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For example, Gulatee noted, an accessibility code might specify a lever handle for a particular door, which works well for most people. But a universal-designer might ask, "What about the person carrying two bags of groceries?" The solution might be as simple as providing a counter or bench beside the door, or as technologically futuristic as front doors with keyless locks that open automatically upon approach of the dwelling's occupant.

In designing the LifeCare Center in Lincolnshire, Illinois, Gulatee created a highly accessible mixed-use center by renovating an old warehouse to house offices, job-training classrooms, and a church to serve the special-needs community in that area. Now he is partnering with the organization Protected Tomorrows on the Gateway to Learning building renovation in northwestern Chicago, which will include a school for special-needs students, congregate housing for those students, a bakery outlet for job training, and a community bank accessible to special-needs customers.

Another creative renovation discussed was Harvard University's Blackstone Station adaptive reuse project, the highest scoring LEED-certified renovation project to date and the oldest building to earn the Platinum certification. The outbuildings of the 19th-century coal-fired electricity plant were converted into offices and workshops.

The thermal performance of the existing brick walls was improved by insulating with a low-density foam, and creative planning combined three buildings into one, thus internalizing large areas of former exterior exposure. Mechanical air-handling was reduced to an absolute minimum in favor of user-operable windows. Heating and cooling are provided by ceiling-mounted valance units (radiation only) that circulate either hot water from an adjacent steam plant or water chilled by onsite geothermal wells.

Lee Cott, FAIA, of Bruner/Cott & Associates, explained that the large amounts of excavated soil, rather than being shipped offsite, were creatively molded into playful landscaped mounds that also capture and filter runoff for direct channeling to the Charles River. More than 99 percent of the materials removed during construction were recycled or reused. Even interior furnishings were refurbished and reused.

The owner's surprised reaction upon moving into the newly finished facility? "No smell!" — that dreaded trademark of VOC emissions in new installations. It was apparent that a highly evolved sense of partnership and cooperation between owner, architect, and builder took place to create an impressive estimated life cycle savings of 40 percent over a traditional building process.

Some architects are going further than ever in incorporating renewable energy sources into their work. In his seminar "Toward Zero and Beyond," Steven J. Strong of Solar Design Associates said that his success formula for reducing building energy use has always been "Efficiency, efficiency, efficiency, conservation, then renewables."

But as the price of oil increases, renewable energy sources such as solar and wind are becoming increasingly attractive from a long-range economic point of view. The energy conversion rate of the typical solar collector has steadily increased over the last 25 years from seven percent to about 17 percent, while the cost of a typical unit has been reduced by a factor of four.

While most people probably associate solar energy with the stereotypical image of tilted roof panels, Strong is finding increasing utility in "electric glass," which integrates photovoltaic cells into panes of clear glass that may be used like ordinary building glazing. Thus, the glass wall of a lobby atrium, such the one at the University of Oregon Lillis Business Complex, can be a giant solar collector.

The impetus for creating zero-energy-use installations is coming from surprising directions. The oil and energy giant BP asked Solar Design Associates to help build solar-powered gas stations for BP, Arco, and Arnoco service stations.

The resulting photovoltaic glass canopy coverings protected motorists as well as collecting solar energy. The service stations' need for artificial light was also reduced so much that the surplus energy could be banked for use in electric-car charging stations. Now involving some 250 gas stations across the United States and in 16 international locations, this project is reportedly the largest deployment of photovoltaics ever undertaken.

These examples and many other seminars, exhibits, symposia, and vendors at Build Boston reinforced the sense that strong winds of change are blowing through the building professions.

Build Boston was held November 13-15, 2007, at the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston, Massachusetts.

Evan H. Shu, FAIA is an architect with Shu Associates Inc. in Melrose, Massachusetts. He is a contributor to The Architect's Handbook of Professional Practice and is publisher and editor of Cheap Tricks, a monthly newsletter for DataCAD users and computer-using architects.

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Plan drawing of the Gateway Center designed by LifeCare Design Studio, from early in the design process. Image: Courtesy LifeCare Design Studio Extra Large Image Bruner/Cott & Associates designed renovations for Harvard University's Blackstone Station, now the oldest building to earn a LEED Platinum certification to date. Photo: Richard Mandelkorn Photography Excavated soil was reused onsite at the renovated Blackstone Station to create playful landscaping mounds that filter stormwater runoff. Photo: Harvard University Extra Large Image The atrium facade of the University of Oregon Business School Complex uses "electric glass" as a solar collector. Photo: Courtesy Solar Design Associates University of Oregon Lillis Business Complex main entry atrium at night. Photo: Courtesy Solar Design Associates Extra Large Image The Cube at the Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana, California, was the largest application of building-integrated photovoltaics in the United States, thanks to great support from the local electrians union. Photo: Courtesy Solar Design Associates Extra Large Image The Cube at the Discovery Science Center incorporates advanced photovolaic panels designed by Solar Design Associates. Photo: Courtesy Solar Design Associates Extra Large Image The Massachusetts Maritime Academy uses both solar energy — a steady source, but only during daylight hours — and wind energy — a variable source, but available around the clock. Photo: Courtesy Solar Design Associates   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.