Goody Clancy, a multi-disciplinary firm of architects, preservationists, planners and urban designers focused on the design of educational, civic, institutional and research facilities, recently celebrated the dedication of Griffin Hall Center for Informatics at Northern Kentucky University (NKU) in Highland Heights, Ky.
Informatics is the application of digital technology in a broad variety of fields and one of the fastest growing areas of inquiry in higher education. Griffin Hall is the new physical home of the College of Informatics and the centerpiece of Vision 2015, the northern Kentucky’s region’s 15-year strategic plan to bring together business and academia to strengthen the regional economy.
The driving force of the program is the emerging integration of digital and information technology throughout the curriculum at NKU. Recognizing that business informatics and medical informatics are changing the very nature of human interaction, the program called for extracting traditional areas of study from their distinct academic “silos” and aggregating them in a central crossroads on campus.
The sustainable building solution, built for approximately $255-sf, features innovative materials and intelligent building systems (IBS) that align with the mission of integration and collaboration. The project was designed utilizing BIM (Building Information Modeling) across the entire team to represent the design and construction process in on-going and real-time three-dimensional representation.
The George and Ellen Rieveschl Digitorium is the figural heart of Griffin Hall, comprising a two-story hall, embraced by the layered transparent skin of the Commons. The sweeping form acts as a forecourt to an L-shaped classroom and administrative wing. The Commons and the exterior of the Digitorium are illuminated by a dynamic assemblage of RGB LED lighting that is visible from the interior campus and west quad. On the interior, the digitorium can be transformed into a reception space, high technology classroom, digital movie theater, recital hall, computer simulation center (for gaming, security, finances and other simulations), distance learning center, or a place for many other performance and teaching experiences. Eight “digital opera boxes” surrounding the central core also function as small breakout rooms. They feature computational equipment that allows for active, simultaneous engagement with building events and simultaneous display from all eight opera boxes on the 13 foot x 25 foot microtile wall.
The project team included: Goody Clancy (Design Architect and Architect of Record) led by principal Rob Chandler, AIA, LEED and project manager Ray Urban, AIA, LEED; McGill Smith Punshon Inc. (Associate Architect and Civil Engineer); Turner Construction (General Contractor); KLH Engineers (Plumbing, Fire Protection and IT Engineer); Richmond So Engineers, Inc. (Structural Engineer); Cosentini Associates LLP (HVAC and Electrical Engineer); Vivian Llambi & Associates (Landscape Architect); Theatre Projects Consultants (Theatre/Performing Arts Consultant); Acentech (AV/Acoustical Consultant); and Vermeulens Cost Consultants (Cost Consultant). BD+C
Related Stories
| Apr 27, 2012
GreenExpo365.com to offer webinars on EPA’s WaterSense Program
Architects and builders interested in developing water-efficient buildings invited to attend free sessions featuring experts discussing water-efficient building practices.
| Apr 27, 2012
APA launches wood design web portal for building and design pros
Design professionals who are members of APA’s Professional Associates are automatically enrolled in the APA Designers Circle program.
| Apr 27, 2012
China Mobile selects Leo A Daly to design three buildings at its new HQ
LEO A DALY, in collaboration with Local Design Institute WDCE, wins competition to design Phase 2, Plot B, of Campus.
| Apr 27, 2012
CSM Group names Comerford as senior project manager
Comerford’s responsibilities include directing and verifying contract compliance by the trade contractors to ensure the owner’s expectations are met in respect to a quality finished project.
| Apr 27, 2012
Hampton Bays Middle School winner of the first National Green Ribbon Schools Program
School was the first LEED-certified public school in the state of New York.
| Apr 26, 2012
USGBC announces inaugural Green Apple Day of Service
On Sept. 29, 2012, participants from all over the world will volunteer to make the schools and campuses in their communities healthier and more sustainable.
| Apr 26, 2012
Gensler's Leiserowitz: Employs holistic philosophy to foster clients' creativity, comfort
Leiserowitz became regional managing principal in Chicago for San Francisco-based architecture and design giant Gensler a little more than a year ago.
| Apr 26, 2012
Blackney Hayes Architects launches new engineering division
The new division, BHH Engineers, will be led by Mark Hershman, PE.
| Apr 26, 2012
Energy efficiency requirements heighten the importance of proper protection for roofing systems
Now more than ever, a well-insulated and well protected roof is critical in new or renovated commercial buildings.
| Apr 26, 2012
Orange County, Fla. high school receives NAIOP “Public Development of the Year” award
School replacement designed by SchenkelShultz Architecture and constructed by Williams Co.
