News Archives
Don Watson, Noted Architect and Vita Nuova Member Recognized as a Founder of Green Design
Donald Watson, FAIA, recently received two prestigious awards - the 2008 U.S. Green Building Council Leadership Award and the American Institute of Architect's Presidential Citation, for career achievements in architecture, energy and environment. The awards were presented November 20, 2008 at the U.S. Green Building Council's 15th annual International Conference, Boston MA, attended this year by 27,000 participants.
Both awards recognize contributions of Donald Watson and other members of the inaugural AIA Committee on Environment, as "founders of green design in the United States." Awardees sharing this citation include architects Robert Berkebile, Paul Bierman-Lytle, Randall Croxton, Pliny Fisk, Harry Gordon, William McDonough, and Susan Maxman.
Vita Nuova Member Contributes to the Newly Released "Whole Earth Green Catalog"
The Whole Earth Catalog, published to counterculture acclaim between 1968-72, has been reborn as The Whole Green Catalog, just published by Rodale Press. Covering "Green" tools, topics, technology, and products from A to Z, the book is edited by Michael Robbins and written by experts in 20 different disciplines, including Vita Nuova member Tim Snyder, who authored the "Smart Shelter" chapter.
You can find out more at www.wholegreencatalog.com.
Vita Nuova presents at the Brownfields 2009 Conference
We'll see you in New Orleans at the 2009 National Brownfields Conference! Vita Nuova will be participating in the following sessions:
Big, Bad and At Times Ugly: Complex Site Redevelopment
Monday, Nov 16, 2009, 1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
EPA's Risk Management Workbook for Municipalities
Tuesday Nov 16, 2009, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
*Special Session - Room 225
To register, email vitanuovallc@gmail.com
The Perfect Storm: How a Downturned Real Estate Market
Can Boost Sustainability at Brownfields Sites
Tuesday, Nov 17, 2009, 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM
The Role of Risk-based Cleanup in Residential Development
Tuesday, Nov 17, 2009, 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM
Brownfield Sustainability Pilot Program
Tuesday, Nov 17, 2009, 4:00 PM - 5:15 PM
Models of Sustainable Community Development:
Using Brownfields Redevelopment to Achieve Sustainability Goals
Wednesday, Nov 18, 2009, 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Vita Nuova Performing 6 Sustainabilty Pilots Supported By USEPA With Communities Around the Country
Springfield, MO Sustainability Pilot
The Commercial Street District, a former industrial and commercial corridor in Springfield, MO is the city's first historic district and its recent redevelopment is creating a vibrant arts, entertainment and shopping destination. This project focused on three key properties within the district in order to coordinate their sustainable redevelopment; a microbrewery, a day spa and a community center.
Vita Nuova evaluated the three sites in the context of sustainable reuse objectives. The analysis offered green design methods for adaptive reuse of each site and an examination of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) costs and process. Vita Nuova made concrete recommendations for how to implement intelligent green design solutions tailored to the individual needs of the sites' end uses.
View the reportRoxbury, MA Sustainability Pilot
The Jackson Square Redevelopment Initiative is a multi-use brownfield redevelopment project led by Urban Edge, a local community development organization. The project is planned on 14.5-acres of former industrial land in Roxbury, MA. The project includes the construction of 14 new buildings and the restoration of an existing building.
Vita Nuova analyzed the applicability and costs of green roof construction on the Jackson Square Redevelopment Initiative. The analysis considered a large range of general and site-specific concerns, including environmental and energy impacts, stormwater management, regulatory requirements, programming needs, and site access.
Samoa, CA Sustainability Pilot
The Town of Samoa, CA is one of the few remaining "Company Towns," constructed in the late 19th century by the Hammond Lumber Company to serve their workers. The Town's current developers are in the process of implementing the Samoa Town Master Plan. This plan includes redevelopment of the existing residences and buildings, as well as construction of new housing, industrial and commercial development and tourist and cultural facilities.
Vita Nuova analyzed the Town Master Plan in the context of two green building rating systems: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Neighborhood Development Rating System and Land and Natural Development (LAND) Code. Through this analysis Vita Nuova created a profile of the project's sustainable development practices and made recommendations on areas for improvement.
In addition, Vita Nuova developed a Voluntary Green Code and Green Remodeling Guide for the rehabilitation of the Town's existing homes. The guide serves as a companion piece to the green building analysis and provides more specific recommendations for the preservation of Samoa's historic homes.
Burlington, VT Sustainability Pilot
The Moran Center at Waterfront Park in Burlington, VT is a former coal-fired electric generating plant that is being redeveloped as a multi-use community amenity. The plans for the Center include partnerships with three key organizations: The Ice Factor International, an ice climbing facility, the Community Sailing Center and the Green Mountain Children's Museum.
Vita Nuova evaluated the site in the context of green design objectives. The analysis provides green design methods for the development of the Moran Center site plan and building, as well as guidance for wetlands restoration and enhancement. Vita Nuova provided recommendations for sustainable infrastructure and site design that are appropriate for the site's reuse objectives.