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Flda International University Essay

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In recent years, Florida International University has been known to advocate and implement environmentally efficient solutions throughout its numerous campuses. The original home of FIU, the Modesto A. Maidique Campus was initially opened in 1969 with only a few buildings. As was typical of the time, most of the construction and systems in place were not environmentally conscious. Over the years, many buildings were added, and when it came time to create a new academic research building in February 2013, one of the goals was to try and obtain LEED Gold certification from the US Green Building Council by implementing a multitude of environmentally-responsible features. Perkins + Will was the prestigious architectural firm hired to …show more content…

One longitudinal façade consists almost entirely of glass, while the parallel side has punctured window openings. The architect strategically uses these design features to help incorporate innovative, environmental site strategies. Being environmentally friendly isn’t merely a trend. After thousands of years of using the earth’s resources, we have finally come to realize that we are destroying this beautiful gift we were honored with. Architects play an influential role in trying to preserve this gift by encouraging a multitude of strategies that can be more cost efficient in the long run, be more comfortable for its users, and most importantly, have a lower carbon footprint. Strategies can include drastic changes to heat and air systems, construction material selections, or even specific design details to the architecture of a building that would reduce the amount of energy it consumes. Perkins + Will methodically incorporated a multitude of these environmental strategies to help the Academic Health Center 4 apply for LEED status and exhaust the minimum amount of outsourced energy. Amongst them, they ensured that the building uses 100% fresh air from the outside, unlike the typically used 50% fresh air and 50% recycled air. The water used in the toilets is recycled condensation. Most of the components of the building have a high percentage of recycled content and were locally sourced. Finishes are low VOC, providing a

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