In light of the increasing significance of environmental and ecological programs in the new economy, the Arizona Board of Regents had established the interdisciplinary Center for Sustainable Environments (CSE) at Northern Arizona University. The Center serves as a catalyst for many on and off campus projects, and has a direct and immediate impact on the community and the regional economy.

Since its initiation, CSE has developed over twenty partnerships, and this rapid expansion has created a need for additional research space on the Northern Arizona University campus. Infrastructure needs include space for developing applied research projects, as well as the technology and infrastructure needed to disseminate environmental knowledge to the region and the nation.

Given these needs, the administration at Northern Arizona University developed a plan to design and build a unique building that would meet the expanding research needs of the Center for Sustainable Environments and its public and private partners.

One of the recipients of the AIA 2010 Housing Awards, this single-family house is situated along the Connecticut shoreline of Long Island Sound. It is conceived of as an extension of both its natural and social contexts. Building on the site is regulated not only by the implied aesthetic expectations of a neighborhood association, but also by town zoning regulations on height and yard setbacks, as well as FEMA regulations requiring structures to be raised above base flood zones.

Photograph Ⓒ David Sundberg/Esto

Selected as one of the 2010 COTE Top Ten Green Projects, the new Watsonville Area Water Operations Center supports the larger Water Recycling Project, a joint effort of the City of Watsonville and the Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency to provide recycled water to farmers throughout the coastal areas of South Santa Cruz and North Monterey counties.

By treating wastewater and making it available to the $400 million local agricultural industry, the Water Recycling Project protects groundwater that is being consumed more quickly than it is replenished, resulting in saltwater intrusion into coastal wells. In addition, the plant significantly reduces wastewater discharges into the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Photographs by Bruce Damonte

Marina Bay Sands is a high-density, mixed-use integrated resort that brings together a 2,561-room hotel, convention center, shopping and dining, theaters, museum, and a casino across the water from Singapore’s Central Business District.  Designed by Boston-based architect Moshe Safdie, the 929,000 square meter (10 million square-foot) urban district anchors the Singapore waterfront, creates a gateway to Singapore, and provides a dynamic setting for a vibrant public life.

All photographs by Timothy  Hursley

Although we had featured the Herning Museum of Contemporary Art, designed by Steven Holl Architects back in July of 2009, in the light of yesterday's news of the project receiving a 2010 RIBA International Award, we wanted to show some new material about the project that we have just received. The museum unites three distinct cultural institutions: the Herning Center of the Arts, the MidWest Ensemble and the Socle du Monde.

One of the World’s Most Extensive and Expensive Integrated Resorts, Resorts World Sentosa Was Built in a Record Time of Under Three Years

We are always thrilled to hear news from Michael Graves & Associates (MGA), especially when it comes in the form of a mega-project. This week they announced the completion of the first phase of their Resorts World Sentosa, a new global vacation destination combining top-flight hotels, family entertainment, fine dining, and world-class gaming on 121 acres just across Keppel Harbor from downtown Singapore.

Aerial view of the resort

The project marks a significant milestone for Singapore, as MGA’s client Genting Singapore builds the country’s first large-scale multi-recreational luxury park. The resort, which includes a Universal Studio Theme Park, was one of the first projects to be certified with the GoldPlus award from Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority’s (BCA) Green Mark program for energy efficiency. It’s also a major accomplishment for MGA—the largest project in the firm’s 46 year history, and the best example of its unique integrated design practice, with master planning, architecture, interior design, furniture, products and graphics, all from the minds of designer Michael Graves and Principal-in-Charge Patrick Burke.

Says Michael Graves, “Sentosa brings together so many parts of our practice—it draws on the deep skill-set of my partners, and our talented staff, and it’s allowed us to demonstrate our architectural values on a larger canvas than ever before.”