community
Building Assets on a Budget Weinstein A|U Architects + Urban Designers perfects durable design for community organizations
gbdmagazine.com
community Seattle, WA metro area population 3,407,848 note Seattle’s government has a devoted department, the Department of Neighborhoods, to encourage civic participation building on a hyper-local level news In 2010, Seattle’s City Council decided to make carbon neutrality a major priority; since then, it has hosted a number of events for experts and residents to establish the path toward carbon-neutral status needs Resolution is needed on issues of density surrounding light-rail stations. Some say there is not enough to take advantage of the transit investment; others argue higher densities will result in increased crime
Seattle-based design firm Weinstein A|U Architects + Urban Designers takes the art of community building seriously. Public and community building have made up a large portion of the firm’s work since architect Ed Weinstein established it in 1977. Jeff Boone, an associate with the firm, says that usually at least 25 percent of Weinstein A|U’s work is for various nonprofit organizations, although currently, that amount is closer to half. “Our firm enjoys doing community-based projects, and that lends itself to doing public work and not-for-profit projects. But we also see those opportunities in private projects, as they need to interact with the community and be a community asset,” Boone explains. The firm likes the challenge of getting the maximum out of a limited budget. Weinstein A|U’s first project for the Boys & Girls Club—the Seattle AIA Honor Award-winning EX3 Teen Center—was built for $170 per square foot.
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