Scenarios for replacing the central part of the Alaskan Way Viaduct will be discussed Thursday, June 26, at a meeting of viaduct neighborhood representatives and other interested groups.
The meeting will be from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Bertha Landes Room of Seattle City Hall, 600 Fourth Ave. The location was changed from a previously scheduled site to accommodate larger crowds.
State Department of Transportation spokeswoman Emily Fishkin said the session will concentrate on two types of solutions: "surface and transit," in which viaduct travelers are shifted onto surface streets and into buses; and "bypass scenarios" that would retain a highway in the viaduct alignment between the Battery Street Tunnel and the Sodo area.
6.25.2008
AIA Opposes Resolution 2008-07
Is it fair to hold one person accountable for the action or non-action of a group? One wouldn’t think so. However, that is exactly what Resolution 2008-07 will do. And, if you are an intern, the person who loses could be you.
The AIA and NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards) partner to offer architects the opportunity to gain certification through the Intern Development Program (IDP). For participation IDP credits are awarded.
NCARB Resolution 2008-07 puts a time limit, commonly known as the “6 Month Rule,” on reporting internship training. If passed, Resolution 2008-07 will require candidates report their IDP credits every 6 months or lose them. AIA National President, Marshall E. Purnell, has sent two letters regarding AIA opposition to the institution of the “6 Month Rule” included in the Resolution.
Other stakeholders in the IDP process besides the intern – the System Administrator (NCARB), Mentor, and Supervisor—are responsible too. Several people must review, sign and submit forms, and can lose or misplace paperwork, or be late when responding to requests. However, only the intern can, and will, lose credits for processes left undone.
Further, in order to make reporting easier NCARB is transitioning to an electronic reporting system. Once the new electronic system is in place paper submissions of IDP training units will no longer be accepted. However, unforeseen glitches in the system could cause delays which, after the passage of Resolution 2008-07, would result in consequences for interns.
The AIA does not support Resolution 2008-07. The Council has received amazing response in opposition to the resolution. To express your opinion about Resolution 2008-07 send NCARB an email or call 202/879-0520.
The NCARB Annual Meeting begins tomorrow, June 25. For more information visit the NCARB website
6.23.2008
Amazing Time Lapse Construction Video
On June 12 Tacoma Public Utilities officials dedicated a $19 million, 110,000-square-foot addition to their administration building off South 35th Street; it now houses 325 employees. Construction took about two years. The building, designed by BCRA, is touted as a model of energy efficiency. Click below to watch the amazing time-lapse video showing the demolition and construction.
6.18.2008
Architects Make a Trip to the Doctor Less Painful
The new Group Health Bellevue Medical Center, opening July first, is a testament to how architects improve the quality of our lives with their work. The Seattle Times had this to say:
“Some buildings in Bellevue are taller …but few are more prominent. The building will be seen by thousands of people daily passing on the freeway; but what they won't see is how the structure functions inside. ‘It's like a symphony, where the doctors are, where the patients are,’ said Dr. Robert Sandblom, the new center's medical director.
Designers of the new building focused heavily on giving patients a positive experience. The first space patients will encounter, a vast lobby, has both a fireplace and floor-to-ceiling south-facing windows. Architects planned the south facing orientation because the natural light from the windows and the welcoming ambience of the hearth are soothing.
Architects of the new medical center stayed away from elements that could cause a patient stress and designed a building to take patients minds off their pain. There are no arrows on the floors, no color-coded pathways, no bewildering floor plans. Building surfaces are based on natural Northwest materials; destinations are planned to be instinctively accessible. Waiting areas are intentionally small, with the idea that there won't be much waiting.
Further concern for patients shows up in several places like:
“Some buildings in Bellevue are taller …but few are more prominent. The building will be seen by thousands of people daily passing on the freeway; but what they won't see is how the structure functions inside. ‘It's like a symphony, where the doctors are, where the patients are,’ said Dr. Robert Sandblom, the new center's medical director.
Designers of the new building focused heavily on giving patients a positive experience. The first space patients will encounter, a vast lobby, has both a fireplace and floor-to-ceiling south-facing windows. Architects planned the south facing orientation because the natural light from the windows and the welcoming ambience of the hearth are soothing.
Architects of the new medical center stayed away from elements that could cause a patient stress and designed a building to take patients minds off their pain. There are no arrows on the floors, no color-coded pathways, no bewildering floor plans. Building surfaces are based on natural Northwest materials; destinations are planned to be instinctively accessible. Waiting areas are intentionally small, with the idea that there won't be much waiting.
Further concern for patients shows up in several places like:
- A third-floor south-facing physical-therapy room which has the best views of Mount Rainier — for patients, not for staff members.
- A precisely oriented computer workstation in each of the 136 patient-care rooms, fitted so the screen can be viewed by both doctor and patient.
- The seven operating rooms with no wires underfoot; booms suspended from the ceiling hold an array of materials — lights, computer monitors, equipment trays — all instantly reachable.
To read the full article about the new medical center click here:
Group Health to open state-of-the-art facility in Bellevue.6.12.2008
Director's Message - Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Yesterday, I participated in the first stakeholder's workshop with the Department of Ecology (Ecology) regarding the development of new regulations for rainwater capturing. Ecology is genuinely interested in facilitating a resolution but in the end not much was resolved.
Results Depend on Answers
The Council needs some good examples of rainwater harvesting as a conversation measure on projects. The beneficial use of harvesting rainwater is not being discussed as much as it should be. In addition, answers from engineers and hydrologists would be invaluable. Comments from the tribes and environmental organizations went unanswered today. This workshop gave voice to many objections. It is difficult to nail down exactly what the resistance is, but it appears to be a fear that rainwater/stormwater harvesting removes such water from the ecosystem. We need knowledgeable sources to develop a response.
The Discussion
Tribal interest groups promoted a strict and limiting regulatory approach, but the remainder of the participants found some consensus. There was general agreement about allowing property owners with existing legal access to water to utilize rainwater harvesting. However, there is still debate about rainwater capturing without an existing water right or where rainwater is the sole source of water for a location. While even the tribes appeared to agree that roof-top capturing is acceptable, there remained disagreement about capturing from other surfaces.
Support from Environmental Groups is Oddly Missing
Negotiations with the environmental community will take some effort. An attendee who was affiliated with, though not an official representative of, the Washington Environmental Council (WEC) had negative comments on most proposals that authorized rainwater capturing. His statements were congruent with WEC testimony against rainwater capturing last session. However, that position would appear to be inconsistent with efforts to promote sustainable construction. It could be that representatives of the WEC who are interested in sustainable construction are unaware how impactful this issue is.
Codes need to be Addressed
During the discussion it was noted that the Uniform Plumbing Code currently is prohibitive of recycling grey water. However it was stated that changes are in the works that would treat grey water and rainwater as the same for purposes of plumbing. Interestingly, the International Plumbing Code was noted as being more progressive in the way it deals with these issues. If legislation is pursued in 2009, inclusion of a codes section may be needed.
Next Meetings
The next stakeholder meeting is July 1 and the final meeting is July 11. Open house meetings are scheduled June 17, 18 and 19. The open house sessions are an important place for architects, engineers and hydrologists to speak up. I encourage your participation at these meetings.
Stan L. Bowman, Hon. AIA/WA,
Executive Director for the AIA Washington Council and the AIA Northwest & Pacific Region
Results Depend on Answers
The Council needs some good examples of rainwater harvesting as a conversation measure on projects. The beneficial use of harvesting rainwater is not being discussed as much as it should be. In addition, answers from engineers and hydrologists would be invaluable. Comments from the tribes and environmental organizations went unanswered today. This workshop gave voice to many objections. It is difficult to nail down exactly what the resistance is, but it appears to be a fear that rainwater/stormwater harvesting removes such water from the ecosystem. We need knowledgeable sources to develop a response.
The Discussion
Tribal interest groups promoted a strict and limiting regulatory approach, but the remainder of the participants found some consensus. There was general agreement about allowing property owners with existing legal access to water to utilize rainwater harvesting. However, there is still debate about rainwater capturing without an existing water right or where rainwater is the sole source of water for a location. While even the tribes appeared to agree that roof-top capturing is acceptable, there remained disagreement about capturing from other surfaces.
Support from Environmental Groups is Oddly Missing
Negotiations with the environmental community will take some effort. An attendee who was affiliated with, though not an official representative of, the Washington Environmental Council (WEC) had negative comments on most proposals that authorized rainwater capturing. His statements were congruent with WEC testimony against rainwater capturing last session. However, that position would appear to be inconsistent with efforts to promote sustainable construction. It could be that representatives of the WEC who are interested in sustainable construction are unaware how impactful this issue is.
Codes need to be Addressed
During the discussion it was noted that the Uniform Plumbing Code currently is prohibitive of recycling grey water. However it was stated that changes are in the works that would treat grey water and rainwater as the same for purposes of plumbing. Interestingly, the International Plumbing Code was noted as being more progressive in the way it deals with these issues. If legislation is pursued in 2009, inclusion of a codes section may be needed.
Next Meetings
The next stakeholder meeting is July 1 and the final meeting is July 11. Open house meetings are scheduled June 17, 18 and 19. The open house sessions are an important place for architects, engineers and hydrologists to speak up. I encourage your participation at these meetings.
Stan L. Bowman, Hon. AIA/WA,
Executive Director for the AIA Washington Council and the AIA Northwest & Pacific Region
Rainwater Rules - Your Opinion Needed
How could a lack of water a problem in Washington? Actually it is. Water that can be used for development is in short supply becuase of water rights. However, utilization of captured rainwater decreases the need for treated water and lessons the demands on rivers, lakes, and aquifers. Should rainwater collection be subject to regulation? Should a water right permit be required for rainwater catchment systems?
Your opinion matters. Rules are being crafted regarding the collection of rainwater right now. Attend these open house sessions held by the Department of Ecology to lend your voice.
June 17 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Everett Community College - Jackson Center
801 Wetmore Avenue
Everett WA
June 18 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Department of Ecology - Auditorium
300 Desmond Drive
Lacey WA
June 19 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Wenatchee Convention Center
Coast Wenatchee Center Hotel - Golden Delicious Room
201 N. Wenatchee Avenue
Wenatchee WA
The Council is working with a broad group of stakeholders on this issue and attended a stakeholder meeting on the proposed rule yesterday, June 11. Two more stakeholder meetings have been scheduled for: Tuesday, July 1, 8:00-12:00 and Friday, July 11, 8:00-12:00. A report on discussions and results from the first meeting will follow.
Your opinion matters. Rules are being crafted regarding the collection of rainwater right now. Attend these open house sessions held by the Department of Ecology to lend your voice.
June 17 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Everett Community College - Jackson Center
801 Wetmore Avenue
Everett WA
June 18 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Department of Ecology - Auditorium
300 Desmond Drive
Lacey WA
June 19 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Wenatchee Convention Center
Coast Wenatchee Center Hotel - Golden Delicious Room
201 N. Wenatchee Avenue
Wenatchee WA
The Council is working with a broad group of stakeholders on this issue and attended a stakeholder meeting on the proposed rule yesterday, June 11. Two more stakeholder meetings have been scheduled for: Tuesday, July 1, 8:00-12:00 and Friday, July 11, 8:00-12:00. A report on discussions and results from the first meeting will follow.
6.10.2008
The Race is On
Filing week came to a close last week on June 6. Who is involved in state races is now set and the AIA Washington Council is reaching out to political candidates. Among the candidates the Council supports is Sue Lani Madsen, who is running in the 7th district. If Madsen wins she would be the only Washington state legislator in the architectural profession. Madsen is the founding partner of Madsen Mitchell Evenson Conrad, pllc.
The Secretary of State’s office makes it easy to view who has registered at their website. The site will allow searches both by Federal and State office; the Governor’s race is under the Statewide Office label. Make sure to click on the Legislative Offices tab to see who is running in your district.
Washington has races this year for all nine congressional seats, nine statewide office, three state Supreme Court positions and numerous legislative and local races. The races have drawn heaps of candidates this year.
The new top-two primary may be the reason for the increased amount of candidates. As of April 2008, Washington will allow the two candidates with the most votes to move on to the general election, even if they are from the same party. The primary election is Aug. 19, and the general election is Nov. 4.
In addition to the primary modification, candidates also no longer list their party affiliation, but instead list a preference. These changes have been the source of some confusion and amusement that may make the new primary system short lived. Regardless of the outcome, results of the 2008 elections promise to be interesting. Stay posted for new updates on AIA involvement.
The Secretary of State’s office makes it easy to view who has registered at their website. The site will allow searches both by Federal and State office; the Governor’s race is under the Statewide Office label. Make sure to click on the Legislative Offices tab to see who is running in your district.
Washington has races this year for all nine congressional seats, nine statewide office, three state Supreme Court positions and numerous legislative and local races. The races have drawn heaps of candidates this year.
The new top-two primary may be the reason for the increased amount of candidates. As of April 2008, Washington will allow the two candidates with the most votes to move on to the general election, even if they are from the same party. The primary election is Aug. 19, and the general election is Nov. 4.
In addition to the primary modification, candidates also no longer list their party affiliation, but instead list a preference. These changes have been the source of some confusion and amusement that may make the new primary system short lived. Regardless of the outcome, results of the 2008 elections promise to be interesting. Stay posted for new updates on AIA involvement.
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