Reflections on Presentations - #1
Goal 7: Improving minneapolis slums through sustainability
The problem stated was a 2 part social dilemma. The need was expressed for more low income housing projects in the twin cities. This mainly comes in the form of redevelopment projects, development of vacant land, and preventing the conversion of affordable housing to non affordable housing. In the best description of things it can be more simply put by saying that our current standard of design practices work against sustainability and fall short in terms of quality. Some of the sustainable solutions to the problem presenting itself can be studied in mainly three different categories: economic, social and environmental. This group decided to look into a few examples of present buildings that use green building technology. One particular example that was mentioned that I find most interesting (e.i. I know the most about) is the S.C. Johnson Wax Company located in Racine, Wisconsin. This was a building that was built in the 1930’s by Frank Lloyd Wright but regardless, is still one of the most eco-friendly buildings around. In the first place, it cost less to build the structure and it also saves approximately $100,000 a year. That means that since it was built, the company has saved millions of dollars by using green practices. The main focus of the group was a case study on the Riverside Plaza built in 1971 and designed by our own Ralph Rapson. This is a group of six high rise buildings located in Minneapolis. The group presented 11 proposals to improve this structure. They are: Water re-use systems, Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, Install vertical recycling chutes in all six towers, Replace old windows with high efficiency triple paned glass Replace deterioration colored panels with new wood panels from sustainable forests, Paint dirty concrete, Passive solar energy, Energy star roof coating, Install new energy star appliances- low water usage, Replace old HVAC system with more energy efficient system and Replace elevators with KONE gearless traction elevators. In the end, the application of these ideas will produce a more eco-friendly structure as well as a more aesthetically pleasing one. I personally think that this was an excellently presented topic and the need for its implementation is very apparent. The case study really presented a wide range of options for making this structure more energy efficient.