The Living Future Challenge, in coordination with the Living Future Conference in Seattle, was to design a building that was self-sufficient in energy and water. All water used within the site must be collected or generated onsite and energy must be generated onsite. All water must also be treated and infiltrated onsite. There were no parameters for budget, location or type of building.

For four weeks, Guy Michaelsen and Rachael Watland worked with LMN Architects, CDi Engineers (civil), Sparling (electrical) and JR Fulton from the University of Washington . Their entry was called ‘Zero imPACC’ (Performing Arts & Community Education Center). Set in Vancouver, WA, the initial program was a 700 seat multi-purpose auditorium with associated lobby and back of house support spaces for community musical and dramatic performances. The team then expanded the program to integrate a community education center to increase the number of hours the facility is used.

Winners will be announced at the conference tonight, we’ll get back with you on Monday!

Our latest test plot was provided by Xero Flor Green Roof Systems. These green roofs contain a special blend of sedums and other succulents that are extremely tolerant to extreme conditions. Xero Flor has 35 years of research and installation experience and provides green roof technology that range in size from single-family homes to multiple acre commercial properties.

UW Professor David Streatfield will present “Heroic Moments and Neglected Figures in American Landscape Architecture 1856 – 1960“ at 6:00pm on Monday 5.14 at Kane Hall. The Berger Partnership is sponsoring the event.

“Hands on Classroom, Where Learning Comes Natural“ was an article published on April 16th, by the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. The article highlights one 5th grade class’s experience at the IslandWood site.