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| Pictured here at Greenprints,
Henderson emphasizes the importance of design firms
exploring unique collaboratations to help further
the green building movement. |
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TVS Architects & Southface partner
to make history
A Unique Collaboration
Over the past few months, a partnership
has blossomed that will have Thompson, Ventulett, Stainback & Associates
(TVS) and Southface collaborating on a landmark commercial
green building project. Southface, having more than doubled
in staff in the last several years, needs additional
office, demonstration and program space. With extensive
experience in the commercial building sector, epitomized
by being granted affiliate status with the U.S. Green
Building Council, the organization will build the Southface
Eco-Office adjacent to its existing Energy and Environmental
Resource Center in Midtown Atlanta. |
After receiving a request to submit an
architectural proposal, TVS decided to have an internal roundtable
discussion about what the firm and its team could truly offer
Southface. According to Holley Henderson of TVS, who is an
accredited UGSBC professional, during this meeting a "light
bulb came on." It was decided that the best way TVS could contribute
to this project, and be involved throughout the entire planning,
design and construction process, would be to partake in the
project through an advisory position-as the Architectural Owners
Representative. Involved TVS representatives bring exceptional
qualifications including commercial building experience and
ongoing participation in Southface's educational programs such
as the annual Greenprints Conference. Their main duties as
sustainable advisor include participating in the 2003 Greenprints/NREL
Charrette, assisting in setting sustainability goals and conducting
peer design reviews during schematic and design development
documentation.
"With the added knowledge, resources and LEED experience
from the AIA firm of the year, the Southface commercial
building is bound to be a success." - Jules Paulk, Director
of Southface Green Building Services.
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Why Is This Such A Tremendous Partnership?
Like a three-legged stool, TVS balances on three legs-design,
technology and business. Southface's mission during the
process, completion and use of the commercial expansion
will be to demonstrate excellence in all three of these
areas. In regards to design, the inspirational new facility
must be an effective demonstration tool for facility
visitors and a productive workplace for Southface employees
with the best use of daylighting, acoustics, materials
and space organization. Environmental technologies will
ensure the high performance building operates at the
highest levels of energy and water efficiency. And a
fundamental component of this project is to demonstrate
to the business community that a "green" commercial building
makes good business sense, saving money over the life
of the building. |
A Community Effort
In an effort to promote "a transparent process and perception
of community ownership," TVS has offered its office as a venue
for showcasing the pre-construction process of the Southface
Eco-Office. To collaborate with the green building community,
TVS has invited Southface to make a presentation on the new
Southface commercial facility to the AIA Committee on the Environment,
the Atlanta Regional USGBC and the TVS staff.
TVS has always aimed to bring to the local Atlanta community
something that exceeds design and business excellence and client
satisfaction. Dedicating itself to adding value to the community,
TVS has partnered with the United Way, Habitat for Humanity
and Atlanta's Center for Puppetry Arts. In addition, TVS consulted
on the overall urban design plan for Atlanta's midtown district
and the Centennial Olympic Park area.
Three years ago, TVS wrote a sustainable business plan stating
the firm's goal to become leaders in sustainable design in
the Southeast and beyond. Through collaboration with progressive
organizations such as Southface, TVS is now well placed to
respond to commercial building industry demands for high performance,
energy efficient and sustainable buildings.
TVS has and will continue to support Southface. Both Henderson
and Bill Abballe, former American Institute of Architects (AIA)
Committee On the Environment chair and AIA Atlanta board member,
have expressed excitement about the Southface project. And
Southface is thrilled to have these two professionals' expertise
throughout the process of creating the Southface Eco-Office.
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| The Lord, Aeck & Sargent team
concentrates on the task at hand, designing Southface’s
new commercial building, during the full-day Greenprints
charrette. |
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"I'm ready for the new adventures
that will be a part of working on the Southface commercial
building, as with all Southface projects I know innovation
is encouraged and the process will be ever-evolving," -
Holley Henderson.
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