|
Yale's Green Ark by Michael J. Crosbie Every so often, an exceptional work of architecture emerges from an opportune convergence of just the right client working with just the right team of architects, engineers, and consultants on a building that is just right for the times. Kroon Hall at Yale University is one of these exceptional works. The new home of the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies (F&ES), Kroon is a landmark in sustainable design and construction. What might be surprising to some is its relative lack of experimental systems. Designed by Hopkins Architects, the building is a textbook example of how to combine intelligent design, emphasizing environmental performance, with technology used in the correct measure to achieve superior building performance, while also expressing lasting beauty through natural materials. Kroon Hall's spaces are filled with daylight, its wood paneling is not only sustainable but also stunning to the eye, and its stonework recalls the timeless qualities of architecture built to last. The building is expected to receive a LEED Platinum rating. Dream Green Team The right client is an essential part of the equation. Yale has committed itself to building sustainably. In 2005, Yale President Richard Levin declared that the university would reduce its carbon footprint by 43 percent by 2020. All new university construction projects, at a minimum, are designed to be LEED Silver-certified. >>> Discuss this article in the Architecture Forum...
|
|
|
