A 40,000 s.f. municipal service center for a city in the low desert is a headquarters for multiple city service departments, and includes administrative offices, vehicle maintenance facilities, and amenities for field crews and on-site staff.
Although the client did not require LEED certification, the project employs sustainable principles, making extensive use of natural lighting throughout and minimizing energy consumption. The main building’s form, massing, and detailing were manipulated to mitigate the negative impact of desert sun and increase the efficiency of HVAC and artificial lighting. Concrete masonry was used extensively for its durability and ease of maintenance.
A dramatic departure from the local design vernacular, the project boasts a contemporary materials palette and design sensibility, bringing a civic presence to a building type that is often dismissed as purely utilitarian. The project sets a progressive tone for future civic work in its region. |