The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona is the first LEED platinum building in that state. Building received gold-level certification in 2004 and Building B shown above received platinum, the highest environmentally friendly design recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council in 2006. There are only 40 platinum buildings in the United States.
At 175,000ft2, Building B has large glass facades and a central atrium skylight to bring in natural light on each level and to open up views of the Sonoran Desert garden. The transparency of materials contribute to the scientific research function by promoting co-activity and connection to nature, but also achieve a wonderful aesthetic. To achieve platinum rating, the building was constructed 15% from recycled materials, 60% of construction was was put to reuse, has a bioswale for greywater, it was located near a light-rail station, and elevator use was discouraged.A 167-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system is planned for the next building.
Gould Evans+Lord, Aeck & Sargent teamed up for this project. All four buildings of the complex are interconnected for a total of 800,000 ft.2.
