New Engineering Complex at Washington University

from http://engineering.wustl.edu/NewEngineeringComplex.aspx

A new Engineering Complex is under construction at Washington University in St. Louis. Ariel, LLC is the design consultant for the project, and it looks like they have produced a collegiate gothic aesthetic based on the architectural heritage of the existing campus. One can only imagine the complexities involved in designing the project, which consists of several new large buildings arranged to form three courtyards.

As reported on the Wash. U. website, not only were the LEED certification requirements met for the project, but they were met at the highest level, LEED Platinum. It just goes to show that building sustainable architecture does not necessitate a technological aesthetic. After all, traditional architecture is intrinsically linked to sustainability because when our traditional styles were being developed centuries ago, people needed their buildings to perform for many, many years (the practice of demolishing a building after twenty years wasn't practical or econimical).

This project could pave the way for traditional architects working on institutional projects in the future by showing potential clients that they need not give up the aesthetic of their beloved campuses in the name of sustainability. Traditional styles of architecture always respond to their climates. Any good architect can design a building that responds to its site. With all of the modern building materials that have been added to the architect's palette, one wonders what style isn't possible with a reasonable budget (reasonable budget - meaning one that affords the construction of all of the requirements of the program).

Based on the elevations on the Wash. U. website and the anticipated LEED platinum acheivement, one can only imagine the number of possible awards that this project will garner.