Though the constructing is itself an arresting architectural kind, a lot of its underlying design idea emerged from a refined goal: To remediate the ecology of its web site and the encompassing campus. Working on a web site that had been a floor degree parking zone, impervious to water, Skylab designed inexperienced roofs and a catchment system to reduce stormwater run-off, contributing to Nike’s dedication to make what it calls a “salmon-safe” campus.
One of the positioning’s edges was bordered by a service highway—a workaday hall trafficked by supply vans. Beyond the highway was a stretch of wetlands. As Kovel places it, “We didn’t want to have a backside to this building.” So, to offer the constructing a full 360-degree presence, Skylab buried the service highway, creating an underground passageway, and linked the constructing with the wetlands panorama. Along this new edge, a cafeteria opens to outside house, creating an indoor-outdoor shared setting that speaks on to the design crew’s drive to hyperlink structure with nature.
Nike dedicated the constructing to an bold environmental efficiency. With its concentrate on water conservation, environment friendly constructing programs, sustainable supplies, and wetlands remediation, the Serena Williams Building is designed to be LEED Platinum–licensed. But, as Susan Barnes, a principal with Skylab, says, “We looked for ways to be Platinum-plus.”
