Putting the design sustainability theories taught to its architecture students into practice, Woodbury University opened an innovative design center in the fall of 2001 that all but eliminates the need for air conditioning and significantly reduces the use of artificial lighting. The two-story, 21,000-square-foot building is akin to a giant lung, featuring a special ventilation system that enabled Woodbury to slash the budget for air conditioning from $250,000 to only $100,000. Air enters the building through louvers installed on the ground floor level, then passes through additional louvers into the main space. Air then flows up naturally ­ and on extremely hot days can be pumped up through a series of six giant ducts ­ into new light chimneys on the roof, where it is released to the outside through yet another set of louvers.
 

Although new computer labs in the building have the safeguard option of air conditioning to protect sensitive equipment, it is expected that these areas will operate with the flow-through system for more than two-thirds of the year.

The chimneys used for ventilation also provide natural light to the center of the building and many of the walls are made of translucent polycarbonate, allowing most areas to function without artificial light during the daytime. Further adding to the efficiency of the building, Woodbury installed state-of-the-art and affordable, low-energy fluorescent lights.

Design center architect Norman Millar believes the structure is a prime example of a "smart" building. By using the shell of a gymnasium originally constructed in 1952, Woodbury sought to economize by working as much as possible with what already existed. The layout of the 14 studios/classrooms corresponds to the existing structural system, yet the new building is designed to be seismically independent of the original. "Saving on construction and energy costs is important, but it believes this building is truly meaningful because it shows students the kind of creative moves that can be used to address environmental issues," says Millar, who also serves as chairman of Woodbury's Department of Architecture.

Millar compares the design of the new building ­ with a price tag of less than $1 million ­ to "delicate surgery," but says the result is worth the extra effort.

"It's less expensive to operate and healthier for students and faculty to be in," he explains.

Classes from throughout Woodbury's School of Architecture and Design will be taught in the building, with animation, graphic design and interior architecture majors primarily using the studio spaces. The second-floor of the building features two stairways that overlook a large two-story gallery space where students will be able to socialize, attend public lectures and observe the work of fellow students from other departments.

In addition to Millar, Woodbury turned to other faculty members who teach in the School of Architecture and Design to make the building a reality.