Engineering Inc. - May/June 2007 - 29

h  The Center for Health & Healing at Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Ore. Interface Engineering, Inc.—Portland, Ore. The new 16-story, 400,000-square-foot Center for Health & Healing is a pioneer in energy efficient design. The project team incorporated several innovative onsite energy systems, such as building-integrated solar photovoltaic panels, a site-built solar thermal collector to heat hot water, a 300-kilowatt microturbine power plant and chilled beams for radiant cooling. As one of the most energy efficient buildings ever built in the U.S., the Center is a model for all future green building design and is helping transform a former blighted urban brownfield into a thriving Portland neighborhood. h  hoNoRAwARDs Guthrie on the River, Minneapolis, Minn. Ericksen, Roed and Associates, Inc.—St. Paul, Minn. The new three-theater riverfront complex features a signature “endless bridge,” believed to be the world’s longest cantilevered public space. The bridge projects 175 feet from the performance building and is suspended 55 feet above the parkway. It has a capacity to hold 1,650 theater patrons as they enjoy magnificent views of the Mississippi River, St. Anthony Falls and the historic Stone Arch Bridge. The project team used an innovative boxed truss framing design and K-bracing to minimize bridge vibration and sway. Nighttime illumination of the K-bracing further enhances the theater’s appearance and creates a captivating public attraction. The project highlights the role that structural engineers play in cutting-edge building design. h  Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, Ga. Uzun & Case Engineers—Atlanta, Ga. Four years after Bernie Marcus, cofounder of Home Depot, pledged $200 million for a great aquarium for the city of Atlanta, the new Georgia Aquarium opened its doors as one of the largest aquatic museums in the world. The project team overcame several design challenges of lateral load and gravity for the world’s largest enclosed aquarium tank and an exhibit where visitors view a river from underneath. Customizing each tank for its specific marine wildlife needs required strategic cast-in-place concrete configurations. The new aquarium has exceeded all attendance expectations, and plans are underway for a multimillion-dollar expansion. h  Arapaho Road Bridge, Addison, Texas URS Corporation—Dallas, Texas In meeting the need for a bridge that would foster civic pride and serve as an eye-catching gateway to the restaurant district, the project team’s design of blue steel pipe arches and aesthetic “stingers” not only exceeded requirements but has become the town’s new signature structure. The 14-span, 1,575-footlong bridge features a four-lane roadway and sidewalk with a centerpiece span supported by the two blue arches. Specialty lighting punctuates the bridge’s distinctive aesthetic features at night. MAY / JUNE 2007 ENGINEERING INC. 29

Engineering Inc. - May/June 2007

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