A space for all: Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Spanning three floors of a high rise in San Francisco, this 40,000-sf headquarters for one of the oldest social-services organizations in California represents the latest in design, technology, and training for blind and low-vision individuals. The space encompasses optometry exam rooms, a retail store showcasing adaptive technology devices, training rooms for hands-on learning of Braille and adaptive technology, a training kitchen, and 11 dorm rooms where up to 29 clients can stay onsite for immersive training.

The project team developed subtle design features to ensure the spaces function well for everyone. Wayfinding is aided by a ring of polished concrete encircling the public areas on each floor, while open spaces are defined by metal floor transition strips to give an indication of spatial demarcation to cane users. In training rooms, bold-colored felt-wrapped acoustic panels are used because rich, saturated colors can be discerned by many with low vision.

The design team even converted its drawings into tactile prints with raised line work to make them legible for blind stakeholders.

Building Team – Submitting firm, architect Mark Cavagnero Associates Owner LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Structural engineer Murphy Burr Curry MEP engineer Glumac General contractor DPR

General Information – Size 2,600 sf Construction cost Withheld at owner’s request Construction time February 2016 to May 2016 Delivery method Design-build

Interesting read originally from BDC Network

Comments

Construction disputes were slightly less contentious last year

The resolution of global construction disputes remained steady in 2016, and the average time it took to resolve those disputes declined bit, according to the seventh annual Arcadis Global Construction Disputes Report 2017, which is subtitled “Avoiding the Same Pitfalls.” This report reflects the construction disputes that Arcadis’ team handled around the world. The report infers that the roadblocks to expeditious and less cost dispute resolution often stem from the need for better contract administration, robust documentation, and a proactive approach to risk management. “Our industry contains the best problem solvers in the world,” the report states. “But there often seems to be a lack of ability or willingness of the project participants to compromise and resolve disputes at the earliest and most inexpensive stage possible.” Roy Cooper, Senior Vice President of Arcadis Contract Solutions, attributes disputes to “human emotions that can impede settlements, as they do with phys...

Quick turnaround: Partners HealtchCare

This administrative building, the largest in Somerville, Mass., consolidates 4,500 employees from 14 locations across Boston into one place. The project’s 30-month schedule was half of the typical time frame for such a building. So the Building Team had little margin for delays or mistakes. Twice-weekly meetings that included the client, AEC firms, and consultants were guided by seven core values that served as a roadmap during the design process. Once construction began, project leaders established a risk assessment group that identified and assessed potential problems weekly. The building creates an “all-under-one-roof” organizational concept and culture, with a training center, multipurpose auditorium (available for use by campus residents, the local community, and the Partners’ network), community hubs, and outdoor spaces that include two acres of green space and walking paths. The facility is near a new subway stop, which connects the building to Somerville’s developing mix...

Green building advocates erect icehouses on Penn. state capitol steps to make point on codes

Advocates aiming to prompt Pennsylvania legislators to update the state’s building codes erected two icehouses on the steps of the state Capitol in Harrisburg to make a point about energy efficiency. One 8-foot-by-8-foot icehouse was built to current code; the other was built to passive house energy efficiency standards. In about three weeks, the project’s designers expect that the half-ton of ice in the less efficient shed will have melted completely, while the block in the high-performance building will still be about half of its original size. Pennsylvania has not updated its energy codes since 2009. Advocates also want state lawmakers to reform the process for adopting new codes. The Senate and House passed bills this spring to revise the state’s building code adoption process. A 2011 law requires an advisory board to approve each code change with a two-thirds vote. Interesting read originally from BDC Network

The Erick Burns Show

Search This Blog