New libraries aren’t built every day, especially when there’s one already serving the community. But the influx of new immigrants into Toronto’s post-war Rexdale suburb prompted the city’s progressive, neighborhood-focused public library authority to replace it with a more enticing, comprehensive, and service-minded version. “Providing services to immigrants was a design and program priority, a ‘welcome mat’ for the community,” explains Andrew Frontini, Principal of Perkins + Will Toronto and architect of the project.The main challenge for the local office of Perkins+Will was to bring natural light into the tight, square form dictated by t

Advances

Glass Walls/Partitions

Easy, Smooth Operation

ADA-compliant, with an acoustic Sound Transmission Class of 45, AcoustiFOLD sliding doors support larger opening sizes and space management. With only 15/16 in. of exposed track, the doors deliver a seamless transitions between spaces.

Case Study

Lighting & Controls

A Long Way from Metal Halide

Another outstanding project from this year’s batch of IALD awards was the lighting design for the Scottish Parliament Debating Chamber in Edinburgh. By KSLD | EFLA Lighting Design, the soft light from new bespoke led fixtures lends a healthy glow to parliamentarians. Judges called these fixtures a “technically brilliant solution” as how to light a room that functions effectively as a TV studio and an accessible public space.The first step was eliminating the old metal-halide lights as they were expensive, difficult to maintain and obsolete. New HDTV cameras require upgraded lighting to meet broadcasting standards. With a mere six weeks to develop and install the lighti

Advances

Plumbing Fixtures

Sloan and GOJO's New Creation

Joining forces, Sloan has partnered with GOJO Industries, inventor of the Purell hand sanitizer, to create matching faucets and soap dispensers offering the same style, performance and durability, thereby creating the ideal on-deck experience. Seven soap dispenser designs feature GOJO foam soap and coupled with Sloan’s faucets, the combined unit is ideal for commercial restrooms such as airports, schools and office buildings. Select soap dispensers are available in Sloan’s special finishes, including polished brass, brushed nickel and brushed stainless, in addition to the standard chrome finish.

Case Study

Solar Control/Sun Shading

Sun Shades Help Define CTC’s Building Envelope

The Dan Dipert Career + Technical Center (CTC) is creating a world of opportunity for teenagers in Arlington, Texas. Offering 36 different trade certifications and 18 career pathways, the CTC gives local high school juniors and seniors a chance to tackle their career or college path before they graduate high school. From a precision manufacturing shop where students learn how to cut metal for gears and machine parts to a kitchen for culinary arts, the 169,800-sq.-ft. facility serves as many as 2000 students every day who split time between CTC and their home high school. The building was built with flexible infrastructure so the classrooms can be transformed as new trades emerge, and equipme

Case Study

Exterior Panels/Cladding

Customization and Cost Savings

Metal wall panels save money and add interest at the University of Texas. The University of Texas at Tyler created plans to add a STEM and business building to its expanding campus to attract students from across the country. The original specification called for aluminum composite material (ACM) to match metal wall panels on the College of Pharmacy Building. However, the construction team was looking for an alternative to save money and speed up installation. Additionally, the design team was not willing to compromise on design, so they wanted a system which could expand their creative possibilities. The team was also looking for alternatives for the wood soffit. They needed something

AP ProductWire

July 29, 2020 by Jim Crockett

Traversing the Slippery Slope

As we approach August, the latest news on the COVID front is shifting to the debate and preparation involved in the re-opening of schools, particularly in the wake of several states suffering daily case increase setbacks in the wake of perhaps re-opening for business too soon. Unquestionably, this is, and will remain, a slippery slope as we try to function in this COVID-constrained world. The July-August issue of Architectural Products continues our ongoing coverage of the situation, including what’s happening in healthcare settings. In the interim, following are a few products helping businesses and public places adapt to this ongoing disruption of our lives.

Advances

Windows/Skylights

High Performing and Versatile

Graham Architectural Products’ newest system, the GT6 Window System, is a series of casement, projected and fixed windows with the ability to match sightlines in a variety of frame depths and thermal efficiencies. Available in three glazing profile options—beveled, concave and flat—all models incorporate advanced thermal strut technology for optimum thermal efficiency and low U-values.

Case Study

Lighting & Controls

Going Off the Grid in the Rockies

Lighting fixtures match mountain complex’ power and aesthetic needs. Identify energy-efficient lighting fixtures that would suit the plans of officials at the Headwaters Center in Winter Park, Colo., to get off the grid. The center, a “first of its kind” facility, is a nonprofit hub for mountain entertainment, events, higher education and water education. Peter and Lucy Van Dusen of Peter Van Dusen Project Management and Design provided the architectural creativity behind the highly innovative project.Sustainability was their main focus, as they wished to use materials from the past and incorporate an energy system of the future. For example, since it was to be an “of

Case Study

Site Furnishings

Golden State Warriors' Swanky New Digs

More than a world-class basketball arena, Chase Center is also a world-class entertainment venue. The Golden State Warriors are playing its 2019-20 season in a new home, a $1.4 billion privately funded complex located in the Mission Bay neighborhood of San Francisco. Chase Center includes 3.2 acres of exterior public space that is part of Thrive City, a joint venture between the Warriors organization and health system Kaiser Permanente to promote health and wellness across the city and further activate the evolving Mission Bay district. SWA Group’s San Francisco office was charged with designing a space that would accommodate community events and still allow 18,000 people to

Architectural Products

A ‘Welcome Mat’ for the Community

Read the Digital Edition

Jul/Aug ’20

Easy, Smooth Operation

A Long Way from Metal Halide

Sloan and GOJO's New Creation

Sun Shades Help Define CTC’s Building Envelope

Customization and Cost Savings

AP ProductWire

Traversing the Slippery Slope

High Performing and Versatile

Going Off the Grid in the Rockies

Golden State Warriors' Swanky New Digs