.

Thompson, Ventulett, Stainback & Associates

CONTACT: Anne Reeves, +1-404-266-7551, or areeves@webershandwick.com,for Thompson, Ventulett, Stainback & Associates

Source: PRNewswire

More News in this Category