Architecture firms building more inclusive names

An article yesterday in the New York Times announced a name change for the 50-year-old firm Polshek Partnership to Ennead, which means a group of nine deities in Egyptian mythology. The article noted that the trend in architecture is to move away from names credited to the principals of a firm and toward a collective representation of all the ideas that go into designing a building. At Venture Architecture, where the best idea wins and each of us feels compelled to make the work we do great, we applaud this movement. We know that smart design is often a nexus of many elements.

Building Skin: First impression and functional beauty

In recent years, several existing Denver buildings in tight infill spaces have been given new exterior skins. One project of note designed by Gensler is the Pura Vida Spa building in Cherry Creek which formerly housed the Tattered Cover in a nondescript stucco low rise. Many architects around the country are exploring options "outside the (building) box" in both existing and new construction. The Gehry Partners' Beekman Tower recently profiled in Architectural Record and located in Lower Manhattan is a standard skyscraper shape made amazing with curving steel curtain walls. Jean Nouvel's 100 Eleventh Avenue, also in Manhattan, used tilted fixed and operable windows for their hybrid curtain wall that seems to shimmer on the skyline. Far from being simply eccentric, these buildings are attractive, highly functional and, as with the second skin on this remodeled home featured on the GreenSource website, can provide passive energy saving features.

Xcel Energy offers rebates on LED lighting

Recently Xcel Energy announced rebates for businesses looking to install LED, or light emitting diode, lighting for both retrofit and new construction applications. There is a separate program for small businesses. According to Xcel, up to 44% of a business utility bill is allocated to lighting and with an LED bulb using up to 3% of the energy of a standard incandescent and lasting about 66 times longer, the savings could be substantial. The rebate applications are very long and only certain manufacturers and models will qualify; however, this program seems like a great step forward in greater acceptance of more efficient lighting. 

Luxury apartments planned for LoHi neighborhood

A recent article at the Inside Real Estate New website reported that a new luxury apartment low rise is being built at 17th and Central. The building is across the street from the Highland pedestrian bridge linking downtown to the LoHi neighborhood. Ground floor retail space and 3500 square feet of office will further emphasize neighborhood walkability and density. The apartments are aimed at a higher-income renter in an area where few rental options are available. At a time when most downtown rentals are experiencing nearly 100 percent occupancies, the project is expected to be a great success.