Advanced I Studio FALL 2023 - HOWARD WERTHEIMER

The Living Building Visitor Center would make Georgia Tech the first university in the world to have more than one Registered Living Building. This Center, located south of Tech Tower on North Avenue, becomes a new gateway to campus. By redeveloping the existing parking lot, this building brings the site to life with a holistically sustainable approach. The building meets all requirements in the Living Building Challenge categories of Place, Water, Equity, Materials, Energy, Beauty, and Health & Happiness. For example, the structure is locally grown Georgia mass timber and creates special emphasis on natural daylighting, which adds a biophilic element to the design. The building is net positive energy through photovoltaic panels which capture and store solar power. The building’s heating and cooling are delivered by hydronic radiant floor slabs. Natural ventilation allows the building to “breathe” and create a comfortable indoor temperature during all seasons. Rainfall is captured and stored in a 50,000 gallon cistern, and composting toilets dramatically reduce water usage. Thousands of visitors per year will leave Georgia Tech with a newfound understanding and appreciation of sustainability in the built environment.