Strada

The design of Strada was achieved through a comprehensive analysis of the context in which the development sits. Careful consideration of the regional climate and adjacent developments was taken in the arrangement of the program, form, and materials chosen to ensure a cohesive development within its surroundings. Sustainable design strategies were utilized at each stage of the design process and the forms developed respond to the adjacent context with respect to them. The program of Strada consisted of 50,000 sf of office space on a 2.41-acre site. Unfortunately, this amount of area meant that the required parking would engulf most of the site leaving little space for a building. To push the limits and yield the highest and best use of the site, the office program area was elevated above and a secure parking garage beneath was created. When evaluating the design approach to the office program area above, it was determined to split the program area into two masses and slightly angle the south building to widen the gap between the two forms and expand the views to the west from the east adjacent existing office building. This also allowed the form to be shallowed letting natural daylight deeper into the new program areas. The space in between the two masses became a space for a garden area where biophilic interaction could occur thus enhancing the quality of life for the occupants. The client desired large expenses of uninterrupted views to the north and south, however, large expenses of glass in our climate is challenging. To address this, only the north façade and south façade would have larger expanses of glazing, with the southern exposed glazing being protected by perforated metal shades to diffuse sunlight and reduce thermal transmission. The remaining fenestration is then narrowed and recessed to allow for additional shading. Each level of the building was then separated by a ventilated band to allow for natural cross-ventilation of the interior space. Lastly, in considering the adjacent mixed-use development to the west and the need for egress from the podium between the buildings to the ground level, the podium was swept back and a series of steps integrated with seating areas sheltered by vegetation to shield from western exposure was created. This eased the otherwise blunt edge of a more vertical podium form. Strada successfully integrates within the context, creates a space in harmony with its surroundings, and enhances the quality of the occupant's lives while reducing the impact it has on the environment.