Award of Excellence
Best Sustainable Project

Project Team

Akridge - (Development Manager)
American Society of Landscape Architects - (Owner)
Gensler - (Architect)
Coakley & Williams Construction, Inc - (General Contractor)
Atlantic Consulting Incorporated - (Vertical Transportation)
GHT Limited - (Mechanical Engineer)
OEHME, van SWEDEN - (Landscape)
Miller Beam & Paganelli, Inc. - (AV / Acoustics)
Silman - (Structural Engineer)
Stroik Lighting Design - (Lighting)

Executive Summary

Setting the precedent for sustainability and wellbeing, ASLA is registered LEED Platinum and WELL Silver, serving as a role model to the community. ASLA’s new headquarters space enables the organization to live out their mission of advancing their field and connecting to the community. Focused on promoting the landscape architecture industry, they partnered with a design firm to complete a full interior renovation that fits both LEED and WELL standards.

The American Society for Landscape Architecture took full advantage of the complete renovation of their headquarters to rebrand themselves. Now known as the ASLA Center for Landscape Architecture, their new space better reflects their mission, is more open and accessible, and supports more public outreach. Activating the street level and drawing people in, the open gallery and multi function space with moveable display walls gives a truly flexible area to entertain, host conferences and breakout sessions, conduct yoga classes, and display rotating exhibits which highlight their mission.

Using nature to influence their design, the team utilized finishes that are honest and true. Concrete flooring and exposed ceilings combined with a nature-inspired color palette gives the space a natural feel. Connectivity flows throughout the four floors due to the open and bright new workspace. A large part of the renovation included the opening up of the stairwell to the green roof and workspaces. A skylight was placed at the top to allow light to shine all the way down the stairs creating a connection from the street level to the roof.

Circadian lighting design was a major design factor impacting how the associates work. As the light gets more intense throughout the day, the light shines more directly on the employee. Ergonomics also play a part in the design with active furnishings such as sit to stand and treadmill desks found throughout the workplace. Monitor arms, keyboard trays, and ergonomic chairs are also found throughout.

A green plant canopy over the entrance is a visual expression of the work and values of the landscape architecture profession and the Society. A 600-gallon cistern in the side courtyard collects rainwater from the roof, which is distributed throughout the site’s planted spaces for irrigation. A sunken garden on the east side of the building becomes a space for contemplation and recreation for staff and visitors alike.

The result of the building design maximizes daylight within the space; increases occupant comfort and wellbeing; provides flexible, collaborative workspaces; and models energy conservation and environmental values.