Architects
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Giants to be solar powered. F rom the Coliseum to the Chrysler Building, from the Taj Mahal to the Vatican, from Sydney’s Opera House to the Rockefeller Center, every period in history has had its architectural giants. And every period has seen radical changes in building design. As the world seeks sustainability, this century will be recognized as the era that ushered in environmentally-responsible, “green” architecture. According to world renowned architect Bill McDonough*, the architectural giants of this century, “the ones that will be well-regarded for generations to come, will be solar-powered in some way...” Our beliefs shape the way we build. Throughout time, commonly held beliefs have shaped our buildings and communities, and architects have long known that their work has an important influence on the working and living environment of everyone who comes in contact with their edifices. Today, however, this responsibility has become even more complex. In addition to being authorities on building systems, design aesthetics, space planning and code requirements, architects must also balance the needs of their clients, with the needs of the community, with the growing public demand for corporate environmental responsibility – all within budget realities. Why people won’t do what’s right. For many architects, convincing clients to include renewable technology as an energy source can be a very tough sell. Dave Stafford is an architect and partner with enVision Design Inc. (formerly known as Thurston Design Group LLP), the firm that designed the two, identical Rapid City Community Centers (West and South) featured herein. Dave Stafford is also a member of the Washington based NCARB Sustainable Design Task Force, and knows that resistance to solar and other renewables can be stiff: “We believe in responsible design. Sustainable, green architecture is a hallmark for the firm and wherever possible we try to get clients to include as much ‘green’ as can be included within their budget. But clients are afraid it’s going to cost them a fortune, that it won’t be appropriate, or that it won’t look good aesthetically. There are all kinds of reasons why people don’t do what’s good for them.” Fortunately, SolarWall® solutions are cost effective, made from standard building materials (aluminum or steel), easy to include and virtually maintenance free, making it easier to persuade a hesitant client to incorporate renewable energy sources in their building’s design (new or retrofit). As an added bonus, the inclusion of SolarWall systems also help buildings qualify for up to six LEED points, which can mean attaining the next level of LEED certification. “Like free gas for your car.” SolarWall systems have now been used on hundreds of architectural projects around the world, with a consistent track record of rapid payback and on-going energy cost savings, which can be very helpful when working with a client with an eye on the bottom line. Financial savings are among the benefits the two Rapid City Community Centers are reaping from the decision to include a SolarWall heating system in their plans. Says Dave Stafford, “We were able to include the SolarWall panels that would pre-heat the make-up air without spending any ARCHITECTS *Among his many awards, prizes and other honors, William McDonough received “three U.S. presidential awards: the Presidential Award for Sustainable Development (1996), the National Design Award (2004) and the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award (2003)”.

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