Government Canyon Visitor Center

Photo credit: Chris Cooper

Indoor Environment

The building's narrow footprint allows for maximum use of indirect daylight from both the south and the north in all occupied spaces. Approximately 90% of occupied spaces enjoy effective daylight and views, and 100% of spaces have ventilation control.

Dimming controls in the exhibit space balance electric light levels against available daylight. All windows are operable, oriented to catch both direct light and cooling breezes. Extensive use of conventional double-hung windows maximizes the open area and minimizes interference with work surfaces and flow paths, ensuring optimal usability. Bronze screens allow breezes to naturally cool the main exhibit space, while large rolling doors can be closed to control light and keep out winter winds. Porches are oriented to provide various shelter options.

Green Strategies

• Visual Comfort and The Building Envelope
  • Orient the floor plan on an east-west axis for best control of daylighting
• Visual Comfort and Interior Design
  • Design open floor plans to allow exterior daylight to penetrate to the interior
• Visual Comfort and Light Sources
  • Provide illumination sensors
• Ventilation and Filtration Systems
  • Design for optimum cross-ventilation through window placement

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Our thanks to the ENERGY STAR program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and to the U.S. Department of Energy, and to BuildingGreen, Inc. for hosting the submission and judging forms.

For more information about the AIA/COTE Top Ten Green Projects, contact AIA/COTE. For help on how to use this Web site, contact .