HURRICANE IRMA
Mez Joseph
DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER CAUSED BY HURRICANE IRMA, OUR OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY SEPTEMBER 11. WE WILL REOPEN AT 1PM ON TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 12.
News
Liollio Welcomes Liz Corr!
Mez Joseph
Liollio Architecture is pleased to welcome Liz Corr, AIA, LEED GA to our studio. Liz is a licensed architect with six years of professional experience, including K12 and higher education, community and commercial design. A native of Philadelphia, Liz completed her undergraduate education at Shippensburg University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Physics before completing her Master of Architecture degree at Clemson University. As a student, Liz studied in Charleston and Genoa, Italy, gaining a love of exploring and an interest in community focused design. Liz is a member of AIA South Carolina, AIA Equity in Architecture committee and a volunteer with the Charleston Chapter of the ACE Mentor Program of America.
Happy Solar Eclipse Viewing!
Mez Joseph
Today, Monday, August 21, all of North America will be treated to an eclipse of the Sun, and NASA will carry it live from coast to coast from unique vantage points on the ground and from aircraft and spacecraft, including the International Space Station. Coverage starts at noon ET/9am PT on Aug 21. Watch it live here on NASA's Facebook page or on your TV with the Facebook video app, available in major TV app stores. #Eclipse2017
In observance of this special event, the Liollio offices will close at noon and reopen the following morning. Happy and safe eclipse viewing to all!
Charleston International Airport Renovation Lauded by SC Public Works
Mez Joseph
From left to right: SC APWA President Frank Pandullo, Britton Corbin, director of engineering, Charleston County Aviation Authority; Awards Chairperson Dana Higgins
Charleston International Airport’s terminal redevelopment, which wrapped in late 2016, has been honored by the South Carolina Chapter of the American Public Works Association as its 2017 Public Works Project of the Year. The award was presented during the chapter’s state conference in July. It recognizes outstanding achievements in transportation public works projects. Overall, the APWA awards program promotes excellence in the management and administration of public works projects by recognizing the alliances between managing agencies, consultants, architects, engineers and contractors who together complete public works projects.
“Although several impressive projects were submitted for the 2017 SC APWA Project of the Year, the awards committee chose the Charleston County Aviation Authority’s project due to the complexity and size of the project,” said state chapter President Frank Pandullo.
“Performing renovations while having a fully operational terminal is a construction scheduling challenge that was easily overcome during this project,” he said. “We commend the Aviation Authority for undertaking the project, and compliment the Aviation Authority on the receipt of the award.” Pandullo went on to say “the space created to accommodate the growth from 1.6 million passengers in 2000 to the more than 3.7 million passengers in 2016 will continue to allow growth to the terminal in the years to come. Of special note, Pandullo said “the design of the 18’ tall and 32’ wide dome in the Central Hall and Arrivals area is both beautiful and functional” and give passengers a visual connection from the curbside to the airfield.
Charleston International Airport underwent a complete transformation inside and out between 2012 and 2016, without disruptions to air travel. The unprecedented project turned the 30+-year-old airport into a modern, sophisticated hub of air travel for its 3.7 million passengers and gave the Charleston region an airport fitting for a vibrant, growing community. The project wrapped in October 2016 with a formal rededication.
The airline boarding areas underwent complete renovation to include new seating, restrooms and improved amenities such as individual power outlets, more shopping and dining options and improved signage. On Concourse B, five new gates were added (for a total of 15 airport wide) and 15 new jet bridges were installed across both airport concourses.
A new Central Energy Plant was built to provide highly efficient and remotely manageable environmental systems. The program also included new inbound and outbound baggage handling systems.
“We’re honored to receive this award because it is from an organization in which many of its members had a role in helping make the terminal redevelopment a success,” said Paul G. Campbell Jr., executive director and CEO of the Aviation Authority.
“Despite the challenges of renovating while operating the airport and experiencing significant growth that experts did not predict for another 10 years, everyone involved in the project persevered,” Campbell said. “Today we have an airport that will take us into the future and one that the community can be proud of.”
The SCAPWA award is the fourth for the terminal redevelopment. Others are:
- Southeastern Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives Commercial Airport 2017 Project of the Year
- Charleston Metro Chamber 2016 Beacon Award
- Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau 2016 Golden Pineapple Award
SPOTLIGHT ON: ALISON DAWSON, AIA
Mez Joseph
A native of Charleston, Alison earned her Bachelor of Arts in Architecture at Clemson University and Bachelor of Architecture at North Carolina State University. Alison has been part of the Liollio team for over five years. She recently earned her architectural licensure and became a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). We recently sat down for a little Q&A with Alison, our August Spotlight On feature.
Where did you grow up?
I was lucky enough to have been born and raised in Charleston, which is sort of like winning the hometown lottery! I spent every moment I could on the water; sailing, surfing and soaking up all that Lowcountry life had to offer.
Are you married?
My husband, Calvin, and I will be celebrating our 4th wedding anniversary in October.
What is your favorite thing in your house?
My favorite things are really part of the house itself. It’s a simple bungalow that was built in the 1940’s and still contains the original plaster walls, trim and hardware. The door hardware is antique brass and has the coolest faceted glass knobs. I love that these things haven’t been replaced.
What do you like to do when you have free time?
I love meeting friends at local breweries - my favorite is Revelry. On the weekends, if the weather is nice, I also enjoy being out on the boat with my husband and our dogs or walking around downtown for garden inspiration.
Tell us a bit about your dogs.
We are constantly kept on our toes by our wild coonhound, Otis, and his attention grabbing antics. Last year we adopted his best buddy, Duke, a black lab, and they have been the perfect complement to one another.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Most recently, receiving my architectural license.
What is your favorite country you have traveled to and why?
Studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain was a life changing experience. Everything about it just blew my mind. The architecture, art, culture, food, wine, lifestyle…all of it.
What is your favorite thing about working at Liollio?
It’s really inspiring to work with a group of like-minded, fun people who genuinely care about making a positive impact on the communities we work with.
What inspires you most?
I am constantly inspired by my colleagues and mentors at Liollio. Our studio culture is top-notch and we aim to elevate design in every aspect of our projects through sincere study of context and culture.
What style of architecture most impresses you or is your favorite?
I favor proportion over any sort of style. If the proportion is off, there is no decorative accent or detail that is going to fix it.
What is your favorite book?
Harry Potter
What is your favorite restaurant?
Definitely FIG. I have never had a bite of anything there that didn’t impress me and they have a really warm and knowledgeable staff.
What’s your favorite place in Charleston?
So many places hold dear memories for me, but a favorite is probably the Sea Island Yacht Club in Rockville, which is a tiny little community at the end of Wadamalaw Island. From what I’ve been told, my grandparents met there in the 1930s at the Rockville Regatta.
What is your favorite food?
Fancy cheese (bonus points when paired with wine and my best girlfriends.
What is your least favorite food?
It’s a tie between liver and raw yellow squash.
If you could be an animal, what would you be and why?
A dolphin - they are gregarious creatures and seem to spend most of their time playing or eating.
Do you play any instruments?
I started playing the violin when I was around 6 and continued somewhat seriously with it through high school. I’ve always had horrendous stage fright though. I still play some, mostly along with my favorite records, and only in front of my dogs. They howl at the high notes, which is equally hilarious and shameful.
Who is your favorite musical artist?
Lately, Jason Isbell. There is something about his music and the storytelling that I find really compelling. Otherwise, I listen to hip hop most of the time.
Who is your favorite artist?
Banksy
Favorite television show?
The Big Bang Theory cracks me up. I’m also obsessed with Game of Thrones.
Who would play you in a movie about your life?
Maybe Emma Stone or Shailene Woodley??
What’s your astrological sign?
I’m a Cancer, though I really don’t know what it means aside from the fact that I do like water and pearls.
Last movie you watched?
Wet Hot American Summer - it’s an old favorite.
Guilty pleasure?
Netflix
Where is the best place you’ve traveled to and why?
Anytime I get to travel, I feel like I’m automatically having the best time ever, and I’m fortunate to have visited some really cool places. I really enjoyed Ireland and Barbados, as they are both part of my traceable family history.
What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?
My family and friends - I’m blessed to have the best of both!
What is the greatest challenge you have had to overcome in your life thus far?
I have dealt with crippling anxiety in the past, which I think surprises even people that know me well. It took a lot for me to work through it at times, but it is also something that has given me a lot of empathy for others and a reminder not to be too quick to judge.
What is your greatest fear?
Going underground, which is a bit of an oxymoron since my maiden name is Cave. I saw this documentary about spelunking on PBS when I was really young and someone got trapped. It still terrifies me to think about.
What does true leadership mean to you?
Inspiring people to not only succeed, but to do so with kindness, humility and strength of character.
If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be?
I would want be a travel writer/blogger, a food stylist or a fashion designer.
How do you define success?
Being happy.
Built, Fast! 6 Local Architects Talk Shop
Mez Joseph
Associate Principal Andy Clark recently attended AIA Charleston's Pecha Kucha presentation Built, Fast! 6 Local Architects Talk Shop on July 18 held at Charles Towne Fermentory. Andy presented Liollio's design of the University of South Carolina Beaufort - Hilton Head Hospitality Management Facility. The project is currently under construction and Liollio is working in association with Bialosky Cleveland. Six local architects discussed and displayed images of their work at the new brewery in Avondale. The event was presented by AIA Charleston and CRAN Charleston, but was open to all. Each presenter exhibited 20 slides for 20 seconds each. It was a concise presentation of what our local architects have been hard at work on. Visit the AIA Charleston website at www.aiacharleston.com for upcoming events.
Liollio’s Alison Dawson Achieves Architectural Licensure
Mez Joseph
Liollio Architecture is pleased to congratulate Alison Dawson, AIA, for earning her architectural licensure and becoming a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), a professional organization for architects in the United States. A registered architect must complete an internship and pass a rigorous series of examinations offered by official architectural registration boards in the United States and Canada. The Liollio team celebrates Alison and her achievement.
A native of Charleston, Alison earned her Bachelor of Arts in Architecture at Clemson University and Bachelor of Architecture at North Carolina State University, graduating with honors. As a student, Alison tailored her studies toward areas of interest such as urban design, regional infrastructures, sustainable systems and the history of American cities. She spent a semester abroad in Barcelona, cultivating a deep appreciation for the coexistence of preservation and current technology in the built environment.
Alison’s work at Liollio has varied, strengthening her design, attention to detail, communication and collaborative skills. Her recent work includes Brighton Park Swim Club, addition/renovation work at Charleston International Airport and preservation/renovation to Charleston’s Old City Jail. Alison is also very active as a Student Mentor in the ACE Mentor Program of America Charleston Chapter and was honored as one of Charleston Regional Business Journal’s 2016 Forty Under 40 recipients.
Liollio Welcomes Juhee Porwal
Mez Joseph
Liollio Architecture is pleased to welcome Juhee Porwal, Associate AIA, to its studio. Juhee was born in Jodhpour, India and graduated in 2015 from the Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University School of Architecture and Planning (GGSIPU) in New Delhi, earning a Bachelor of Architecture. While in India, she served as Chief Editor and organizer of the publication Puri-fication: Understanding the Visible. Juhee previously worked as an intern at the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage in New Delhi. She is currently pursuing her Master of Architecture from Clemson University School of Architecture. Juhee worked as the Graduate Assistant under Professor Daniel Harding for the Clemson Research Design Center. In 2015, she was awarded the Thomas J. Kendrick, Jr. Fellowship from Clemson University, and was recently awarded the H.C. & L.C. Mickel Endowment.
Finlay Park Receives Honor Award for Analysis & Planning from ASLA Southeast Regional Conference
Mez Joseph
The American Society of Landscape Architecture (ASLA) recently held their Southeast Regional Conference in June where they announced the 2017 design award winners. Finlay Park Master Plan in Columbia, South Carolina won an Honor Award in the Analysis and Planning Category – among the top awards for the program. The City of Columbia and the design team, which includes Stantec, Civitas, Liollio Architecture, HR&A Advisors, Cox & Dinkins, Chao & Associates, Cumming, Comprehensive Business Consultants, and Georgia Harrison received the award.
Directly across from the Governor’s Mansion, Finlay Park is an 19-acre urban park offering some of the most dramatic vistas of Columbia’s skyline. Once a thriving urban park, the city has seen Finlay decline over the years which can be attributed, in part, to structural failures in walls, leaking water features, non-compliance with building codes leading to risk and safety concerns, and accessibility. Created through a process of analysis, public involvement and meaningful design, the following goals guided the master plan:
- Accessibility
- Unique destination playground
- Increase safety and visibility
- Rebuild the walls and leaking water features
- Projection of sound
The plan balances the introduction of new elements with the unique forms and charm of the original park. Iconic elements within the park are to be refurbished, such as the spiral fountain which is much loved and holds the historic character of the park.
Stantec led the design team, and facilitated focus group and public meetings to gain consensus from community and business leaders, city staff, and emergency responders. Through these meetings, Stantec gathered information on park programming, revenue resources, safety, maintenance, access, and community needs. Ultimately, the design team established design principles and goals to guide the final master plan. The project will move into construction once funding is secured.
The regional ASLA Awards is an annual design competition that recognizes the best in landscape architecture. The program is administered by North Carolina, Georgia, and South Carolina ASLA Chapters. The jury was from outside of the Southeast Region and the entry is anonymous. Liollio is proud to be part of the Stantec design team for this award-winning project. Congratulations to all on the team!
Richland Library Ballentine Virtual Tour
Mez Joseph
Richland Library opened the doors to its new Ballentine location and invited the community to take a look at the new, state-of-the-art facility on June 13, 2017. The 13,000 square-foot structure, located at 1200 Dutch Fork Road, offers customers more than quadruple the amount of room for resources, technology, services and programs, public art pieces that were assembled by three, local artists with input and help from the community, and a retreat on a seven-acre, wooded lot.
Location Manager, Kelly Jones, says "Our beautiful new space will connect the community to nature, taking full advantage of the seven wooded acres. We look forward to offering exciting spaces for families; spaces for artists and creators; and plenty of room for the community to gather and learn."
Visit the Richland Library Ballentine page here and take a virtual tour of the new facility.
Richland Library Blythewood Virtual Tour
Mez Joseph
“Our beautiful and spacious new library is a direct reflection of the traditions and values that distinguish our community and make it a sought after destination to visit, live in, work and raise our families. We know you’ll love the new creative spaces; much needed meeting rooms; and interactive Lego wall.”
Click here or above image and scroll down to take a virtual tour of the library.
Charleston Airport Lauded by Peers for Terminal Improvement Work
Mez Joseph
Liollio is proud to be part of the Fentress Architect design team for the award-winning Charleston International Airport Redevelopment.
Charleston International's peer airports across the Southeast recently lauded the gateway to the Lowcountry for outstanding architectural renovation following the $200 million terminal improvement project.
The Southeast Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives presented the best Commercial Service Airport – Architectural Project award to Charleston during its conference in Knoxville in April. The group represents more than 550 members and 88 airports in the southeastern U.S.
“This award is a testament to the hundreds of people who worked on what is a total transformation of Charleston International Airport, from the architects and designers to the construction crews to the Aviation Authority staff that oversaw the day-to-day planning and progress,” said Paul Campbell, executive director and CEO of Charleston County Aviation Authority, which oversees the airport.
Read the full Post & Courier article here.
East Cooper Meals On Wheels
Mez Joseph
Thank you Palmetto Tile Distributors for creating SpecSC, a wonderful program that allows local companies to designate a portion of their purchase to local non-profits! Liollio's Elissa Bostain & Mary Tran stopped by to visit the East Cooper Meals on Wheels facility and meet with Palmetto Tile's Jason Goldberg and Sara Holt to present ECMOW with a check. Click here o learn more about the Palmetto Tile Distributors SpecSC program. Find out how you can help East Cooper Meals on Wheels here or by clicking the image above.
Happy Independence Day!
Mez Joseph
Our offices will be closed July 4th, 2017 in observance of the holiday. We wish you all a safe and happy holiday! Click the image above for some fun facts about July 4th that you may not know.
Liollio's Aaron Bowman referenced in AIA's "How to Get Involved with Disaster Assistance"
Mez Joseph
AIA DAC CHAIR ROSE GRANT, AIA (SECOND FROM LEFT) PERFORMS BUILDING SAFETY ASSESSMENTS WITH THE AIA ILLINOIS DISASTER RESPONSE TEAM AFTER AN EF-3 TORNADO HIT OTTAWA, ILLINOIS, IN FEBRUARY.
At A’17, members of AIA's Disaster Assistance Committee explained how architects can both reduce vulnerabilities and respond after a hazard
Every architect recognizes his or her value in the aftermath of a disaster: helping to rebuild, repair, and reinvigorate a community in need. And every architect wants to design hazard resistant buildings that can withstand potential disasters. What's not always as clear is how to get involved with disaster response organizations, and how to prepare and safeguard your town or city for when a disaster does arise.
At AIA Conference on Architecture 2017 (A'17), members of AIA's Disaster Assistance Committee led a session called "What Architects Need to Know about Disasters and Risk Reduction," aimed at educating architects on their role in each of the four phases of the emergency management cycle. Their message was clear: If architects are ready to get involved, here's how to do so.
"We have such a hopeful opportunity here as architects," said session speaker Kathleen Gordon, Assoc. AIA, executive director of AIA Baton Rouge. "On the front end, we have the knowledge and the expertise to create buildings that will better withstand these disasters. And on the back end, when the disaster happens, we have the problem-solving skills to assist home and business owners in recovery."
The four phases outlined—mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery—largely map to a disaster's time sequence—before, during, after, and anytime. Grasping which actions are most pertinent to each phase or stage is the first step to making a difference in disaster assistance.
Fortune favors the ready
According to session speaker Aaron Bowman, AIA, anyone interested in disaster assistance should consider these four preemptive options:
- Connect with your local Disaster Assistance Program through state or local AIA chapters; if your area doesn’t have a program, consider creating one by instituting the five components of a state program as found on page 54 of the Disaster Assistance Handbook
- Develop working relationships with relevant state and community officials
- Host an AIA Safety Assessment Program training for AIA members, engineers and building officials
- Build a broad geographic network of trained built environment professionals to serve as volunteers
Not every hazard becomes a disaster, and reducing vulnerabilities while lessening risk can help protect your community from potential damage. When it comes to mitigation, considering building codes and land use is vital. Clients may not realize the complications that could arise from building next to a body of water, or the benefits of designing beyond the code's requirements. It's up to the architect to provide that valuable insight and reinforce the need for well-placed resilient design.
"Building codes are only a minimum requirement," said session speaker Rose Grant, AIA, 2017 chair of the Disaster Assistance Committee, "and sometimes it's quite minimal. There's no focus on protecting property or investment; they're about life safety. Code compliance isn’t a guarantee of post-disaster habitability or occupancy."
What to do during
Once a disaster strikes, it's important to know where and when you can best provide help. Architects and other built environment professionals are typically called in as second responders, when demand for personnel has exceeded the capability of local jurisdictions. Local and state governments have disaster protocols in place to maintain order and ensure resources are sent where they are needed most, meaning an official request for assistance must come from the proper authorities before AIA disaster assistance volunteers can take responsive action.
"In the response phase, the architects' volunteer role is primarily in safety assessments," said session speaker J. Scott Eddy, AIA, "and who better than architects?"
Architects will help determine which homes are safe to return to, getting residents out of shelters and reducing negative post-disaster health impacts. You'll want to make sure all architects involved are properly trained for this particular disaster (most often with AIA’s Safety Assessment Program), and that professional liabilities are covered as a volunteer under the authority.
Liability protection is typically provided through a state’s Good Samaritan Law. Staying up to date on the protection available in your state is always wise; AIA maintains a compendium of the Good Samaritan legislation from state to state.
The aftermath, and beyond
The time after and in between disasters offers an opportunity to consider potential vulnerabilities, update and enforce building codes, and get involved in community planning around resilience. It's also a chance to learn about the potential disasters your area may face; at A'17, Grant noted that not all hazards come in big, bombastic forms.
"What hazard kills the most people in the United States?" she asked, surprising her audience with the answer: "Extreme heat." According to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, heat actually kills more people than hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, flood, and earthquakes combined. And as climate change continues to alter the weather, the slow and steady destruction will prove just as deadly as the headline grabbers. In addition, with extreme heat comes drought, wildfires, and sea level rise, all of which can be at least somewhat mitigated through smart, thoughtful design.
A quick response to a disaster can save lives, and learning from disasters is paramount to preventing the next hazard from becoming one. But we will not be able to remove disasters from everyday life, hence the need to increase understanding of retrofit programs, vulnerability assessments, and other proactive endeavors that can lessen the scale and impact of the damage done.
"The good news is that we are losing fewer lives to fires, hurricanes, and floods here in the United States," Grant said. "The bad news is all of those events are increasing in frequency and intensity, threatening entire communities and economies across the globe."
When disasters do strike, architects should know how best they can help. Coordination and connection on a local level, whether through an AIA Disaster Assistance Program or on a community basis, will create the kind of knowledge and resource sharing that protects our built environment and saves lives.
For more on disaster assistance, download the third edition of AIA's Disaster Assistance Handbook.
June 2017 Liollio Supper Club
Mez Joseph
Thank you to Liollio's Angie Brose, Associate, or hosting our recent Liollio Supper Club! It was a remarkable, cultural and delicious potluck. We are blessed to work with an amazing group of talented and dedicated individuals.
Meet #EQxDHack17 Winners - TEAM S.P.A.R.C.
Mez Joseph
By Sarah Glass (in collaboration with Amanda Dunfield, Bryan C Lee Jr, Patricia Canevari, Stephanie Herring, and Tom Powers)
In April, we hacked. AIA SF’s Equity by Design Committee hosted the Architecture in the Era of Connections Hackathon at the AIA Conference on Architecture ‘17, where a room full of perfect strangers of various ages, experiences, and ethnicities were asked: What keeps you up at night? And how are you going to fix it?
Team SPARC in Action
How did we define our problem?
We started with several issues that we see in practice. We talked about the gap from education to practice, ways to connect with people of different generations, reverse mentorship, career pinch-points, and staying “relevant” as a firm. Our conversation about these separate issues started to blend into one and we began to discuss ways to close the generational gap. This issue is present in both directions - younger employees want to be able to talk to those with more experience to further their education and more seasoned architects want to be able to understand how to attract and retain new talent for firm development and continued innovation. As a group, we identified two gaps: the lack of effective mentorship and the lack of accessibility to mentors. These key factors widen the disconnect between the generations in the workforce. This dialogue informed our problem to hack for the next three hours:
How can we redefine and re-engage mentorship within the practice of architecture?
Getting started.
We agreed that mentorship (as a framework) is the key to success at two scales: at a firm, and for the profession. In all candor, we shared with each other that we had a difficult time with the word “mentor” as it came with so many preconceived notions and, therefore, a negative connotation implying limitations. We didn’t want our mentorship network to work in a singular (usually top-down) direction. It was important to our group that mentorship works in every way (peer to peer, employee to employer, student to practitioner and vice-versa). Redefining the word “mentor” lead us to our a-ha moment.
Team SPARC in Action
A-ha!
We found a spark, and with that came our answer. Mentorship is about connectivity, feeling supported, and being valued. But beyond this, you need the opportunity to find a potential mentor - a partner to have a dialogue with about the multiple facets of our professional life. Introducing: SPARC, the Social - Professional - Architectural - Resource - Community.
We questioned what makes a mentor/mentee relationship work. This app, SPARC, will provide the architectural community a way to connect with people regardless of geographical location. By expanding the idea of what mentorship can be, we can connect people beyond an individual firm, location, gender or age, in order to share our collective knowledge to better ourselves and improve the profession.
What is the framework?
SPARC is a mentor match-making App. As a user, you would input your areas of expertise to build your profile. These are the areas in which you will be asked to participate as a mentor. The app is searchable by topic. To use this function, you will search for a topic for which you need help or advice. The app will then provide you with the users who have listed this as their area of expertise and passion. You can then start a conversation on the spot for quick, reliable answers. These relationships can be as simple as asking about a flashing detail or as involved as asking for advice for your career path.
Crafting the Perfect Pitch
One of the main features of the EQxD Hackathon was to have each team prepare and present a 5 minute elevator pitch to communicate the game changing solution that each group identified. There were several criteria that the jurors would be evaluating each team's pitch - Relevance to equitable practice issues, user experience & feasibility, impact & metrics, as well as clarity and creativity of the pitch. Teams were told that they could use any means available to communicate their ideas.
Using improv, poster paper with illustrative sketches, and rigorous group rehearsal outside the main room in the quieter hallway of the convention center, Team SPARC was able to capture the audience with humor (Tinder for Mentors...) and creativity (Roll down paper to spell out S.P.A.R.C.) in order to communicate a strong idea for meeting the challenges of mentoring in the profession. Swipe right on your career.
TEAM SPARC: (L to R) Amanda Dunfield, Tom Powers, Sarah Glass, Patricia Canevari, Stephanie Herring and Bryan C Lee Jr.
Team SPARC take aways.
“It was great that our team had a really diverse group of individuals. There was a range of ages and experience levels. We also all worked at different size firms. I learned from my team members that there is a common desire across generations to improve the mentorship practice in firms. It will take time, but if mentors put in the effort to listen and to share with younger generations, it will be an investment in the future success of their firms and an investment in the future success of the architectural profession.” — Stephanie Herring
“We started as complete strangers but through the course of 4 hours we each shared our stories, we laughed, and we hacked. We kept asking “why” to get to the root of our perceived problems. In the end, we found that we were all really talking about the same thing - access to mentorship. Each of us believe that a rising tide lifts all boats. This was our common ground.” — Sarah Glass
“I came to the hackathon not quite understanding what we would actually do and left with a tool that can be used within any setting, for any problem, with any group. The hack process lead our team from identifying an entrenched challenge to quickly developing what seemed like an outlandish solution at first. The deeper we dove, the more real the idea became. By being open to all ideas and by following the energy of the group, the initial “crazy” idea turned into something meaningful and worthwhile, convincing all of us of its value and immediate need.
SPARC acts much like the hackathon itself by leveraging the skill sets of all members, so that the individual is made stronger by the group and, therefore,can accomplish things that would be seemingly impossible alone. SPARC creates a platform to develop authentic connections regardless of geographic location, firm size, stage of career, gender and age - to bring equitable mentorship within the practice of architecture to everyone. Now, we only need to get SPARC developed so that we can utilize this much needed tool!” — Amanda Dunfield
New Fire Station to be Built Adjacent to Charleston 9 Memorial: Firehouse.com News
Mez Joseph
FIREHOUSE.COM NEWS by Peter Matthews - The City of Charleston, SC, approved plans to replace the current Fire Station 11 and build adjacent to the Charleston 9 memorial site. Residents wanted the station to be the neighborhood’s “shining light and a beacon of the community." As the West Ashley area of Charleston grows, the city determined that the current Station 11 needed to be relocated to improve service delivery and found that the property adjacent to the memorial site—about a mile from the existing station, would help fill a service gap.
The 14,000-square-foot station will be home to Engine 11 and the 15 firefighters who are assigned to that company and the city’s command training center. There will be space for additional firefighters and apparatus should a ladder company need to be added to the growing community, said Interim Fire Chief John Tippett Jr.
Community input
With the eyes of the city focused on changes in the neighborhood, Liollio Architecture, the Charleston Fire Department and the city sought feedback from residents about the station and wanted to address concerns about noise.
“The city helped us host a meeting before the design got started with the immediate community and neighbors of the station,” said Jennifer Charzewski, principal at Liollio Architecture. Additional feedback was collected from the community when they staffed a booth at the farmer’s market and the residents were happy to be part of the process, she added.
“I think that the steps that Liollio took for community involvement were huge and really helped with the process,” Tippett said.
Since the station’s 1.9-acre site is situated on a busy highway, it will be set back 75 from the street to allow apparatus to turnaround on the front ramp without placing the vehicles in traffic and helping reduce the noise heard by resident.
Designing the station
“One of the important distinctions that was presented to us at the beginning was that this is not a memorial fire station, it’ a fire station,’ Charzewski said. “It’s there to serve the community and provide a fire service and represent where the fire service is today and where it is headed.”
The design includes nine vertical windows in the apparatus bay that will be open toward the Charleston 9 memorial site.
“It was very important to people in the fire department organization, that when people are standing at the memorial, they can look into the station and see fire trucks and see the technology and the future of the fire department.” Charzewski said. "We wanted a lot of glass and that’s the most direct reference to the memorial in the design."
Tippett said lessons learned from the last three station construction projects in Charleston helped the department prepare for this project.
“It’s very critical that you can select an architect that you are comfortable with and one who has experience in fire station projects,” Tippet said. “It’s a lot more than a garage with a house attached to it.”
Tippett added that it's important to have a project manager who is available to be on-site during the entire process and that position is going to be filled by someone in Charleston’s Capitol Projects division, along with a chief from the fire department’s Technical Services division. Those two will work with the designers and builders and handle any questions or concerns.
The department put together “packages”—such as choosing the kitchen appliances and furniture, dorm room furniture or physical fitness equipment—and that helps the department streamline both design and purchasing processes.
“Establishing those packages helps speed up the design process and also the standardization of the products helps with any repair process since we know where to get parts from and not every station has a different ice maker or cabinet,” Tippet said.
“We are in the process of developing a low-maintenance landscape, while working to meet the city’s requirements and realizing that the firefighters already have a busy schedule without having to worry about landscaping,” Charzewski said.
The 1st floor
The first floor will include three apparatus bays, the lobby and the command training center. In addition to Engine 11's apparatus, the department plans to store historical apparatus and have room for the addition of a ladder company, if needed.
Tippett said that Liollio pitched the concept of locating the PPE storage adjacent to the employee entrance to allow members to place their gear at the apparatus before they meet with colleagues on the second level to start that shift.
“They are already starting to go to work as they enter the building," Tippett said.
PPE extractors will be strategically located in the station to help with immediate decontamination following fires.
“We’re pretty invested in hood swaps and wipes at the scene and then encouraging the new best practices about showering as soon as possible and changing out their uniforms,” Tippett added.
The public will enter the fire station through a lobby where plans include displaying an antique Charleston fire apparatus and storyboards that illustrate the department’s rich history. The department is trying to determine how many firefighters died serving the city, and Tippett says the station will serve as a memorial to the 22 they have identified, including the Charleston 9.
Command training center
Following the Sofa Super Store fire, the department put a large focus on incident command training and the new station will help current and future fire officers sharpen their command skills using the command training center located on the first floor.
The simulation lab features a large classroom with high-tech components including, display screens, and the department can conduct Blue Card incident command training and serve as regional command training center.
Plans also include incorporating an area to use a vehicle in the apparatus bay for training.
Living areas
The living quarters are located on the second floor, which allows for separation to keep the soiled PPE and firefighting equipment away from the living areas.
The living areas include a great room with a living room space, a collective dining area and a kitchen with refrigerators and storage for each of the three shifts. Charzewski said this will be located on the north side of the station, which provides for ample daylight without the heat of the sun.
The bunkroom will have 10 spaces surrounded by six-foot-high partitions. The lockers will be located outside the sleeping area to allow for added privacy while members are resting. A study area will be adjacent to the bunkroom to allow for quiet time.
Single-person bathrooms with showers will be used throughout the station to avoid having to add additional gender-neutral restrooms.
Local challenges for design
The station will feature a series of several smaller HVAC systems to cover different zones of the station, for both ease in maintenance and redundancy.
"If one system needs to be taken down, we can still have other areas of the station that are comfortable for the firefighters," Charzewski said.
In order to meet building codes for available fresh air, Charzewski said additional dehumidification will be added to the station’s HVAC system because of the humid air found in the region.
“The city is going above and beyond the standards of storm water drainage to make sure it’s not an issue,” Charzewski said of the problems often found in low-lying Charleston.
New stations in Charleston
In 2012, Charleston's new Headquarters Station was built after much planning. Tippett said it was designed to be used as a gathering point during storms because of its location and being built with hurricane resistance features.
As the city continues to grow, two new stations are in the process of being built.
Construction for Station 14 is almost complete and the fire department is expected to move in later this year, while Station 21 on Daniel Island is currently operating from a temporary station.
Fire Station #11 Near Charleston 9 Memorial Coverage on ABC News 4
Mez Joseph
CHARLESTON SC (WCIV) by Bill Burr— "We call it the little big house because of our location. We actually run quite a few calls," explains Captain Donovan Richardson of the Charleston Fire Department. He works at Fire Station 11 on Savannah Highway near Markfield Drive where firefighters live and work in close quarters.
"The rowing machine will get pulled out and we'll slide the work bench out a little bit when those guys are doing their reps," says Richardson. He shows how a dormitory for sleeping is also used as a gym. It’s one of the challenges of using a building built more than 50 years ago.
"They've added a battalion chief medical locker which takes up a lot of space. That same space holds all of our gear whenever we're not here. So, we have two other shifts. And we've reached our capacity with the number of guys," Richardson said.
Fire officials say the station was built in 1961. Since then, service needs have increased. That’s why interim fire chief John Tippett says the fire department plans to build a state of the art fire station just blocks away from Station 11, and next to the Charleston 9 memorial. It'll feature classic architecture, including nine windows symbolizing the firemen who died at the Sofa Super Store. "That property being next to the memorial site I think will add another depth of the improvements in the area, the recovery of the department since the fire, and where we're going as an organization," Tippett said.
It’ll be an upgrade in facilities and technology for members of Station 11’s Westside Battalion. The current fire station has 4,000 square feet of space. The new building will have about 14,000 square feet to accommodate up to two companies of firefighters, a command training center, and storage space for frontline and spare apparatus.
A price tag for the new station hasn't been determined. The city's design and review board approved the plans Monday night. Other boards will need to approve them, too. Interim Chief Tippett says the goal is open the new fire station by the end of 2018.
"The 'library of the future' has opened in Ballentine" WISTV News Coverage
Mez Joseph
News Coverage of the Richland Library Ballentine location opening on Tuesday.