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Work in Progress

Lehrer is quick to caution against expecting perfection, however. "We did not try to paint a rosy picture of what the systems could do. In fact, it is interesting to note that the commissioning process assumes that the systems won't work properly the first time, but that adjustments will be required."

Giese agrees, noting that the challenge with the facility is that some design decisions are being worked out to this day. "Overall, I am satisfied and think the facility is aesthetically gorgeous, but the design of the HVAC system is complex and we're still figuring out operations of the building, the central plant, and the photovoltaics."

The Western Museum has already installed supplemental window shades to alleviate the intense summer heat gain felt in the east-facing entry passageway and open exhibit space — areas utilizing displacement ventilation and partially edged by curtain wall.

"Maintaining buildings like these is something that you must train the institution, not a single person, to do," notes Lehrer. "The protocol of the client must include maintenance staff as partners, and we, the design team, are still involved over a year after opening."

Rosenthal sums it up best: "If we are to build smart buildings — and we should — there must be an investment in education on how to run these buildings. Operating a LEED Platinum-certified building without instructions is similar to buying a million-dollar sailboat, then trying to sail to New Zealand with no training. It doesn't work."

At the end of the day, the building team views the LEED process in a positive light. Lehrer talks about how the LEED process nurtured and fostered a sustainable design process that was already created by a group of good, responsible designers. Giese cites the ability of LEED certification to draw visitors to a facility that can further educate them. Rosenthal sees the facility harvesting benefits in grant funding, prominence, and its place in history.

Meanwhile, the experience of visiting the complex results in this delightful discovery: Platinum design feels a lot like good design.

Leigh Christy is an architect and writer living in Los Angeles.

More information about the LEED credits earned by the Water + Life Museums is available in the project's LEED-NC Construction Application Review (PDF).

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SUBSCRIPTION SAMPLE The Water + Life Museums comprise the Western Center for Archaeology and Paleontology and the Center for Water Education. Photo: Tom Lamb Extra Large Image Geologic eras are marked on the loggia structure at the Western Center Museum. Photo: Benny Chan Extra Large Image SUBSCRIPTION SAMPLE At the Water + Life Museums, some 3,000 photovoltaic panels are capable of producing 540 kilowatts of electricity. Photo: Benny Chan Extra Large Image Floor plan drawing. Image: Lehrer Architects Extra Large Image Section drawing. Image: Lehrer Architects Extra Large Image Photo: Benny Chan Extra Large Image   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.