Chronicle 36: Designing Healthier Office Spaces

THINK. DESIGN. PROCESS. 

Sustainable design also means healthier design - and healthier processes. Most of us spend over 1/3 of our lives inside office buildings. This makes the design of buildings and office space very important to our environment and our health. Creating healthier workplaces is a central part of Centric Design Studio's sustainable design strategy. The ways in which we use energy, and our choices of materials and processes, are the most effective way to reduce fossil fuel emissions and contaminants released from materials and processes.

Case Study for SpaceLab, Detroit, MI

Take a look inside one of our recent design projects. SpaceLab Detroit opened their doors for their first public grand opening June 8th, 2017. SpaceLab Detroit is a co-working office space in downtown Detroit area, conceived by husband and wife team, Bobby and Karen Burton. It is a state of the art, efficiently designed work space for today's entrepreneurs, architects, engineers, and construction service providers.

Natural Lighting
On this project, the south facing windows maximize the benefits of daylight from both the morning and evening sun. Sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D and is critical for facilitating vision and our bodies' ability to regulate hormones, which in turn keeps processes related to alertness, digestion, and sleep functioning properly.

Electric Lighting

Prioritizing around  natural light minimizes electricity usage, the largest source of carbon emissions. In addition, most of the lighting used in the space is LED, which uses energy more efficiently than traditional lighting and emits less heat. Motion sensors cause the lights to turn off when there is no movement in the room. Using less electricity helps us keep our environment healthier and adds up to big financial savings for the owner and tenant. 

Ventilation

Adding to the comfort level and energy efficiency of this space was a switch from steam heat to gas, allowing the occupants more control over temperature. The radiators were kept to maintain the character of the space, however, the duct work was reconfigured to facilitate the new system.

Use of Materials

Acoustical ceiling tiles are used in the offices for noise reduction. Environmentally-friendly materials were used for the carpeting, which also utilizes processes to maintain clean indoor air quality. Designer roller shades will give occupants maximum control over the amount of natural light to allow in, while also providing protection from UV light. 

Located in the heart of Detroit, SpaceLab is a model for the future of design and economic growth. Design challenges within the city's 2030 District consist of a delicate balance between maintaining buildings historical intellect while deploying healthy, sustainable, aesthetically pleasing key elements. All of this adds up to a reduction in fossil fuel energy use and costs. LED lighting also qualified the business owners for a sizable rebate from DTE Energy.  What is not to like about implementing sustainable design?

Chronicle 35:Making Big Changes One Global Footprint at a Time

Why is SUSTAINABLE DESIGN important to 

property owners and managers, developers, and building professionals?

It is because the buildings we occupy daily make up over 40% of the global demand for energy and materials that produce carbon emissions.
 
Due to the continuous high demand for material and energy consumption, as building professionals, our decisions have a big impact on our environment. Making our impact a positive one will require a conscious effort.

THINK SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

Thinking sustainable design, doesn't mean knowing everything about sustainability. It does mean that we make a conscious decision to try.

Commitment to Reduce Carbon Emission

Centric Design Studio - along with our partners, employees, and vendors - have made a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emitting energy, as part of our design process. We encourage other building professionals to join with us, in making the decision and commitment to replace fossil fuel energy consumption with carbon neutral energy consumption. There are numerous rewards to implementing sustainable design and processes. Mainly, by reducing fossil fuel emission, we will reduce - and may even reverse - climate change. Building professionals have the greatest potential to make a big impact.

The 2030 District is committed to reducing carbon emission to zero fossil fuel energy consumption by the year 2030. This sounds like a lofty goal but it is possible, one global footprint at a time.

As a Founding Partner in the 2030 District, along with the 2030 District Network, Centric Design Studio will continue to be a valuable resource for businesses in the city of Detroit. We help organizations and businesses by providing them with the information and tools they need to visualize and implement their plans and become more sustainable by design.

Centric Design Studio Commits as a Founding Partner

Chronicle 33: Sustainable Design At Centric Design Studio

When we started Centric Design Studio eight years ago, one of our goals was to be a sustainable design-focused architecture firm. We are located in the heart of Midtown Detroit and in 2017 our firm became a founding member of the Detroit 2030 District. We are committed to transforming buildings and interiors to a more sustainable and healthier design.

At Centric Design Studio, we listen carefully to you, your goals and mission, and what you hope to accomplish. We provide solutions on how to make the space work for you, utilizing a variety of methods such as energy assessment consultation services, 3D modeling, strategic planning and much more.

Take a look at our approach to sustainable design and what sustainability means for an urban area.

Chronicle 27: 5 "Sustainable Design Solutions"

TechTown|1st Floor Renovation Project

Designed by Centric Design Studio

By Saundra Little, AIA, LEED AP, NOMA
Principal - Architect

In this post we are presenting a Sustainable-Design Case Study. Centric Design Studio (CDS) begins each sustainability design journey often advising our clients to go after the “low hanging fruit” for energy efficiency and sustainable design solutions.   They are easy to explain, readily achieved, and, often reward you with a high ROI. 

5 simple steps in sustainable design in an urban context.

The open floor plan at TechTown's Junction 440, designed by Centric Design Studio and engineered by Ghafari Associates, was specifically created in collaboration with Patrick Thompson Design to use fewer construction materials than traditional private office design. (the original floor plan layout was very traditional in plan) The design not only reduces resource use, but also allows for increased collaboration in an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere.  

Now, windows border the entire space, allowing natural light to penetrate deep into the office, reducing the need for unnecessary energy use. (BIM Daylighting studies were completed by the design team)  We reused the sound insulation material for the new conference rooms and event center. Existing lighting fixtures were reused in new "X" configuration for surprising design element.

5 Sustainable Solutions used on the TechTown 1st Floor Renovation Project:

1. Material Re-Use + Recycled Content in Materials - Reuse of 
2. LED Lighting and Retro Fit to LED Lighting
3. Daylighting
4. Energy Efficiency Controls
5. Walkable City Principals - Bike Rack in Coworking Space

Take a look at our slideshare of our 5 "sustainable solutions"..........

5 Sustainable Solutions at TechTown - Green Design Approach from Centric Design Studio

Chronicle 26: 2014 Detroit Policy Conference

By Saundra Little, AIA, LEED AP, NOMA

Centric Design Studio's Principal Saundra Little on 2014 Detroit Policy Conference Panel Discussion

"Partnering for Success: Small Business Resources in the D"

Entrepreneurs Highlighted Small Business Resources in Detroit the During Detroit Policy Conference - A Detroit Regional Chamber Event

Accessing business resources and support programs can be the difference between success and failure for start-ups; as obstacles to growth, such as lack of capital, exist in every economic climate or city. This panel of entrepreneurs shed their experience and light on the organizations and assets available to help small businesses overcome challenges and thrive in Detroit.

Panel:
Elias Khalil, Owner and General Manager, La Feria – Spanish Tapas Restaurant
Saundra Little, Founding Partner, Centric Design Studio
Tammy Tedesco, President and CEO, Edibles Rex
Espy Thomas, Owner, Sweet Potato Sensations


Moderator: Evette Hollins, Urban Initiatives Manager, Detroit Regional Chamber

Chronicle 24: Book Review - 'Make Space'

By Saundra Little, AIA, LEED AP, NOMA

"Collaborative Spaces"

At last year's AIA 2012 Conference in Washington DC we add a new book to the Centric Design Studio library -it is called ‘Make Space‘ by Scott Doorley & Scott Witthoft.

'Make Space' is designed as a tool for helping people intentionally manipulate space to ignite creativity. This book is full of ideas on making a great working space.  

Make Space breaks down content into 5 buckets:

Tools—tips on how to build everything from furniture, to wall-treatments, and rigging

Situations—scenarios, and layouts for sparking creative activities

Insights—bite-sized lessons designed to shortcut your learning curve

Space Studies—candid stories with lessons on creating spaces for making, learning, imagining, and connecting

Design Template—a framework for understanding, planning, and building collaborative environments

Centric Design Studio used one technique from the book on our work with TechTown's new Co-working space Junction 440 called Situation_Hiding space on page 132. Hiding places offer a crucial respite from an open, collaborative environment. Few offices have legitimate hiding places; if your space lacks one, people will go elsewhere to find it.

Take a look at this great video from the author's using space for a cover shoot - a graphic element- "a book cover". (A+G)

This book gets two "Thumbs Up" from Centric Design Studio!

Chronicle 19 - Earth Day!

By Damon Thomas - Design Director, LEED AP, NOMA

It’s Earth Day everyone!  I turned on the news as I got ready for work this morning and noticed all the segments on how we all can adopt greener or sustainable habits to protect Mother Earth.  After my busy day, I decided to share with everyone some of Centric Design Studio’s Green Practices.

Here at Centric Design Studio (CDS) we practice Architecture.  On top of that much of our architecture work requires a LOT of graphic design, so we do a LOT of printing.  We make it a habit to purchase paper that is at least 10% recycled and/or registered with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) which sets standards & guidelines in forest management toward sustainable outcomes. We also try to print on both sides of the sheet when possible.

We are conscious about electrical usage.  Our office in Detroit, MI doesn’t get as many sunny days as some other states like California, but most days have enough sunlight for us to work up to 4 hours on natural sunlight.  Some time around 1pm - 2pm, the natural light starts producing a lot of glare so we then draw the shades and turn on the lights.

Here at CDS we recycle too.  I personally drink a lot of water (so does Saundra).  Our coffee maker uses a lot of water too.  So we collect a lot of bottles which we recycle in our office.  The cool thing about the building we work in (a place called TechTown) is that they are conscious about recycling as well, and we are more than happy to chip in recyclables in their bins.

Last but not least, we made an effort as a company to become LEED Accredited Professionals.  This means we are qualified to assist you in making your building more sustainable through the LEED standards.  LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.  This is a rating or point system created by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) as a standard for rating how sustainable a building is.  We can consult and be a technical resource for a company, building owner or developer and inform them on energy and operating efficiency.  Did you know DTE Energy has an Energy Efficiency Program for Business that can cover retro-fits, major renovation & new construction?  We are currently assisting TechTown with this program to see if their 1^st floor renovation qualifies.

There is always more that can be done but even if you change one habit to be sustainable you are making a positive impact.  Happy Earth Day everyone.  Thanks for reading.

Damon Thomas