Design Values: Respect

How does the building connect to, live with and respect its surroundings?

Some people call this sustainability. We think it’s more than that. As architects we acknowledge that we’re part of an immense, interconnected web. No action or structure exists in isolation. This understanding makes our work relevant to people who use our buildings and to those who experience the work as passers-by. Creating design that relates to its environment is our focus. If the project sits in a dense urban setting, we want to connect to that built system in a lively and vital way. If it sits in pristine natural wilderness, we take our cues from that venue in a completely different way. We accomplish this by including our consulting team in a vigorous dialogue, exploring the interconnected web of elements we need to consider in the design process.

Example: Seminar II, The Evergreen State College

An integrated design approach led to series of breakthroughs for this project. One of the mechanical engineers, for example, suggested vertically stacking academic spaces to make it a more efficient building. We quickly warmed to that idea and further embraced the way this design would foster a sense of unity and identity for yearlong interdisciplinary programs. That idea became a central organizing principle for the five building clusters. In addition to creating a sense of intimacy inside the buildings, the siting strategy reinforces connections to the forest with structures reaching into the tree canopy. Sitting elegantly in this quiet place with simple materials, such as concrete, wood and steel, Seminar II supports the strong architectural style of the existing campus while bringing to life The Evergreen State College’s environmental values.