Tempe, Transportation Center
19 september 2019
Project: Tempe, Transportation Center, Arizona, USA
Architects: Otak - Lake Oswego, Ore. & Architekton - Tempe, Ariz
Fabricator: Elward Systems Corp. Lakewood, Colo.
Construction: Route and Return
Year of Construction: 2008
Product: ALUCOBOND®, Spectra Green & Platinum
TAKING THE LEED
Designed by Otak and Architekton, the building with a surface of 3700 m² offers various services for rail and bus riders, cyclists, and pedestrians. Moreover, with its LEED Platinum certification, the mixed-use facility is an exemple of sustainable design. Figuring out how to accommodate a steady stream of buses — approximately 300 a day — in a relatively tight space was “the first piece of the puzzle,” explains Ron Dean, an architect with Otak. The design team stretched a 15 meter wide, curved driveway, lined by 13 bus shelters, across nearly the entire width of the 2.7-acre, triangular site. Edging the western portion of the site is a three-story, steelframed box. Its design is sensible and straightforward. Tucked farther back, however, is a 2000 m² wing that was envisioned as “an expressive, sculptural counterpoint,” describes John Kane, Architekton design principal. Its faceted roof is made of ALUCOBOND® panels that appear gold in the morning and sage green in the afternoon. „The Spectra Green panels helped to create an active form in the plaza,“ he said. At night, the “Origami Garden” designed by artist Lorna Jordan, glows brightly and enlivens the center. During the day, the deeply shaded plaza provides refuge from the scorching summer heat. Sustainable strategies were incorporated in all aspects of the project from the public transportation site itself to the development of the innovative storm-water retention and re-use system and a 52 percent energy optimization in the building. Recycled content was required in building materials, and construction waste was reduced by 90 percent. “ALUCOBOND® didn’t require maintenance, offered finish longevity and wouldn’t have to be replaced,” said Kane. “This material offered recycled aluminum content and proven durability in our climate.”