CHALLENGES –
Convert a windowless, characterless 1974 vintage banquet hall into a corporate headquarters with a public hearing space
Demonstrate adaptive reuse opportunities in the existing facilities owned by IVDA/SBIAA
o Provide a sloped floor in the proposed Board Room without disturbing the CMU bearing walls or existing footings
o Provide a strong night time presence to the community
Design to include the following characteristics:
o Sophisticated and technologically advanced image to attract tenants and buyers to the properties represented by IVDA
o Echo the aeronautical mission of the client and demonstrate the frugal use of public funds
Invite and accommodate citizens to participate in the public hearing process
Provide a cheerful, professional, well illuminated work environment
Recall the proud history of the former Norton Air Force Base
SOLUTIONS –
Adaptive Reuse Opportunities
o The main entrance was reused but additional detail and frosted glass trim was used to add night time drama and a high-tech appearance.
o Frame and stucco architectural elements surrounding new windows were added to add relief and articulation to what otherwise was a plain CMU box.
o The challenge of introducing a sloping floor into the middle of the building for the Board room was met in the following manner:
The existing flat slab was preserved on both sides of the Board room in order to avoid disturbing the bearing wall footings. These flat slopes were then used as a means to gain disabled access to the dais without ramps or lifts.
o Heavy backed fabric wall covering was selected for its ability to span the existing CMU joints without further wall preparation.
o 95% of the original footprint was preserved and reused
o A construction waste management plan was incorporated which assured that 90% of construction waste was recycled
o Loading docks were adapted into shaded staff break areas
Sophistication and technical imagery were accomplished by:
o Subtle references to aeronautical images such as the classic wing shape reinforce the design theme
Citizen Participation
o Generous use of glass with a well illuminated lobby attracts visitors to the entrance
o A large window inline with the Board dais encourages people to observe the process
A professional and cheerful work environment was accomplished as follows:
o Light shelves were used where appropriate to bring the natural light further into the space
o Solatube skylights were placed in corridors to illuminate interior spaces where windows could not be introduced
o Where windows could not be introduced interior offices were enclosed with glass panels similar to shopping mall display windows. This introduced the natural light from the corridor and connected the office occupants with the activity of the building
Norton AFB History
o Upon entering the lobby visitors are greeted by a curved memory wall with illuminated art niches set in surface of blended brushed and polished aluminum. This wall offers display opportunities in a context of shapes and materials that recall the aviation heritage of Norton AFB.
o Historic artifacts from Norton AFB are displayed
