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Technology Access Foundation
Technology Access Foundation
Seattle, WA, United States
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Other Projects by The Miller Hull Partnership
Technology Access Foundation
Seattle, WA, United States
YEAR
2012
SIZE
10,000 sqft - 25,000 sqft
Photos
The Technology Access Foundation (TAF) building is an inspiring administrative and learning environment for one of Washington’s most successful Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education programs serving students of color. Located in an under-utilized park with magnificent mature trees on land made available through a unique lease arrangement with the King County Parks Department this 24,000 gsf mixed-use facility strengthens ties with its economically-challenged neighborhood by providing much needed community gathering/event space and ‘eyes on the park’ in the area’s primary and ‘at risk’ outdoor space. It also exemplifies the valuable community assets that can result from creative public/private partnerships to further equity and social justice goals.
The heart of the design is a prominent entry bridge which functions as a powerful metaphor for students leaving the everyday world behind to find respite in a ‘treehouse’ where they can work toward a successful future. While the clarity of the overall modern architecture represents the forward-thinking attitude of technology and science education within, a key client design directive was to utilize salvaged materials to promote sustainability and reinforce the organization’s creative nature by demonstrating reuse, as well as to engage the community through in-kind, physical donations. Overall, specific material choices in this LEED Silver building were considered for their long-term suitability, reviewed for potential toxic content, and evaluated for energy-efficiency and code compliance.
Utilizing reclaimed materials–the architects facilitated design of a 100-foot long entry bridge made of reclaimed timber, and elsewhere–retired road signs, discarded wood doors, fan belts, light fixtures and a range of cast-off materials were creatively and engagingly repurposed in both obvious and subtle applications integral to the building envelope, finishes, and user experiences.
Repurposed materials are an important part of the design narrative, yet the project’s strongest moments represent clear relationships between building and site, response to climate, economy of materials, and careful consideration of light, views, proportion and movement.
The heart of the design is a prominent entry bridge which functions as a powerful metaphor for students leaving the everyday world behind to find respite in a ‘treehouse’ where they can work toward a successful future. While the clarity of the overall modern architecture represents the forward-thinking attitude of technology and science education within, a key client design directive was to utilize salvaged materials to promote sustainability and reinforce the organization’s creative nature by demonstrating reuse, as well as to engage the community through in-kind, physical donations. Overall, specific material choices in this LEED Silver building were considered for their long-term suitability, reviewed for potential toxic content, and evaluated for energy-efficiency and code compliance.
Utilizing reclaimed materials–the architects facilitated design of a 100-foot long entry bridge made of reclaimed timber, and elsewhere–retired road signs, discarded wood doors, fan belts, light fixtures and a range of cast-off materials were creatively and engagingly repurposed in both obvious and subtle applications integral to the building envelope, finishes, and user experiences.
Repurposed materials are an important part of the design narrative, yet the project’s strongest moments represent clear relationships between building and site, response to climate, economy of materials, and careful consideration of light, views, proportion and movement.
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