Industry News

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation completed construction in December 2000 on its new 32,000-sf headquarters and earned the U.S. Green Building Council’s highest “platinum” rating. Some of the building’s environmentally-friendly energy efficient features include rooftop rainwater cisterns, photovoltaic solar panels, composting toilets, energy-efficient insulation, a shading system, and a ground source heat pump. Construction costs ran approximately $199 per sf, which would have been about $150 per sf without the green technologies. J.

Applied Materials, based in Santa Clara, Calif., has plans for a 300,000-sf manufacturing center at its Austin campus. The new structure will produce 300mm wafer fabrication equipment. There are currently only one or two plants in the world that produce equipment to manufacture the larger diameter 300mm wafers. The company is requesting qualifications from design and construction firms.

SEI Investments Co. is adding 140,000 sf to its physical plant at its 92-acre campus in Oaks, connecting the new space by covered walkways to the existing two-story structures. The $26-million expansion will accommodate reception space for clients, provide room to expand, and reduce the company’s outside lease obligations. Two new garages will accommodate over 1,000 vehicles. Completion is anticipated in March 2002.

Trevecca Nazarene University dedicated its new $10.5 million Waggoner Library and Center for Instructional Technology in November 2000. The three-story, 61,489-sf facility was designed by Earl Swensson Associates (ESa) of Nashville. ESa also served as interior designer for the library. The periodicals and rotunda areas, which serve as the building's main gathering space, are also designed to accommodate hosted receptions. The grand reading room housing stacks and tables is bathed in natural light. The MBA lecture room features tiered seating for 80.

The Indian School of Business is under construction in Hyderabad, the "Silicon Valley" of India. The campus encompasses 660,000 sf and is located on 250 acres. Each classroom will be fully wired, with a computer and video conferencing capability at each desk. The communications network will be set up to ensure instant global connectivity. The school will accommodate a large number of formal and informal break-out space. John Portman & Associates designed the school, which will be the first fully air conditioned school in India.