Santa Monica Civic Center Parking Structure **
Sustainable Design/BIM
 
Sustainable Design
It is well known that the design, construction and operation of a building has an enormous impact on the environment. We strive to preserve the overall well being of the human being while conserving water and energy, using additional resources more efficiently, preserving green fields wherever possible, inflicting the least amount of damage on natural habitats and reducing global warming.

We strive to apply sustainable practices by pursuing certification under Green Garage Certification from the Green Parking Council and the Envision sustainability rating system from the Institute of Sustainable Infrastructure. The Santa Monica Civic Center parking structure was awarded LEED certification.

One may wonder how the design, construction and operation of a parking structure help achieve this end. This is best described by a living example. The LEED-certified Santa Monica Civic Center parking structure is sensitive to sustainable design. Di Botejue was the project manager and part designer of this breathtaking structure. The 8-level parking structure located in the heart of the city of Santa Monica provides parking for 880 cars. The playful display of colored glass on all four sides of the façade in addition to other decorative features acts as a beacon and landmark.

The sustainable features used on the Santa Monica Civic Center parking structure (completed in 2007) are as follows:

Community Consideration:
• Redevelopment of urban areas help invigorate urban living patterns.
• Encouraging bike riding by providing bike lockers to help reduce green house gas emission.
• Electric vehicle charging stations and preferred parking spaces contribute to the reduction of CO2 emission

Santa Monica Civic Center Parking Structure **

Storm-water Management:
• Storm-water management plans were implemented and pollution control units have been installed

Landscaping:
• Reclaimed city water, drought tolerant plant species and ‘smart irrigation’ systems have been provided.

Energy Performance:
• High efficiency glazing, photovoltaic arrays on the roof and improved garage lighting efficiency have resulted in a considerable
amount of energy saving.

Recycled Material:
• Structural steel, reinforcing bars, miscellaneous steel, aluminum framing and storefront glazing are of recycled material; thereby preserving natural habitats and natural resources.

Regional Material:
• Structural steel, reinforcing bars, miscellaneous steel, cast in place aggregate, site concrete, metal door framing, glass and drywall are regional materials manufactured within 500 miles of the project site; thereby reducing the need for long distance transportation resulting in the reduction of green house gas emission.

Construction Waste Management:
• 78% of construction waste was diverted from landfill sites and taken for recycling; thereby reducing the contamination of ground water and reducing the need for virgin resources.

Green Power:
• Off site renewal energy is used.

BIM
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is the management of building data using three-dimensional, dynamic building modeling software to increase quality and productivity in building design and construction. Our firm uses the most current software products to facilitate a complete and dynamic Model of your proposed project. Our process produces the Building Information Model which encompasses building geometry, spatial relationships, geographic information, and quantities and properties of building components. Conflict prevention makes BIM the real time/money saver for the end user and the client.

As-built information is often integrated allowing new and existing construction to combine in a seamless package. From inception through the life-cycle of the building project, BIM offers the new best process for conception, design, construction and maintenance of any edifice.