RTKL Studio

Location
200 S. Michigan, Chicago Map

Owner
RTKL Associates

Architect
RTKL Associates

RTKL, an international architecture, engineering, and planning firm, has relocated their Chicago office to the Borg-Warner building, one the few modern-style high-rises in the historic Michigan Avenue streetwall. The 25,000 sf architectural studio space is seeking LEED-CI Silver certification with the usual interiors emphasis on high-efficiency lighting and green materials.

Because the green approach on many commercial interior projects is so similar, I want to highlight an unusual challenge on this project - compliance with the basic indoor air quality requirements (ASHRAE 62.1) of LEED. This requires that a minimum amount of outdoor air must be delivered to the space. However, in many buildings of this era (this one included), the mechanical systems have not been upgraded significantly, and there is precious little information about their performance, making it questionable if they actually provide the required amount of air. This means the design engineer must research if the existing systems comply, and if not, the tenant may need to negotiate with the building to bring the systems into compliance.

In this case, the research paid off, such that project should still earn its certification. When searching for new space, commercial office tenants may want to ask for this type of data, to confirm if the space will meet their own performance criteria. As more tenants demand this performance, more owners of existing buildings may consider investing in upgrades to their existing systems.

RTKL moved into their new office in late September. Other project team members included MEP engineer Ramm Associates, structural engineer TGRWA, lighting consultant Morr-Sharp Associates, and lighting controls by Lutron.

Comments

[Green1]

Looks good.