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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Feature Projects
Modern Marvel
The iconic Caesars Superdome challenges engineers during improvements to enhance the fan experience.
Peruse innovative sports facilities from across the U.S.:
• CFG Bank Arena, Baltimore
• Nile Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, Iowa
• DraftKings Sportsbook, Wrigley Field, Chicago
• The Valley Club, Hailey, Idaho
• Town of Fishkill Recreation Building, New York
• Shell Energy Stadium, Houston
COVER PHOTO : Thornton Tomasetti
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 38
COMPONENT
34 Changing Spaces
Universal changing tables meet the needs of millions of Americans.
A former industrial space in Meridian, Idaho, is transformed into a premium pickleball venue. MARCH-APRIL 2025 / /
TRANSFORMATION
38 A Place of Healing
Vacant retail space near Rochester, N.Y., meets the region’s rising demand for outpatient surgery, therapy and performance training.
COLUMN
12 Point of View
In a world where so many outside forces drive people apart, sports has a way of bringing us together.
TRANSFORMATION
44 Game Changer
DEPARTMENTS
TRANSFORMATION
50 Home Run Renovation
The famous Durham Bulls ballpark facilities in North Carolina are upgraded for the future of sports with the environment in mind.
56 Build to Restore
Regenerative design offers an inspiring vision for the built environment of tomorrow.
60 Products // View a roundup of the latest materials and systems for the industry.
66 Inspiration // A vision plan enhances an Austin, Texas, public park’s recreational heart and cultural soul.
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NATHAN M. GILLETTE AIA, LEED AP, REALTOR Director, Natura Architectural Consulting LLC, Grand Rapids, Mich.
JOHN J. NOONAN Vice President of Facilities Management Duke University, Durham, N.C
WILLIAM E. HOLLOWAY AIA, LEED AP Principal, BERNARDON, Wilmington, Del.
MICHAEL P. WASHBURN, Ph.D. Principal, Washburn Consulting, Scottsdale, Ariz.
RETROFIT // Vol. 16 // No. 2 is published bimonthly by Fisher Media LLC, 98 Booth Meadow Lane, Durham, NC 27713, (919) 641-6321. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to retrofit, 2409 High Point Drive, Lindenhurst, IL 60046. TO SUBSCRIBE or make subscription changes, visit www.retrofitmagazine.com, and click on the “Subscribe” button, or email lyn@retrofitmagazine.com.
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A Passion for Sports
In a world where so many outside forces drive people apart, sports has a way of bringing us together. For example, when I moved to Chicago from Iowa in my early 20s, my new co-workers immediately asked whether I was a Cubs fan or Sox fan. I was not a baseball fan and hadn’t even considered following the sport. In Chicago, however, picking a side in baseball is practically a requirement for living there—and, having just moved, I wanted friends!
I decided to choose “my team” in a scientific way: by attending Cubs and Sox games. I ultimately became a Chicago White Sox fan. (If you’d like to know why I chose the Sox over the Cubs, feel free to email me at christina@retrofitmagazine.com.)
My allegiance to the White Sox served me well for the 14 years I lived in Chicago. Over the years, I had Cubs friends but found myself gravitating toward Sox fans; we seemed to have more in common. I spent countless hours enjoying Chicago-style hot dogs while cheering on my team at the Cell. My memories of the 2005 World Series-winning team are some of my most cherished from Chicago. I became a baseball fan during those years, and I’m grateful for that peer pressure to pick a team. I still can talk about baseball to anyone (even if the Sox are difficult to watch these days).
Now, I live in Nebraska where the Huskers are the team of choice and my husband and I find ourselves on the receiving end of some harsh ribbing from our neighbors as native Iowa Hawkeyes (me) and Iowa State Cyclones (him) fans. Even our 7-year-old daughter has abandoned us for the Huskers! Despite the taunting, talking football is one way we have gotten to know our neighbors better. Fortunately, our kids playing with each other has helped keep the trash talk friendly (mostly).
In this issue of retrofit, we highlight the love of the game through projects that enhance the fan experience. The iconic Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, which is our “Cover Story”, recently hosted Super Bowl LIX. Before the big game, Thornton Tomasetti carried out a phased capital improvement project, which improved accessibility and guest circulation. A major component was carving out space for more ADA seating and connecting the concourses to the bowl. Learn how executing this project was no small feat on page 16.
Meanwhile, I couldn’t help but include my beloved Hawkeyes in this issue; see Nile Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, Iowa, on page 28. Built during 1928-29, the historic stadium underwent concrete/masonry restoration and waterproofing. Most U.S. sports stadiums and arenas are made of reinforced and precast concrete with steel seating supports and railings. Their openness and vulnerability to the elements—in addition to the wear and tear they receive from fans—make the repairs Kinnick Stadium endured a regular requirement.
You may have already guessed I plan to hand out copies of this issue to all my Huskers neighbors while reminding them that Iowa beat Nebraska in November 2024, 13-10. Go Hawks!
CHRISTINA KOCH
Associate Publisher/Editorial Director
retrofit
Publisher John Riester and his daughter, Sheley Riester, enjoyed seeing the Caesars Superdome’s completed renovations during Super Bowl LIX. Read the story about the Superdome’s updates on page 16.
HVAC renovation projects have the potential to significantly improve occupant comfort and indoor air quality while delivering substantial energy savings. At Belimo, our decades of retrofit experience along with the reliability and performance of our products make us the ideal partner for customers ready to make simple adjustments to realize immediate results, upgrade with today’s technology, or replace their entire HVAC system.
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Mark Johnson (left), P.E., P.Eng, LEED AP, is associate principal and Eric Grusenmeyer, P.E., is senior associate with Thornton Tomasetti. The pair, which has more than 35 years’ combined experience in structural engineering, write about the iconic Caesars Superdome in New Orleans for our “Cover Story”, page 16. Fans at the recent Super Bowl LIX likely noticed the stadium’s improvements to accessibility and circulation, which were challenging to the engineers.
Jennifer Corcoran (left) and Kim Kirkwood are founders of the Inspired Access Foundation, working daily to improve the lives of those with disabilities. As part of their involvement with the Changing Spaces Campaign, they write about adjustable-height universal changing tables, a quick, easy, and affordable way to make buildings and other venues more accessible for all. Read “Component”, page 34.
Robert Goodwin, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C, is design principal with Perkins&Will. Goodwin’s work has a strong emphasis on the integration of space, light and nature as seen in “Transformation”, page 38. Goodwin and team transformed the site of a former Sears department store into the University of Rochester Medical Center’s Saunders Center for Orthopaedics and Physical Performance.
Jill Lee, IIDA, NCIDQ, WELL AP, LFA, is an interior designer and Josh Shiverick, NCARB, is a project manager with Cushing Terrell. Lee and Shiverick are passionate about buildings’ influence on how we live, including how we play, and share the story of The Flying Pickle in Meridian, Idaho. Profiled in “Transformation”, page 44, the former warehouse turned pickleball venue offers a great playing experience while fostering community.
As vice president of Skanska USA Building’s Durham, N.C., office, Beth Sayman, LEED AP, has managed a portfolio worth more than $1.2 billion in high-profile projects, including the recent $10 million project for the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. The upgrades to the Triple-A baseball stadium, constructed in 1995 to match its surrounding former tobacco warehouses, consider the future of sports and the environment. Read the story in “Transformation”, page 50.
Modern Marvel
The Iconic Caesars Superdome Challenges Engineers During Improvements to Enhance the Fan Experience
By Mark Johnson, P.E., P.Eng, LEED AP, and Eric Grusenmeyer, P.E.
The Caesars Superdome is not only a New Orleans landmark, but one of the most iconic sports venues in the world. It has hosted more Super Bowls—including Super Bowl LIX this past February—than any other venue and been host to a number of high-profile concerts and sporting events during its 50-year history.
Caesars Superdome recently underwent a large-scale, phased capital improvement project, which was designed to enhance the fan experience, improve accessibility and guest circulation, and meet code compliance. It will also help prolong the venue’s longevity, safety and prominence for years to come.
A Multifaceted Project
Home to the New Orleans Saints National Football League team, Caesars Superdome was built in 1975. Designed by architects Curtis & Davis in the Modernist style, the 2-millionsquare-foot venue features a 680-foot diameter dome, one of the largest fixed domes in the world.
Carrying out capital improvements to this local icon as a retrofit offered several benefits. Environmentally, it conserved resources, reduced waste and minimized disruption to the surrounding communities by upgrading the existing structure
PHOTOS: Thornton Tomasetti unless otherwise noted
PHOTO: Timothy Hursley
To create the new super vomitories, Thornton Tomasetti reinforced existing members and added new ones to revise the truss layout from which the lower concourse is hung with steel hangers.
rather than building a new one. Economically, it was more cost-effective and allowed the stadium to remain operational during phased renovations. Much of the work was done during the Saints offseasons and, by remaining in use, it supported continued employment and increased opportunities for revenue generation. By hosting major events, such as NFL games, NCAA Final Four tournaments, concerts and other large gatherings, the venue maintained a steady stream of revenue with minimal disruption to its schedule.
The renovation was split into five phases and numerous “mini projects”, starting in 2019 and reaching completion in 2024. This multifaceted project required careful planning during demolition and reconstruction to enhance functionality and capacity.
Elements introduced during the renovations were three corner and two sideline atria; super vomitories; standing-room-only decks; End Zone Club; expanded concourses and concessions; 16 new elevators, as well as new escalators and egress stairs; auxiliary and away team locker rooms; and commissary and electrical substation support.
DURING
Super Vomitories
A major component of the upgrade was to enhance ADA accessibility. Previously, smaller vomitories were spread evenly around the seating bowl. (A vomitory is a connection between a concourse and a seating bowl that allows efficient access for patrons entering and exiting the stadium seating area.) The continuous bowl presented a significant challenge; the precast tread riser units formed an unbroken circle with small vomitories at regular intervals. To carve out space for ADA seating and connect the concourses to the bowl, Trahan Architects and engineers at Thornton Tomasetti found a solution in super vomitories, large, wide openings that transform sections of the bowl into expansive vomitories. The design of these super vomitories at concourse levels 200 and 500 not only provided additional ADA seating, but also enhanced the overall game-day experience by connecting the concourse to the seating bowl, giving fans unobstructed views of the action and scoreboard.
Executing this vision was no small feat. The existing structure supporting the seating bowl consisted of steel trusses cantilevering up to 60 feet. Thornton Tomasetti needed to
reconfigure 40 existing trusses to remove the steel passing through the new larger vomitory opening. By reinforcing existing members and adding new ones, the team created a revised truss layout from which the lower concourse is hung with steel hangers. The result is a new, open cantilevered platform that serves as an extension of the concourse while supporting the stadium seating overhead.
The design of these super vomitories at concourse levels 200 and 500 not only provided additional ADA seating, but also enhanced the overall game-day experience by connecting the concourse to the seating bowl, giving fans unobstructed views of the action and scoreboard.
BEFORE
PHOTO: Timothy Hursley
Upon entering the stadium at level 100, visitors are greeted by a breathtaking view as they look up through the new expansive atrium and ascend to their designated levels via new escalators.
Sequencing for steel installation and demolition of portions of the existing bowl to make way for the super voms required a carefully orchestrated approach. Working closely with the construction manager, fabricator, and erector, engineers devised an erection sequencing plan to install new steel diagonals and truss chords, as well as reinforce existing members. Every piece of steel was field measured to ensure a perfect fit.
Portions of the new seating bowl surrounding the super voms utilized cast-in-place concrete that curved smoothly up and around the large opening, accommodating Trahan Architects’ architectural vision. All had to be accomplished within a single offseason. The team demolished the existing steel, rebuilt the bowl and reopened it in time for the August football preseason.
Atria and Escalators
Creating a memorable entrance into the stadium along with improved vertical circulations were key aspects of the project. Upon entering the stadium at level 100, visitors are greeted by a breathtaking view as they look up through the new expansive atrium and ascend to their designated levels via the newly installed escalators.
Existing vertical circulation was achieved primarily with spiral ramps on the sidelines and end zones, but they took up a lot of valuable real estate at every level. This space could be used for another purpose if the access points were located elsewhere. The sideline ramps were demolished to make way for widened concourses, new club space and expanded
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DURING
concessions. The ramps were replaced by new escalators inside each corner atrium.
To create space for the atria, large openings were cut into the existing floors in three corners. The engineering challenge extended beyond removing existing slabs; it involved reconfiguring structural systems to work around the new large openings and provide clear pathways for patron traffic flow.
Altering the iconic Superdome shape was out of the question.
Existing sideline ramps were replaced by new escalators inside each corner atrium.
To create space for the atria, large openings were cut into the existing floors in three corners.
A key part of the architectural vision for the atria and the project as a whole was the atrium screen wall, referred to as “the veil”, a panelized system of continuous vertical extruded aluminum tubes cladding the entire atrium perimeter with lighting at the top to emulate a skylight. The tubes were serrated and anodized a champagne color to match the New Orleans Saints color scheme. The goal was to create an enclosure for the atrium that allowed visual and auditory connection to each floor level. Close coordination between steel detailers and the façade fabricators ensured the panels fit perfectly upon erection. Each panel and its corresponding steel connections were unique, highlighting the precision and advanced modeling used in the project.
Elevators
To further enhance ADA accessibility, 16 new elevators were added to the Superdome to increase vertical transportation and introduce more points of access around the stadium. The challenge was half of them had to pass through the narrowest part of the building, known as the “waist”, where the building narrows then widens again below the roof. Altering the iconic Superdome shape was out of the question.
Vertical columns and sloped crisscrossing exterior columns create the building waist. The elevator shafts had to navigate through this zone, barely fitting and requiring modifications to the existing structure. Some of the façade girts had to be modified in the field to allow the elevators to pass through with almost no room to spare. As the elevators reach the top, they intersect with the building’s gutter system. The shafts pass through these gutters, which
continues on page 24
PHOTO: Timothy Hursley
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Sixteen elevators were added to increase vertical transportation and introduce more points of access around the stadium. Half of them had to pass through the narrowest part of the building.
required demolishing some existing precast, pretensioned gutter tubs and constructing new shafts within the space.
Transporting the steel members to the construction site at the stadium roofline also presented a significant logistical challenge because of crane access limitations. To address this, Thornton Tomasetti designed a cable rigging system to lift and position the steel members. The system included posts with cables and winches that were bolted to the existing structure. The team was able to lift and position the steel members accurately. The system was designed in close coordination with the erector, Foster Steel, to determine the optimal placement of cables. By design, the erector could install, uninstall and move the system from one corner of the stadium to the next, ensuring efficiency.
Ultimately, the project is more than just a structural upgrade. It is a testament to innovation, collaboration and creative problem-solving. Caesars Superdome, now equipped with modern amenities and improved accessibility, stands ready to welcome a new generation of fans, ensuring its legacy will continue for years to come.
General Contractor: Clark Construction, www.clarkconstruction.com
The Retrofit
Baltimore’s CFG Bank Arena boasts a sustainability-driven redesign shown to have large economic impact with a dramatically reduced carbon footprint.
In a pro bono collaboration with Oak View Group; The National Black Bank Foundation; and Thirty-Five Ventures, an investment firm led by NBA Star Kevin Durant, the international engineering consultancy Buro Happold applied its open-source life-cycle assessment toolkit, part of the firm’s Buildings and Habitats object Model, known as BHoM, to define and quantify the most sustainable path for revitalizing the arena—and downtown Baltimore.
The results are astounding. Reducing the amount of embodied carbon by 95 percent versus comparable new construction, the renovation path preserved the 14,000-seat arena’s beloved cultural heritage and saved:
• 6 million pounds of steel.
• More than 50,000 tons of building waste.
• 24,000 cubic yards of concrete from the landfill.
• All the noise, air pollution, and water use required by full demolition and new construction.
Buro Happold showed the renovation path would require merely 800 megatons of embodied carbon, versus the whopping 15,500 megatons of carbon emissions from structural materials alone for any new arena construction options.
“This is an astounding demonstration of how LCA allows savvy developers, like Oak View Group, to tout the significant environmental governance benefits to the community and to the global climate challenge,” says Luke Lombardi, a structural engineer and senior sustainability consultant at Buro Happold.
Developed by Buro Happold directors Al Fisher and Rob May, BHoM is an open-source data-driven framework. The platform allows industry-wide design professionals to measure embodied carbon in all elements throughout building design and construction, within a consolidated streamlined program. Representing the sum of carbon emissions emitted during the production, maintenance, and deconstruction of a building, embodied carbon analysis is an essential element in the life-cycle assessment of any building project.
Nile Kinnick Stadium
Iowa City, Iowa
Retrofit Team
Masonry Restoration Contractor: Western Specialty Contractors, westernspecialtycontractors.com/stadium-restoration-2
Western Specialty Contractors’ Des Moines, Iowa, branch used its expertise in concrete/masonry restoration and waterproofing to repair and protect portions of the historic home to the University of Iowa Hawkeyes football team.
Most U.S. sports stadiums and arenas are made of reinforced and precast concrete with steel seating supports and railings. Unfortunately, an even more universal characteristic is their openness and vulnerability to the elements—in addition to the wear and tear they receive from fans. All these forces combine to take a toll on their structural integrity. Without routine maintenance and protection, these concrete structures are subject to cracking, spalling and structural damage from movement and reoccurring freeze and thaw cycles.
ShiveHattery Architecture + Engineering worked with university officials to determine the scope of work, which included:
• Concourse Soffit and Suspension System Repair/Replacement
- East Concourse repair plaster and repaint
- West Concourse replace entire suspension system and plaster
• Masonry Repairs, Southwest Corner of Stadium
- New through-wall flashing
- 100 percent tuckpointing
- Parapet rebuild
- Multi-wythe brick replacement
Challenges on the project included scheduling and mobilizing work around stadium events and building custom aluminum soffits that required multiple shop drawing revisions to ensure a proper fit.
The Retrofit
Nile Kinnick Stadium was named after University of Iowa football star Nile Kinnick, who won the Heisman Trophy in 1939 and died in 1943 while serving in World War II. Originally named Iowa Stadium, the facility was constructed in seven months between 1928 and 1929, using horses and mules as the primary heavy-equipment movers. The stadium has undergone major renovations in 1956, 1983, 1990, 2004 and 2016. Its current capacity is 69,250, making it one of the 20 largest university-owned stadiums in the country.
Western Specialty Contractors’ craftsmen started the $1.2 million restoration project in May 2022 and completed the work on schedule and within budget in August 2022.
PHOTO: Western Specialty Contractors
DraftKings Sportsbook
Wrigley Field, Chicago
Retrofit Team
Architect: Gensler, www.gensler.com
Audiovisual Integrator: McCann, mccannsystems.com
Materials
Visitors to Wrigley Field now can watch their favorite sports in comfort at the new 17,000-square-foot DraftKings Sportsbook. Located inside the historic 109-year-old Chicago Cubs baseball stadium, the Sportsbook features an expansive 2,000-square-foot curved videowall that is visible from practically any seat. It’s comprised of curved 2.5-millimeter Nixel Flex with 5100 Nixel cabinets (tiles) and has nearly 30 million pixels spanning the screen for brightness, image quality, customization options, durability and flexibility. The videowall is
capable of displaying 25 games simultaneously and includes a bottom ticker that scrolls through scores, headlines, betting odds, and other stats to provide an engaging and exciting fan experience
McCann and Gensler took home the Crystal Nixel Award from Nanolumens for the videowall, which measures 134-feet wide by 15-feet high.
Roofing Contractor: Miley Roofing, mileyroofing.com
Materials
Established in 1996, the club’s failing wood shake roof system led club leaders to choose a metal roof from the Natural FX Coatings palette offered by The Bryer Company. Replacing the wood shakes with another wood shake roof was not an option because of an ordinance in Blaine County, Idaho, prohibiting the use of wood roof coverings for new construction, additions and reroofs. The Natural FX Coatings options provided a pleasing aesthetic and more durable product.
Miley Roofing formed onsite and installed 38,000 square feet of 22-gauge FX Iron Oxide standing-seam roofing panels for the project. Panels are 16-inches wide with a 1 1/2-inch seam. Natural
FX Coatings is a PVDF system featuring a multi-coat finish to create patterns and depth. FX Iron Oxide gives the appearance of a rusty metal roof without the rusty stain drippings.
“The original ridge caps and chimney caps were a rusty metal material and the members at the club liked that look,” says Troy Quesnel, owner of Miley Roofing. “FX Iron Oxide has a unique look and a random pattern, which is important on the 50-foot panels we installed.”
With a tight deadline before the first big golf event of the year, the Miley Roofing crew completed the job in about six weeks.
Metal Roof: FX Iron Oxide from The Bryer Company, www.thebryercompany.com
PHOTOS: The Bryer Company
Town of Fishkill Recreation Building
New York
Retrofit Team
Roofing Contractor: RK Roofing, rkroofers.com
General Contractor: A & J Construction, (914) 403-3702
Metal Roofing Supplier/Fabricator: New Castle Metal, newcastlemetal.com
Materials
Recurring roof leaks were becoming a problem with the standing-seam metal roof at this hub of activity. A typical July day at the building includes basketball, cheerleading, senior bingo, soccer camp and Zumba. Removing the roof and installing a new one was not an option where visitors of all ages are coming and going from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m.
Ultimately, Fishkill leaders opted for a sub-framing system, allowing the original roofing panels to stay in place while a new roof is installed above. The sub-purlins fit over the seams of the 25-yearold metal panels and are attached through the old roof and into the original roof structural framing system. The new standing-seam panels then are attached to the sub-purlins, providing a durable,
weathertight, wind-resistant system that should serve the community for decades.
Jon Vitolo, sales manager for RK Roofing, says working with the sub-purlin manufacturer was easy. “We actually suggested one profile and explained what we were doing with insulation, and the manufacturer suggested an alternate profile that would work better,” he says.
The project required 4,600 linear feet of Model T Hugger, a 4 1/2-inch-tall sub-purlin for typical 24-inch on-center rib-trapezoidal standing-seam panels. RK Roofing also installed more than 20,000 square feet of new 450SL roofing panels, a 1 1/2-inch snap lock profile. Medium Bronze was the color selected for the new 15-inch-wide 24-gauge panels, installed on a 5:12 slope.
Seating Installers: Shell Energy Stadium Facilities Team, www.houstondynamofc.com/shell-energy-stadium
Materials
Home to the Houston Dynamo, a Major League Soccer team, and the Texas Southern University Tigers football team, the stadium is packed with concerts and other activities all year long. Seeking to bolster spectator experiences and increase revenue, venue leaders decided to create premium seating options that optimize capacity and enhance engagement. The result is a modular, field-level seating area built on SC90 Clima-Core Platforms. These all-weather platforms provide a durable base for supporting ultra-plush seats, each custom-embroidered with the Houston Dynamo logo.
Along the sidelines, aluminum architectural railing with integrated padding enhances safety and comfort without obstructing views of the action on the field. Sightline Commercial Solutions worked with electrical trades to coordinate the installation of a large LED ribbon board along the perimeter of the seating section. This dynamic digital display offers a visually engaging way to showcase live game updates, sponsor advertisements and player stats.
Universal Changing Tables Meet the Needs of Millions of Americans
By Jennifer Corcoran and Kim Kirkwood
Adirty restroom floor. The trunk of a car. A changing table that’s too small (and therefore dangerous). Staying home. These are the choices that at least 4 percent of the population—those with disabilities or who need help with toileting— are faced with when going out in public.
From individuals living with disabilities and medical conditions to our aging population, more people are relying on adult diapers. As this need grows, so does the need for access to safe, private and dignified places to utilize the restroom in public.
And it’s not just the aging and disabled who are affected by the lack of adequate facilities—it’s their caregivers, spouses, siblings and friends who want to go out with them, too. Ultimately, as a society, we are missing the presence, gifts and talents of many.
The solution is actually very simple—an adjustable-height universal changing table (UCT). Building owners, facility managers, construction professionals and architects are in the position to help solve this problem.
Installing a UCT provides access to those who may not be able to use standard handicapped-accessible restrooms. UCTs make diapering safer for the user and caregiver. In many cases, installing a UCT is quick, easy and affordable.
A Helping Hand
The most important part of undertaking a UCT project is to plan ahead. Are you starting with a new build? Do you plan to renovate? Do you need an option that can be installed in an existing building without the need for construction? Fortunately, there are UCTs that work in all these scenarios.
The Changing Spaces Campaign, www.changingspaces campaign.com, is a network of advocates bringing awareness to the need for UCTs in public family restrooms. Volunteers across the U.S. are creating change and making communities more inclusive and accessible for all.
To make it easy, the Changing Spaces Campaign offers help every step of the way. From resources and references to assistance securing funding through grants and gifts, many of the professionals the team works with are surprised by how quickly and affordably they can change their space into one that is fully accessible.
Table Options
UCTs are available in a range of sizes and materials with special features that can meet the needs of your individual project. Based on feedback from families, maintenance
You never know who is missing until you make your building fully accessible.
Wall-mounted Folding Changing Tables
The space-saving, folding design allows these changing tables to fold away when not in use. The tables require mounting to the wall by an experienced contractor.
professionals and users, the Changing Spaces Campaign recommends choosing a table with these options:
• Powered height adjustable.
• At least 70-inches long.
• At least 30-inches wide.
• A side rail that can fold up and down, as well as locks in place when folded up.
When selecting a table, choose one that meets the safety requirements outlined by the International Code Council in the International Building Code section A117.1, “Adult Changing Stations.” Consider the UCTs listed at right.
A Word about Legislation
There currently is no federal law mandating UCTs in public spaces; however, there has been movement at the state level. For example, in Ohio, the IBC requires UCT installation in all new construction planned after March 1, 2024. Additionally, last year, Ohio earmarked $4.4 million in funds for Ohio County Boards of Developmental Disabilities. Tennessee earmarked $1 million. Both states chose to use these state funds to install UCTs. In essence, community and state officials are hearing the demand for better access for those with disabilities and they’re responding.
In addition, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (www. congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3935/text) requires all medium and large airports to install and maintain at least one UCT in passenger terminal buildings with signage. Imagine the impact!
Mobile changing tables are used in larger restrooms with enough square footage to accommodate the changing table without sacrificing space to maneuver. Many models have locking caster wheels, so the table can be locked in place.
Can Dan Mobile Power Height Adjustable Change Table, www.can-dan.com/product/mobile-changing-tables
Open Base Power Changing Table, www.clinton-ind.com/ product/80110-60-open-base-power-changing-table Everyway4all Changing Table, everyway4all.com
Location, Location, Location
The installation of UCTs is only as good as the ability to find them. The Universal Changing Table Map, which was created and funded by Inspired Access Foundation for the Changing Spaces Campaign, is an interactive tool that allows caregivers and users to find the location of UCTs. View the map at bit. ly/42KKwH9.
In addition to scrolling over the map, locations can be found by category (airports, amusement parks, libraries, play centers, parks, museums, etc.). This is an excellent reference point for anyone wanting to connect with similar venues that have completed an installation to share resources and experiences.
Lack of proper facilities has a greater effect than the fear of missing out. Unfortunately, individuals with disabilities and their families tend to experience isolation. They can’t enjoy baseball games, amusement parks, shopping trips, or travel as a family or group. They are truly absent from society. You never know who is missing until you make your building fully accessible. As you improve spaces in 2025, please keep those who are absent in mind and consider how you can help make public spaces more accessible for all.
Adult changing stations help ensure that public places like stadiums, aquariums, and airports are inclusive to all people with disabilities. The durable and easy to use KB3000-AHL from Koala is designed to handle the challenges of high tra c facilities. ARE ADULT CHANGING STATIONS INCLUDED IN YOUR BUILDINGS?
Scan the code to or visit koalabear.com to learn more.
A Place of Healing
Vacant Retail Space Meets a Region’s Rising Demand for Outpatient Surgery, Therapy and Performance Training
By Robert Goodwin, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C
At the Marketplace Mall near Rochester, N.Y., patients with bone and joint conditions now can receive treatment at one of the most comprehensive centers for orthopaedic surgery and outpatient care in the U.S. The University of Rochester Medical Center’s Saunders Center for Orthopaedics and Physical Performance transforms the site of a former Sears department store, demonstrating how unused retail spaces can be successfully redesigned and repurposed to meet a community’s health-care needs.
The Saunders Center was designed by Perkins&Will, in collaboration with architect of record SLAM (The S/L/A/M Collaborative). The building’s design and siting offer a solution for two converging national trends: a surge in vacant retail space and a growing demand for more convenient health-care infrastructure. The expansive project, which was completed in 2023, combines ambulatory surgery and other essential orthopaedic services in one place, expanding care in an underserved region and helping to address health-care equity gaps.
Designed for Accessibility
The facility includes a 227,000-square-foot renovation and a 145,400-square-foot new outpatient clinical services building, housing ambulatory surgery and post-operative care, all under one roof. The center provides eight surgical suites, 144 exam rooms, advanced diagnostic imaging, movementbased physical therapy and athletic training, computerized motion analysis, customized prosthetics and assistive devices, and injury risk assessment and prevention.
Entrances are clearly marked, and a continuous overhanging canopy spanning the entire length of the entry façade protects from the inclement weather and cold temperatures of upstate New York winters.
Repurposing a traditional community anchor, such as a mall, helps upend perceptions of health care as a centralized urban complex. Through these types of projects, health care becomes integrated into the existing fabric of the community rather than
PHOTOS: Todd Mason/Halkin Mason unless
BEFORE PHOTO: Tim Wilkes
asking patients to travel to a facility that might be hard to reach or seem intimidating in scale or layout.
The design is inspired by the intersection of program and context: the motion of the body as treated by orthopaedics and the way that photography, with its rich heritage in Rochester (the original headquarters location of Eastman Kodak), can capture that motion through a series of exposures. Baffles in the public concourses and waiting areas communicate the fluidity of bodies in motion by creating the impression of an undulating spine, weaving a connective visual thread throughout the facility.
Every detail of the building and its surrounding campus is designed for accessibility, from convenient parking and decentralized entry points to a dedicated bus stop. Patients access the full spectrum of care at the Saunders Center with ease, in a comfortable environment that encourages mobility.
Baffles in the public concourses and waiting areas communicate the fluidity of bodies in motion by creating the impression of an undulating spine.
Knowing that in winter, caregivers arrive before sunrise and leave after dark, there is planned daylight access into the tower’s clinic modules. Entrances are clearly marked, and generous interior waiting areas and a continuous overhanging canopy spanning the entire length of the entry façade protect from the inclement weather and cold temperatures of upstate New York winters.
Beneficial Characteristics
The design team took full advantage of the existing mall building, which offered tall ceilings and skylights that were repurposed and supplemented to provide abundant daylight in pre- and post-operative care, therapy spaces, rehabilitation gyms and pools. Wide, daylit public concourses connect arrival points to waiting areas, surgical suites, clinical exam rooms and therapy spaces. These concourses connect the renovation with the new build and feature multiple entrances and a discharge point from the surgical suite located along the corridor, creating visibility and allowing for intuitive wayfinding between areas.
The design team took advantage of the existing mall, which offered tall ceilings and skylights that were repurposed and supplemented to provide abundant daylight.
Breathing a second life into an expansive yet underutilized retail complex yields economic and environmental benefits … .
Patients access the full spectrum of care at the Saunders Center with ease, in a comfortable environment that encourages mobility.
Retrofit Team
Design Architect and Interior Designer: Perkins&Will, perkinswill.com
• Robert Goodwin, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C, design principal
• Carolyn BaRoss, ASID, IIDA, LEED AP, interior design principal
• Jessica Park, LEED AP ID+C, NCIDQ, interior designer
Curved Aluminum Plate Panels at Porte Cochere: Metalwërks, metalwerksusa.com
PHOTO: David Lamb
In the words of Dr. Paul Rubery, chair of Orthopaedics at the University of Rochester Medical Center: “The Saunders Center has been tremendously well-received by patients. The location is known to most people in the region, and its previous role as a retail site means that accessibility is tremendous. The design principles employed were focused on patients with mobility challenges and I consistently hear from patients how much more manageable this facility is for them than our previous office locations.”
The ‘Medtail’ Model
Breathing a second life into an expansive yet underutilized retail complex yields economic and environmental benefits, allowing the design team to repurpose existing infrastructure and resources while reducing costs and construction times.
The “medtail” model has been explored elsewhere in the U.S. (consider another Perkins&Will project—perkinswill. com/project/ut-southwestern-medical-center-at-redbird— in Dallas) to similar effect, proving that while the retail landscape may be changing, the convenience of the suburban strip mall remains appealing to patients and hospital systems seeking a relatively fast and affordable way to keep up with demand.
According to Dr. Paul Rubery, chair of Orthopaedics at the University of Rochester Medical Center, patients find this facility much more manageable than the center’s previous locations.
Felt Ceiling Baffles in Concourse: Arktura, arktura.com
Acoustical Wallcovering Panels: Xorel Artform from Carnegie, carnegiefabrics.com/xorel-artform
Tile: Portfolio from Daltile, www.daltile.com/products/ concrete-look/portfolio, and Terra Maestricht from Mosa, www.mosa.com/en/products/collection/core-collection-terra
Rubber Flooring: Minerality from Tarkett, commercial.tarkett.com; ReNew Rubber from Allstate Rubber Flooring, www.allstaterubber. com/products/renew-colors; and norament Stair Treads and environcare ed from nora, www.nora.com
Sheet Vinyl Flooring: Mipolam Symbioz from Gerflor, www.gerflorusa.com/products/mipolam-symbioz
Turf Flooring: Ecore, ecoreathletic.com/turf
Epoxy Flooring: Dur-A-Gard from Dur-A-Flex, www.dur-a-flex.com
Urethane Flooring: Poly-Crete from Dur-A-Flex, www.dur-a-flex.com
Carpet Tile: Back Weave and Process from Shaw Contract, www.shawcontract.com
Doors: Steelcraft (Hollow Metal Doors and Frames), www.steelcraft. com; Masonite Architectural (Wood Doors), now Forte, www.forteopenings.com; and AD Systems (Sliding Doors), www.specadsystems.com
Privacy: BuzziBooth from BuzziSpace, www.buzzi.space/ acoustic-solutions/buzzibooth, and Hoody from EzoBord, ezobord.com
Game Changer
PHOTOS: Bob Pluckebaum
A Former Industrial Space Is Transformed into a Premium Pickleball Venue
By Jill Lee, IIDA, NCIDQ, WELL AP, LFA, and Josh Shiverick, NCARB
By now, you likely have heard of the relatively new, yet rapidly popular sport of pickleball. A paddle sport combining elements of badminton, tennis, and ping pong, it’s celebrated as being suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Per the sport’s origin story, in 1965, Rep. Joel Pritchard, and his friend, Bill Bell, invented the game at Pritchard’s home on Bainbridge Island, Wash. They were looking for something entertaining to do with their families and had a variety of mismatched sporting equipment, as well as an old badminton court on the property. They combined it all, established the rules, refined the court and the rest is history. (Learn more about pickleball’s beginnings at usapickleball. org/what-is-pickleball/history-of-the-game.)
At the beginning of 2023, Cushing Terrell had the opportunity to be part of pickleball history by repurposing an industrial warehouse space into what would become The Flying Pickle in Meridian, Idaho.
Mission and Inspiration
The Flying Pickle owners had a mission to create the Treasure Valley’s first premium, indoor pickleball facility, offering the best pickleball experience in the nation. They wanted The Flying Pickle to not only be a place to play pickleball, but also be a home away from home for the growing local pickleball community. Much like the game’s family-centered origin, The Flying Pickle welcomes multi-generational club members— from beginners who are looking to learn the sport to more expert players who want to master their game.
In creating this flagship home, the Cushing Terrell design team looked to the origins of pickleball for inspiration. For example, colors, textures, and materials are reminiscent of the original wood paddle and the flora of Bainbridge Island. The team also wanted to convey an invigorating, modern spirit. The overall goals were to incorporate cutting-edge elements specific to pickleball, such as dynamic and innovative courts, with surrounding spaces and amenities that foster community and member connections.
The front of the building serves as the community zone and includes a pro shop, restaurant, lounge, locker/shower rooms, and flex room that can be rented for parties and events.
Cushing Terrell’s design process begins and ends with research and, in the case of this project, there was a fair amount of front-end learning and knowledge-sharing. Two of The Flying Pickle’s founders are professional pickleball players, which meant the design team had access to information that resulted in a great playing experience.
Design Strategies to Support the User Experience
How a venue is laid out is one of the major factors that impacts the user experience—from how it feels when you first enter the building to how all the spaces and activities function within. Cushing Terrell took a “reverse mullet” approach to the layout of this nearly 49,000-squarefoot building with the party in the front and business in the back—and business means playing the game.
The front of the building serves as the community zone and includes a pro shop, restaurant, lounge, locker/shower rooms, and flex room that can be rented for parties and events. When passing through the building’s entry on the first floor, the full expanse of the space is not realized until you exit the pro shop and are met with the full height of the building, 17 courts and a mez-
Two of The Flying Pickle’s founders are professional pickleball players, which meant the design team had access to information that resulted in a great playing experience.
zanine area for maximum viewing potential. The energy flexes along the building’s “spine” with spectator areas sectioned off through the center and in between some of the courts.
The carefully considered and purposeful design of the entry, reception, and club layout are meant to ensure members feel welcome, at home and autonomous in the facility. The design team also wanted to impress non-members and get them excited about playing and potentially joining the club.
Custom artwork, including two large murals by local artists, celebrate the sport of pickleball. A wooden paddle exhibit honors the origin of the pickleball paddle, and a founders wall features the names of all major donors and contributors to the facility. An acoustic moss installation provides a biophilic element, as well as controls some of the noise transfer that comes from the courts. A colorful pickleball-motif screen separates a quieter respite area from the livelier lounge area.
High-performance Design
People love pickleball, but they aren’t as keen on the noise. To come up with the ideal acoustic strategies and materials, Cushing Terrell’s interior design team did in-depth acoustic analysis of the space and proposed acoustic products to ensure the sound levels would be comfortable for players and spectators. The team improvised test courts within the warehouse building and considered numerous combinations of materials to achieve target reverberation coefficients. In the end, acoustic ceiling baffles were combined with acoustic lighting products, the moss wall, and a special type of sports flooring to minimize noise and noise transfer.
An acoustic moss installation provides a biophilic element, as well as controls some of the noise transfer that comes from the courts.
The professional-grade cushion flooring minimizes noise and supports the movement of the players while its colors allow players to clearly see the pickleballs.
The professional-grade cushion flooring also supports the movement of the players while its colors allow players to clearly see the pickleballs. The specialized texture of the sports floor is ideal for non-slip pickleball play but not so rough as to impact the life of the pickleballs.
Another tricky part of the design was choosing the correct lighting. The clients intend to host championship games at The Flying Pickle, which meant incorporating super functional, state-of-the-art lighting solutions. With the expanse of the space and incredibly high ceilings, along with the need to have clear vision for playing, the design team needed to carefully consider the type of lights and their placement. High-output, indirect sports lighting was selected. Lights that are covered at the bottom and shining up toward the ceiling avoid shadows and hotspots. There are no bright lights shining down on players, causing distractions at the top of their vision.
One of the big moves for the HVAC was designing dehumidifiers into the system to remove moisture (sweat) from the air in the playing areas. The HVAC system includes three roof-
top units with demand-control ventilation, combined with 21 fan coils for the front of the house and 11 destratification fans to mix the air in the high-ceiling court area. Carbon-dioxide sensors monitor and modulate the airflow, adding fresh air when the CO2 levels get too high (when there are a lot of players on the courts). Overall, the system was designed to ensure a healthy environment for people playing and watching the game.
A Lively Addition to Treasure Valley
The Flying Pickle has made this area of Meridian a destination for recreation. Next door is a go-cart racing track, also designed by Cushing Terrell. These types of industrial and manufacturing warehouses can be the perfect backdrop for alternative uses, such as sports and entertainment tenants.
Retrofit Team
Architect; Interior Designer; and Mechanical, Electrical and Structural Engineer: Cushing Terrell, cushingterrell.com
• Josh Shiverick, project manager
• Jill Lee, interior designer and design lead
• Fatima Partida, design professional
• Dave Burfeind, electrical engineer
• Jeremy Wilson, mechanical engineer
• Matt Houston, structural engineer
• Josh Hersel, principal in charge
General Contractor: Stack Construction, stackconstruction.com
Muralists: Andie Kelly, andiekelly.com, and Hawk Sahlein, sector-seventeen.com
Graphic Design: Gyst Design, gystdesign.com
Materials
Acoustic Ceiling Baffles: BLOX from Soelberg, soelbergi.com/ acoustic-baffles-muto/blox
Carpet Tiles: Edge Lit from Milliken, milliken.com
Sports Flooring: ProCushion from SportMaster, sportmaster.net, and Basic Fit from Ecore, ecoreathletic.com/products/rubber/ fit-collection
Decorative/Acoustical Lighting: Tangram and Quadrant Pendants from Eureka Lighting, www.eurekalighting.com, and Cloud Lit from Fräsch, frasch.com/ceilings/cloud
Moss Wall: Reindeer Moss from Greenmood, greenmood.us/us/ reindeer_moss
Turf: Attack from Plae, plae.us/products/attack
Interior Signage: Advanced Sign, advancedsign.com
Dehumidifiers and Rooftop HVAC Units: Johnson Controls, www.johnsoncontrols.com
Destratification Fans: Airius, www.airiusfans.com
Carbon-dioxide Sensors: Automated Logic, www.automatedlogic. com
Bradley Phenolic Lockers
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Home Run Renovation
The Famous Durham Bulls Ballpark Facilities Are Upgraded for the Future of Sports with the Environment in Mind
By Beth Sayman, LEED AP
When Major League Baseball issued new standards for minor league clubs to upgrade their facilities or risk losing their affiliations, the City of Durham, N.C., saw an opportunity to reinvest in the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, home to the famous Durham Bulls. The requirements called for larger team clubhouses and expanded leisure, training, and workspaces for visitors and staff.
The resulting $10 million design-build project, completed before opening day 2023 and led by Skanska USA Building, focused on key spaces and uses while maintaining the classic and familiar character of the park. The brick-clad, 3-story
stadium is home to the Bulls, Triple-A affiliate of MLB’s Tampa Bay Rays, as well as the Duke Blue Devils and North Carolina Central Eagles college baseball teams.
New Hitting Tunnels
The largest new feature, and the only structural addition, to the stadium was a 3,750-square-foot, air-conditioned indoor hitting facility. The two new batting tunnels with street-facing windows allow fans and passersby to watch as players warm up before games from the sidewalk outside the park. They also offer players expanded and all-weather training facilities.
A $10 million design-build project focused on key spaces and uses while maintaining the classic and familiar character of the park. For example, the new “History Hallway” (top) serves as a thoroughfare and museum celebrating Bulls baseball.
PHOTOS: Skanska USA Building
In meeting MLB’s standards, the City of Durham embraced opportunities to incorporate modern, innovative and efficient green building practices throughout the facility.
A 3,750-square-foot, air-conditioned indoor hitting facility features two batting tunnels with street-facing windows to allow fans and passersby to watch as players warm up before games.
Efficient and Sustainable Building Solutions
In meeting MLB’s standards, the City of Durham embraced opportunities to incorporate modern, innovative and efficient green building practices throughout the facility. City leaders tasked the project team with finding materials and systems to reduce the stadium’s environmental impact while enhancing performance.
One example is the cement used for the new sidewalks outside the hitting tunnels on the stadium’s west side. Because concrete is responsible for 8 percent of global carbon emissions, a proprietary cement system that injects captured CO2 into fresh concrete at a cement plant was used. According to the manufacturer, the process mineralizes the CO2, thus preventing it from being released into the Earth’s atmosphere. The system also increases the compressive strength of concrete, meaning it can withstand additional pressure without breaking, resulting in maintenance cost savings.
The renovation overhauled fundamental systems throughout the facility, such as plumbing and electrical, including the
installation of a state-of-the-art HVAC, designed for maximum efficiency. The new HVAC’s digitally controlled air-handling units replaced the less efficient pneumatic-controlled systems and will result in saved energy and maintenance costs by allowing for “system setbacks”, which reduce energy consumption when the facility is not at peak use. In addition, the newest low-energy LED fixtures were installed throughout the facility to increase energy efficiency and performance.
Creating Generous Spaces
Just inside the entrance to the stadium, the new “History Hallway” serves as a thoroughfare and museum celebrating Bulls baseball. The 12-foot-wide hall with wood paneling, an open-ceiling design and windows into the Bulls weight room, is a tribute to the team’s storied history. The gracious blue-and-white space preserves and showcases the original steel ceiling beams and houses memorabilia and trophies while incorporating digital interactive screens for fans to explore the club’s history.
Adjacent to History Hallway is an enhanced and expanded “Ballpark Corner Store”, which offers visitors more space to shop and enjoy their time at the park. The store includes TV screens, so fans won’t miss a moment of what is happening on the field.
The clubhouses (top) for the home and visiting teams were expanded and upgraded while the Ballpark Corner Store offers visitors more space to shop and enjoy their time at the park.
New offices for Durham Bulls’ staff (right) reflect modern office design principles. A refreshed kitchen and breakroom (above) results in a contemporary workspace that feels authentically Durham Bulls.
The clubhouses for the home and visiting teams were expanded and upgraded with modern amenities essential for player development and comfort. The Bulls’ locker room is twice its original size and features inspiring homages, including a reference to the classic 1988 movie about the Bulls, “Bull Durham”. A larger shared training area gives players and staff the space to effectively prepare for games.
The renovation also added dedicated locker rooms for female umpires and trainers—spaces that simply didn’t exist
Carlisle’s introduction of the industry’s first-ever 16' TPO sheet brings labor savings and efficiency to get more done in less time. With fewer rolls to load onto the roof, less time spent positioning and kicking out rolls, and fewer seams to weld, Authorized Applicators can save significant time on each project, moving on to the next one sooner.
in the 1995 ballpark design. These additions acknowledge baseball’s evolving workforce and ensure all staff members have proper accommodations.
New offices for Durham Bulls’ staff reflect modern office design principles. Like other spaces in the building, they are accented with at least one of the Bull’s four team colors—blue, burnt-orange, black and white. They include a large open-plan floor space, modern conference room, and refreshed kitchen and breakroom, resulting in a contemporary workspace that still feels authentically Durham Bulls.
The Durham Bulls Athletic Park upgrades demonstrate how teams can address MLB’s new standards thoughtfully, incorporating sustainable practices without compromising the traditional experience that fans have enjoyed since the baseball stadium opened. Except for the hitting tunnels, all upgrades were achieved within the park’s existing footprint and without losing seating capacity.
Retrofit Team
General Contractor: Skanska USA Building, www.usa.skanska.com
LED Lighting: Columbia Lighting, www.currentlighting.com/columbialighting; Bruck, brucklighting.com; Illumus, illumus.com; and Finelite, www.finelite.com
INTRODUCING
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Build to Restore Regenerative Design Offers an Inspiring Vision for the Built Environment of Tomorrow
By Jim Schneider
As buildings and infrastructure struggle with an ever-expanding list of challenges that come with a changing planet, designers, engineers and owners are faced with a growing list of considerations and priorities. For decades, our focus has been on sustainability, which at times has meant energy efficiency, carbon reduction, material reduction or a vast array of other things. Today, concepts like resilience and climate adaptation also have entered the conversation; it is increasingly clear our structures must not only be kind to our environment today, but they also must withstand its worsening wrath tomorrow.
Any of these ideas are by nature, responsive. They are techniques and considerations designed to deal with specific problems before us. What if there was a different way to think about buildings? What if instead of focusing on what a building doesn’t do, we think about what positive things we want it to do? Designing with the intent to give rather than take is at the heart of regenerative design.
“Traditional design focuses on doing no harm to the environment, so most sustainability checklists today include ways to mitigate harm from poor design,” explains Tabitha Scott, certified energy manager and certified demand side manag-
er who serves as executive sustainability officer for Gilbane Building Company. “What if designers started shifting their thinking from doing no harm to regenerating natural systems?
In the past, we have been focused on mitigating negative impacts instead of making positive ones. I define regenerative building as having a positive impact on people and nature, today and tomorrow, with the purpose of leaving a favorable legacy for future generations.”
“Sustainability is the concept of leaving the world with at least as many resources as existed when you started, protecting resources for future generations,” says Jeremy Knoll, director of sustainability and regenerative design, associate principal at BNIM. “Regenerative design is giving more back than you take, not just balancing the short-term harm from emissions and land-use changes. This is important because the legacy of global industrialization over the past 200 years includes losses in global and local habitat and biodiversity and a spike in emissions to more than 50 percent above the average atmospheric carbon threshold necessary for life as we know it on Earth. We require solutions that have a positive impact on local economy, as well as contribute to community and environmental health.”
Mindset Shift
Although the concept of regenerative design may sound straightforward, the reality is it entails a quantum shift in the way we think about construction and the built environment. It’s all about seeing true positive outcomes and considering what can be, rather than what shouldn’t be.
“In my experience, sustainability has always been rooted in fear and judgment and scarcity. We have been trying to scare people into responding to various crises,” says Matthew VanSweden, sustainability lead at Progressive Companies. “Folks get tired of the constant doomsday language. There is not a lot of talk about optimism. This past MLK Day, I was thinking about this through the lens of the ‘I Have a Dream’ speech. It beautifully switches between what is and what could be. Its power lies in its vision for the future, rooted in optimism and hope. I think of regenerative design as co-discovering what can be.”
“Regenerative design is about scale. We must go beyond thinking of our single project and the single place we’re building to consider communities and whole life-cycle impacts,” explains Kathleen Hetrick, U.S. sustainability integration leader at Buro Happold, Bloomberg MPH Fellow at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and board member at USGBC California. “If you go
What if instead of focusing on what a building doesn’t do, we think about what positive things we want it to do? Designing with the intent to give rather than take is at the heart of regenerative design.
Designed by Frederick Fisher and Partners, the all-electric, net-zero energy and water Santa Monica City Hall East in California is the first municipal structure to receive Living Building Challenge Certification.
Give Versus Take
In the lens of the philosophical, regenerative design means putting back rather than taking and creating positive rather than just reducing negative. But how does that translate into real buildings? What is a regenerative building? Each project, each site and each design team may provide different answers to that question.
“Not every project can do all things, and that is OK because every project can do something,” Knoll says. “Each project and client has priorities, many of which align with regenerative design practices. The point is to identify the opportunities and make the case. Working with the client, we establish goals around energy, water, resources, resilience, carbon, equity, ecology and wellbeing. We also have invested professional time to developing inhouse tools and a network of experts to provide deep cost-benefit and life-cycle analysis with our clients.”
to a community with a $50 million construction budget for a building, that’s $50 million that can do a lot of good. It’s got a lot of power, and it represents the chance to invest in cleaner materials; better public amenities; safer jobs; offering up unique culture, joy and community. It also carries a lot of potential to improve public health outcomes—access to nature, cleaner air, reduced exposure to carcinogens.”
“Regenerative design is more than healing negative impacts through nature. It’s about expanding that healing to communities typically hidden from our design process,” Hetrick says. “We must go beyond the thinking of what our single project can heal in a single place. Can we positively impact the fence-line communities that are very much a part of our industry—the miners, manufacturing workers, construction workers. What about the folks living near landfills, ports and petrochemical plants?”
“When I’m evaluating whether a building is regenerative, I look for signs that it’s giving back more than it’s taking,” Scott says. “Is the building offsetting more carbon than it emits over its life cycle? Materials, like carbon-storing concrete or
PHOTOS: courtesy Buro Happold
solar-powered systems, can help. A regenerative building should generate more energy than it uses—think rooftop solar, micro-wind power or geothermal systems that help make the building an energy contributor rather than consumer. The building should harvest, purify and reuse water in a way that is supportive of local watersheds. It should enhance the local
“Not every project can do all things, and that is OK because every project can do something.”
— Jeremy Knoll, director of sustainability and regenerative design, associate principal, BNIM
Materials Matter
Thinking about building materials is an important element of regenerative design. However, the concept of a regenerative material can mean many things. Some may see answers in rapidly renewable natural materials, like bamboo or types of timber. There is even some out-of-the-box work being done with mycelium brick—essentially building materials made from fungus. Often, the answers can be simpler and right in front of us. It’s about local sourcing and life-cycle effectiveness.
“If a material is truly regenerative, its supply chain needs to be thought of in circularity and inputs and outputs,” VanSweden says. “Where’s the harm and where’s the benefit? If the benefit is greater than the harm, it’s regenerative.”
“As architects, engineers and designers, we need to be incorporating circularity into our thinking from the programmatic and investment-decision stage,” Hetrick notes.
ecosystem by supporting wildlife habitats, whether that’s planting native vegetation or integrating a green roof. The materials used should be renewable, recyclable and regenerative—with circularity not end of life in mind. And regenerative isn’t just about the environment, it’s about the people, too. Is the building improving occupant health, community engagement and overall wellbeing? Indoor air quality and community spaces are great indicators.”
“Construction is such an enormous industry, our supply chains touch everything. We need to consider what is regenerative. Is mass timber from an old-growth forest that is shipped across the country really a regenerative solution? Local materials can transform communities, like bringing back the local brick industry to New York City or terra cotta and adobe in Los Angeles. Even materials, like steel and concrete, have come a long way in cleaning up emissions, and those improvements can drive regenerative change for communities, too. It’s about designing projects to celebrate and invest in local, non-toxic supply chains.”
Regenerative design, as shown in Santa Monica City Hall East, isn’t just about the environment, it’s about people, too. A building should improve occupant health, community engagement and overall wellbeing.
The shift to regenerative design represents more than just a new approach to construction; it embodies a fundamental change in how we think about the relationship between buildings and the world around them. As VanSweden noted, it’s about moving from a mindset of scarcity and fear to one of abundance and hope. This optimistic vision focuses on creating positive impacts across cultural, social and ecological systems, rather than just minimizing harm.
The path forward requires rethinking not just how we build, but how we approach the entire design and construction process. It means considering local materials, supply chains and community needs from the earliest stages.
“If you approach through mindfulness and do your homework around who the partners are, who the clients are, who your audience is, what their values are, what they care about, that’s the root of it,” VanSweden says. “Regenerative design is a rejection of sameness. It’s a celebration of variability, culture, ecology and people.”
Although the challenges of time, resources and changing longstanding building practices can make this transition difficult, the potential benefits—from improved community
engagement to better long-term building performance—make the idea worth pursuing. Regenerative design offers a compelling vision of buildings that don’t just take less but actively give back to the communities and ecosystems they’re part of, creating a built environment that serves and enriches people and planet.
Santa Monica City Hall East’s regenerative design is a celebration of variability, culture, ecology and people.
Wood-look Metal Ceilings Meet Sustainability Standards
Armstrong World Industries has expanded its options for wood-look finishes on select MetalWorks ceiling and wall panels by adding four Sequels finishes—Cape May Cherry, La Jolla Oak, Montauk Driftwood and New Haven Walnut—to its line of MetalWorks Linear–Classics panels. The four Sequels wood-look finishes on MetalWorks Linear–Classics panels also have been added to the Sustain portfolio, which meets the most stringent industry sustainability compliance standards today. The four Sequels wood-look finishes offer short lead times, boasting availability in less than four weeks. The pre-coated finishes are available for interior use only in M1 unperforated and M2 perforated options.
www.armstrongceilings.com
Wall Panels Feature Advanced Printing Techniques
Alluslate by Krion, part of the Porcelanosa Group, is a new generation of composite wall panels made up of two resistant and malleable outer layers of aluminum, where the upper layer is decorated with advanced printing techniques. The panels are simple to install, without construction or dust, and offer a wide range of colors with designs and continuous patterns between panels. Alluslate panels are precision cut and easy to clean and maintain. The core of the panel is made of a low-density thermoplastic polymer with a flame-retardant mineral filler. The wall panels feature natural stone looks, tropical motifs, exotic fauna, and vibrant colors in matte or glazed finishes. www.krion.com
Make Walking Surfaces Anti-slip with Tape
Wooster Products’ Die-Cut Flex-Tred anti-slip tapes enhance safety around pools, spas, showers, locker rooms, marinas, docks, boats and other aquatic environments by providing a higher coefficient of friction on the applied surface, even when wet. Available in standard die-cut sizes or in custom die cuts to suit specific requirements, the heavy-duty safety surface is easy to install and provides durable pedestrian safety. It bends over sharp 90-degree angles without fracture and can be bent repeatedly without cracking or failure of the bond. Applied Flex-Tred is resistant to motor oil, detergent, hydraulic oil and UV. It will tolerate steam and detergent cleaning and is essentially unaffected by climatic exposure and mild acid or alkali exposure under normal conditions. The product is available in various colors and patterns, including fluorescent colors and NITEGLOW Glow in the Dark. www.woosterproducts.com
Security Window Film
Achieves ASTM Standard
Impact Security’s RiotLite Security Window Film has achieved the highest performance rating recorded under the rigorous ASTM F3561 standard. The ASTM F3561 standard (Standard Test Method for Forced-Entry-Resistance of Fenestration Systems After Simulated Active Shooter Attack) is the latest testing protocol for evaluating security window films against forced entry and impact scenarios. RiotLite demonstrated durability in holding single pane, 1/4-inch tempered glass together and delaying unauthorized entry. This achievement is critical for school administrators seeking advanced solutions to protect campuses from modern threats, including active shooter attacks on common window and door glass types. www.riotlite.com
Touch-free Faucet Relies on Electromagnetism Rather than Visible Sensors
Sonoma Forge improves on the touch-free faucet with SansHands, which melds the modern, hygienic convenience of touchless technology with the company’s rustic, artisan-crafted design aesthetic. The product is even more unique in its operation: It uses electromagnetism rather than visible sensors. When users approach the faucet, they break the electromagnetic field, which opens the faucet valve and starts the flow of water; when the user walks away, the water stops. SansHands comes in wall- and deck-mount options in several of Sonoma Forge’s modern industrial styles, including the versatile WherEver series, evoking the unpretentious forms of well pumps; the rugged CiXX collection, whose hand-hammered texture celebrates a blacksmith’s labor; and the modern Strap line, inspired by the simplicity of a common U-bolt fastener. www.sonomaforge.com/designersensor-faucets.html
Control Lights without Touching the Switch
The Commercial Wave Switch from Legrand is a touchless, germ-free lighting control solution that allows users to turn the lights on or off with the wave of a hand. The device features an adjustable range to sense movement from 1/2inch to 4-inches in front of the switch. The product’s surge protection limits the need for device replacements and unwanted downtime. The chemical-resistant cover and lens provide lasting, dependable performance. The backwire pressure plate terminations help replace any standard existing switch in as little as 15 minutes. bit.ly/4hk49Kx
Commercial ERV Helps Avoid Oversizing Equipment
RenewAire has introduced the HE7X, a commercial energy recovery ventilator (ERV) that features seven static plate enthalpy cores. The HE7X is available for rooftop and indoor applications. The HE7X’s 1,750 to 7,700 CFM enables engineers to reach an optimum efficiency/airflow balance versus oversizing equipment for applications requiring between 6,600 and 7,700 CFM, which potentially reduces a project’s upfront capital equipment cost and lifetime energy usage. The self-contained, standalone ERV uses RenewAire’s AHRI 1060-certified static plate enthalpy cores. These cores transfer exhaust air energy and humidity to efficiently condition outdoor air in compliance with ASHRAE Standard 62.1 and Standard 90.1. The HE7X ERV also can operate in conjunction with ventilation distribution systems of centralized HVAC units. RenewAire’s new BACnet fan control accessory is available to monitor and control the HE7X with a building management system. www.renewaire.com
Metals and Finishes Are Layered for Unique Wall Panels
Materica has partnered with four designers who have created wall panel collections that emerge from a creative fusion of diverse techniques. The metallization process, achieved through high-speed fusion and micronization of pure metals—from brass to bronze, copper to nickel silver, and aluminum to zinc—interweaves with oxidation treatments, laser cutting, resin applications and natural pigmentations. This layering of materials and multiple finishing processes reveals unexpected aesthetic solutions. Drawing from Materica’s alchemical experience, each designer has selected finishing techniques that best express his or her creative vision. The collections’ modularity offers versatility, with panels that expand vertically and horizontally to embrace any spatial configuration. materica.eu
Linear Drain Is Inspired by Mid-century Modern Design
Infinity Drain has released its newest tile insert linear drain, Disco-rectangle. Featuring soft, rounded corners and inspired by Mid-century Modern design, this style seamlessly blends form and function. Available in 10 designer finishes crafted to match other fixtures in the bathroom, it offers flexible solutions to fit any design. The tile insert drain seamlessly integrates with the surrounding shower or wet-room floor for a clean visual that is simultaneously vintage yet modern. Disco-rectangle is available in three installation options: fixed length, fixed flange and flange with Schluter-KERDI. infinitydrain.com/disco-rectangle
Dumpster Bags Are Reusable
BullBag’s patented reusable dumpster bags redefine the traditional waste management model. Available in 8-cubic-yard sizes, each bag holds up to 4,500 pounds (2.25 tons) and stands upright like a traditional dumpster. These reusable bags come with a lifetime warranty under BullBag’s “Buy One For Life” promise, offering residential, commercial and industrial customers a durable, cost-effective solution. Once filled, customers call for disposal, and BullBag’s professional “Wranglers” arrive to empty and return the bag for reuse. The bags can be conveniently purchased through big-box and small-box retailers, direct mail or via account managers, ensuring accessibility for contractors and homeowners alike. www.thebullbag.com
Pipe-support Product Line Streamlines the Job Site
Oatey Co. has expanded its pipe-support product line with the introduction of additional in-wall bracketing systems, pipe clamps and accessories. Designed to meet the evolving needs of professional plumbers, these innovative solutions simplify installations, improve efficiency and enhance job-site flexibility. Oatey’s latest pipe-support offerings include ready-to-install kits with pre-assembled components, delivering fewer parts for reduced complexity and handling on the job site. The products support PEX, copper and CPVC pipes, providing durability and versatility for residential and light commercial plumbing applications. Among the most innovative products in the line are the Sliding Wall Bracket Stub-Out Kits, which feature an extendable bracket to accommodate various stud widths without the need for measuring or cutting, and Self-Closing Pipe Clamps with a push-to-install mechanism that allows pipes to be easily secured by simply pushing them into the clamp, reducing installation effort. www.oatey.com/oatey-bracketing-kits-and-accessories
Diverted Plastic Reimagines Wall Surfaces
The Good Plastic Company has joined forces with designer Mario Romano to debut the M|R Walls x Polygood collection. This collaboration reimagines wall surfaces, blending the company’s 100 percent recycled and recyclable Polygood panels with Romano’s patented digital fabrication architectural technology. At the heart of this launch are five exclusive designs—Breeze, Flow, Petal, Reef and Stream. The material, which is sourced from recycled refrigerators, electronics and industrial materials, holds Cradle to Cradle Bronze certification and an Environmental Product Declaration. Each panel, which is lightweight, durable, waterproof and user-friendly to install, diverts approximately 110 pounds of plastic waste from landfills. polygood.com/polygood-designer-walls-by-mario-romano
Landscape Lighting Manufacturer Expands to Light Commercial Buildings
Dauer Manufacturing, a U.S.-based manufacturer of LED landscape lighting fixtures, lamps and transformers, has introduced its new commercial lighting division Lumify by Dauer. Combining Dauer’s decades of lighting products expertise and quality craftsmanship with innovative tech nology, Lumify provides high-performing lighting solutions to transform commercial spaces with efficient and reliable lighting designs engineered for durability. Lumify’s premium range of indoor and outdoor fixtures include area lights, flood lights, ceiling mounts, vanity lights, high bays, tunable LED panels, wall packs, sports lights and other customized lighting solutions. dauermanufacturing.com/lumify-by-dauer
Solar Protection Membrane Withstands Extreme Weather
Serge Ferrari Group has revamped its high-performance solar protection membrane Soltis 502 Proof, now offering 33 color options with 13 new shades. Made from 100 percent recycled polyester yarns, Soltis 502 Proof reflects Serge Ferrari Group’s commitment to lowering its carbon footprint while identifying the most sustainable options for delivering products of the same high quality. By reimagining Soltis 502 Proof and its manufacturing process, the company has reduced its environmental impact by 29 percent compared to equivalent versions without recycled content. Thanks to the company’s patented Precontraint technology, Soltis 502 Proof can resist extreme weather and abrasion
The last word in humidity control
The word in humidity control
Control Entries while Preserving Existing Floors
Boon Edam Inc. has launched its Speedlane Compact Platform. The modular platform, designed for the Lifeline Speedlane Compact Optical Turnstile, addresses the challenges of facilities where trenching or drilling into floors is restricted or undesirable. With a freestanding, modular design, the platform offers an ADA-compliant foundation that ensures accessibility in high-traffic environments without compromising structural integrity. The platform supports a weight capacity of 500 pounds per square foot for high stability and features integrated conduits to accommodate streamlined power and low-voltage wiring. Custom finishes, such as anti-slip coatings and stainless-steel tread plates, are available to align with various aesthetic and functional needs.
Room & Board has collaborated with Gensler to create Lincoln, a sit-stand and console desk collection that addresses wellness, technology, aesthetics and storage for high-performing workspaces. In a nod to the virtues of our 16th president, the American-made Lincoln desks and consoles are designed with integrity, made with honest materials and built to last. Choose from a variety of configurations, including desk width, electric height-adjustable controls, storage setups, wood choices and hardware finishes. Rising from 30-inches tall when height adjustability is collapsed to 49-inches tall with height adjustability extended, the Lincoln Desk Collection’s sit-stand functionality is powered by a touch-control panel with three memory settings on the desk’s surface and height-adjustable lifting columns hidden within the desk. The desk also features a safety reverse function, safety lock, anti-pinch software and adjustable leveling glides, plus leveling feet for stability.
Pease Park A Vision Plan Enhances a Public Park’s Recreational Heart and Cultural Soul
Situated along the banks of Shoal Creek in Downtown Austin, Texas, Pease Park is the city’s oldest public park and one of its most loved. In 2014, the City of Austin adopted the Pease Park Vision Plan to guide future use and care of the 84-acre park. With a focus on its built elements, historic features, and cultural resources, the first phase was realized as a collaboration between Ten Eyck Landscape Architects, Clayton Korte and Mell Lawrence Architects.
Removal of telephone poles, an old splash pad, and a prefab restroom building opened the lawn for activities and offers sweeping interior views of the park and a connection to the adjacent creek. The new park design weaves together the mature existing vegetation with a robust program of facilities and amenities.
The historic 1920s Tudor Cottage, which was built as a restroom in the Tudor Revival Style, had fallen into disrepair and was primarily used for storage in recent years. Its proximity to the park’s activity led the team to transform it into an event venue. The exterior was cleaned and preserved. The north side was opened through a large window visually connecting the interior to the expansive terrace and park below. Inside, walls were removed to create a single room. A new roof structure allows a vaulted ceiling while keeping the existing wood shake roof in place.
The park project earned a USGBC SITES Gold certification and was awarded a Texas ASLA Honor Award 2022. Additionally, the Tudor Cottage received the 2021 Preservation Austin Merit Award for Rehabilitation.
PHOTOS: Casey Dunn
ME TAMORPHOSIS
The 2025 Metamorphosis Awards
Be recognized by retrofit magazine for your outstanding work retrofitting commercial, industrial, institutional and residential buildings!
Submissions now are being accepted to enter our seventh-annual Metamorphosis Awards, honoring architects, designers and contractors for excellence in renovation, retrofits and more.
CATEGORIES
• Whole Building
• Historic
• Exterior
• Interior
• Residential
• Mixed Use
• Multifamily
• Adaptive Reuse
• Addition
• Wild Card: A creative improvement to an existing space/feature that doesn’t fit in the other categories.
DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES: July 18
Learn more at www.retrofitmagazine.com/metamorphosis-awards. VIEW THE 2024 WINNERS AT www.retrofitmagazine.com/category/2024-awards.
FLEXIBLE TRANSPARENT SOUND CONTROL
Learn More: nanawall.com/products/privasee
The NanaWall PrivaSEE is an all glass operable wall that provides flexible space management with exceptional acoustical control.
BENEFITS INCLUDE
• Only Unit STC 36 rated operable all glass system.
• Unit heights up to 10' 6" (3200 mm) are possible.
