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Ever wonder what’s involved in designing and building a 3-story aquarium tank withunique circular exhibit windows, engaging wayfinding, and rooftop gardens and views, all within the confines of a busy seaside tourist spot? Maybe I’m just a design nerd, but I was completely engaged through ARCAT's Cherise Lakeside,'s 1+ hour interview with Scott Crawford, AIA, LEED AP, and Hanna Kato, LMN Architects, architects for the Seattle Aquarium Ocean Pavilion, slated to open this summer. As highly engineered facilities, aquariums must take into account unique issues like the significant weight and pressure created by the water tanks, large, complex plumbing conduit, and in its Seattle location, the humid, salt water environment. In addition, the designers had to design for the habitat and issues like protecting the wildlife from too much sunlight. To distinguish the exhibits from typical “Fish TV” aquariums, large, circular windows were designed in strategic locations, presenting unique perspectives from different viewpoints as visitors journey through the exhibits. The project will also feature a landscaped rooftop with views of the Salish Sea and another garden area with views of Mount Rainer. Located on the Coast Salish land, the team worked with local tribes and the Urban Native community to inform and shape the programming, design and cultural framework for the building, landscape, exhibits and public art. Commenting on the successful of complex projects like this one, Crawford says, “It comes down to communication. Whether it’s a conversation, or showing a drawing or a model, the more clearly you can articulate the direction that the design is wanting to go, what the issues are and how you might approach them, the more you can draw out the answers from those with the specialized knowledge, the more successful you’re going to be.” Tracking LEED Gold, the project is also looking to achieve Net Zero, Net Carbon status. #architecture #engineering #museumdesign #aquariums

I'm thrilled to share the inspiring Mini Mart City Park project! This innovative collaboration between GO'C and SuttonBeresCuller transformed a disused gas station into a vibrant community hub in Seattle. Key Features: Sustainable Transformation: The project prioritized green space, featuring a 3,000-square-foot park and a 1,000-square-foot rooftop terrace with drought-tolerant landscaping and solar panels. Community Connection: The design cleverly integrates a 1,500-square-foot building with an open-air courtyard, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces and fostering community gatherings. Adaptive Reuse: The design subtly references the site's gas station history through details like painted siding and divided windows while creating a space dedicated to art and civic engagement. Flexible Functionality: The main gallery space boasts a pivoting window that can transform into a cafe window, and operable doors on three sides allow the courtyard to become an extension of the gallery. Environmental Remediation: A below-ground system cleanses residual contaminants from the site, highlighting sustainability efforts and offering visitors learning opportunities. Mini Mart City Park is a powerful example of how thoughtful design can transform a brownfield site. It breathes new life into a neglected space while prioritizing environmental responsibility and community needs. GO'C #interiordesign #communitycenter #adaptivereuse #browntobuildup #seattle #publicspace

Spotlight on one of our past projects: Located just minutes away from all the action, this beautiful community is not just a housing unit, it came in with easy access to transportation, shopping, entertainment, and only minutes from the beach and canals. This neighborhood boasts many outdoor recreation activities, including several parks and golf clubs just a short drive away. At Select Structural we understand the appeal of sprawling living areas, ample closet space, and all the bells and whistles of condo living. But creating these dream spaces requires more than just good looks – it requires a solid foundation in structural engineering. Larger living areas often translate to wider spans between supporting walls. Our team of experts designed efficient framing systems that delivers the open-concept feel. #StructuralEngineering #DreamApartment #ModernLiving

Rooftops that are not green and/or usable are a huge waste of amazing real estate and resources. Here’s one fantastic and creative approach to #rethinkingrooftops. What would you do with rooftops?

Absolutely, placing a park on a serpentine-shaped building can foster a sense of community. The undulating design invites exploration and interaction, breaking the monotony of traditional urban layouts. It transforms the space into a social hub, blending nature with architecture, and encouraging spontaneous encounters. Green spaces inherently relax and connect people, offering a retreat from urban stress. However, the success hinges on thoughtful design—accessibility, safety, and inclusivity are key. Can the architecture seamlessly integrate diverse social activities, or will it merely be an aesthetic marvel? #UrbanDesign #CommunitySpaces #GreenArchitecture

Great concept and execution! The building's serpentine and undulating shape significantly enhances the neighborhood's urban planning. This design approach is invaluable in densely developed areas where vacant sites are scarce, offering a fantastic solution for optimizing the use of often underutilized rooftops in both existing and new buildings. While it's wonderful that the design slopes down to street level, it would be even better if the roof park had multiple access points beyond just the ends. Additionally, incorporating diverse uses beyond a park or running track would add even more value. Though challenges exist in making these roofs publicly accessible, with thoughtful regulation and planning, such projects can transform cities into greener and more sustainable environments.

This about how to link the community and architecture.

Another renovation underway! Whether we're working with a family to remodel their home or developing a site for a commercial client, we're always focused on how to achieve economic goals while retaining the character and environmental integrity of a site. Here’s the approach we take: Preservation: Conducting thorough research to understand the historical and environmental significance of the plot before any design begins is key to a successful and smooth-running project. Adaptive reuse: Where possible, we repurpose existing structures within the design, which is a sustainable and cost-effective approach as well as a means to retain historical character. Introducing contemporary materials and tech: We select sustainable materials and design elements that enhance the efficiency and functionality of the development without compromising its historic value. Designing with the future in mind also improves the resilience and longevity of the site. Community involvement: Engaging with the local community throughout the design and planning process, seeking input from all stakeholders from neighbours to conservation specialists, ensures the development contributes positively to the local area and helps preserve its heritage. Regulatory compliance: This is where experience is key, to skilfully navigate complex planning regulations and ensure all development proposals meet regulatory requirements, and safeguard the historic and community integrity of the plot. Ready to unlock the full potential of your plot while preserving its charm? Get in touch! #renovation #construction #remodeling #homedesign

Earlier this week, we dove into what the R-CG District is. Swipe through to explore a few examples of potential R-CG built forms. The R-CG District has specific design requirements to ensure a contextual fit in established neighbourhoods. 📏 Height Restriction: Max. 11m (3-storeys)⁠ 📐 Setback Requirements: Setbacks vary based on surrounding land use districts, however always require the application of thoughtful and intentional building design. ⁠ 🚴 Mobility: A minimum of 0.5 parking stalls per unit or suite and 1 alternative mobility storage unit or bicycle stall per unit or suite without an assigned parking stall. 🏗️ Density Opportunities: R-CG uses units per hectare to calculate maximum density, which is 75 units per hectare. 🪴Landscaping Requirements: The City of Calgary has specific landscaping requirements for all developments which are approved during the Development Permit stage.⁠ #yyc #yycliving #urbanplanning #urbandesign #design

That is we should consider in our designs