NIST Report for the MSU Epicenter.
NIST Report for the MSU Epicenter.
(19897 K)
Williams, K.; Berkebile, B.; McLennan, J.; Achelpohl,
K.; Svec, P.
NIST GCR 01-807; 155 p. September 2000.
Sponsor:
National Institute of Standards and Technology,
Gaithersburg, MD
Available from:
National Technical Information Service
(NTIS), Technology Administration, U.S. Department of
Commerce, Springfield, VA 22161.
Telephone:
1-800-553-6847 or 703-605-6000;
Fax: 703-605-6900; Rush
Service (Telephone Orders Only) 800-553-6847;
Website:
http://www.ntis.gov
Order number: PB2001-103933
Keywords:
research facilities
Abstract:
The success of natural systems depends upon diversity,
efficiency and independence. The complexity of natural
systems, as well as the complexities of our communities,
can be better understood by starting with basic
underlying principles and values. Montana State
University and all the players, through the "Green
Building" project, have learned that collaboration,
diversity and participation are key ingredients in
creating a process that can lead to the discovery of new
solutions. Early In the process, the original MSU
visionaries had individual as well as institutional
goals In mind when they applied for the first S200,000
planning grant from the National institute of Standards
and Technology (NIST). Vice President of Research,
Creativity, and Technology Transfer, Robert Swenson, saw
what he called "insurmountable opportunities" from a
green building project. Peter Perna, Director of the
Center for Economic Recovery and Technology Transfer
(now MSU/NASA TechLink), became project director for
what he saw to be an incu-bator for new companies
interested in "green" technologies. And Professor of
Architecture Jerry Bancroft wanted to bring cutting-edge
architecture and sustainable design expertise to MSU
classrooms so that students and faculty could benefit.
Together, these three searched the nation for an arc1
8itectirral firm that could lead a design team for what
would be "the most energy-efficient building 011 the
planet." Bob Berkebile of BNIM Architects, Kansas City,
Missouri, was selected and the four set about to develop
an appropriate team, one that could "change the way we
design, build, operate and maintain buildings the 21st
century." The team envisioned a national demonstration
project that would bring educational and technology
transfer opportunities to MSU and the Gallatin Valley.
As the original design team stood in that valley, they
did not see "The Valley of the Flowers" that Meriwether
Lewis and William Clark described in 1805. What they did
see was an opportunity to restore the site and build
upon it a structure that world be in harmony with
nature. During the first charrette in 1994, a diverse
group of international, national, and local experts
assembled to develop arid embrace the goals.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899