January 2, 2003

Design Detailings: NBBJ wins for Swedish Institute

NBBJ Swedish Cancer Institute brings the natural environment's healing benefits into this dense urban setting.

NBBJ's design of the addition and renovation to the Swedish Cancer Institute recently earned the firm Modern Healthcare's 2002 Award of Excellence.

"This award means a lot to many people here at the medical center and at NBBJ," said Dr. Albert Einstein Jr., executive director of the Swedish Cancer Institute. "From the beginning, the design process for this three-year project was very collaborative between our two organizations. Most impressive was NBBJ's quest for input and feedback from physicians, clinicians and even patients, and the firm's ability to implement these ideas into the design. Performing that daunting task successfully is a huge reason why this beautiful state-of-the-art cancer-care facility will meet everyone's needs well into the future."

"Engaging physicians and other medical caregivers, we were able to uncover why they chose healthcare as a profession and what they hoped to accomplish," said Richard Dallam, NBBJ partner-in-charge of healthcare design. "Our design for the Swedish Cancer Institute embodies their vision for how to conduct optimal care -- bringing the natural environment and its healing benefits into this dense urban setting."

FSi renovates Navy warehouse

FSi consulting engineers has teamed with Anthony Construction on a design-build project for the Navy in Everett. FSi is the prime consultant and lead mechanical engineer. The team was selected for a $5.5 million renovation of a 60,000-square-foot warehouse space into a shore intermediate maintenance facility. The project scope involves industrial ventilation for a shop area along with HVAC for offices and calibrations labs. Of particular design interest is the diesel engine test facility, which includes an engine exhaust system, diesel fuel system and cooling system for the engine and load test equipment.

The FSi team includes ECS for electrical engineering, Merritt+Pardini for architectural design and KPFF for civil and structural engineering.

FSi is a 15-person mechanical and fire protection engineering firm located in Seattle's Pioneer Square. Currently, FSi is designing projects for the Federal Aviation Administration, University of Washington, Tacoma School District, South Seattle Community College and the Seattle Housing Authority.

UW forum looks at eco design

The University of Washington College of Architecture and Urban Planning recently hosted an ecological design forum. Panelists, students and educators addressed the integration of ecological design into current design and construction practice.

Topics ranged from the psychological impacts of urban form to the understanding of how evolving technologies impact the character and function of our society. The discussion centered on the avenues of possibilities with which to achieve change in both academic and professional arenas. Jonathan Scherch, professor of Environment and Community at Antioch University, and Don Miller, professor of Urban Design and Planning at UW, participated.

"Despite disagreement in approach, everyone involved shared the motivation for a healthier, more sustainable environment," said Jesse Hager, who helped organize the UW Ecological Design Forum. "The perspectives of both the panelists and audience invited us all to think in terms broader than the focus of our own profession. Through collaboration and shared resources the potential for growth in this topic is exponential."

For information on future events, contact uwEcoDesign@yahoo.com.