We’re so pleased that Environmental Design + Construction is showcasing a recent William McDonough + Partners project in this feature article authored by our own Katherine Grove, AIA.
Here’s an excerpt:
How can a building project on a Washington, D.C., college campus embody the values of global peace and social justice embraced by those who work, learn and teach there? This core question guided the vision for the new home of the School of International Service at American University (AU).
A robust, diversely populated program, the School of International Service (SIS) is the largest school of international affairs in the U.S., yet until recently the program was housed in one of the smallest buildings at AU. Classes and office space were scattered throughout the campus; it was challenging for students, staff and faculty to gather or to identify positively with their built environment as a manifestation of their values. When the building committee assembled for the new project, these challenges were re-envisioned as part of a set of guiding principles for the design: promote peace through the support of non-violence; support humane labor practices; harmonize with the natural world; enhance human health; create opportunities for all people; and provide free access to information.
You can read the full article at this link.