Studio

Environmental issues have moved into the mainstream of our culture. Growing environmental challenges face each new generation. As we move toward greater awareness of these issues, we are slowly building a collective momentum; not only toward solving these problems, but also toward recognizing the opportunities they offer us. These opportunities can lead us to a new generation of buildings and communities that are healthy, productive and enhance our quality of life. It is an exciting time - many of the things that we strive to do to move toward a truly sustainable built environment are practical and feasible today.

The future of public venues is dependent upon achieving sustainability and because of this HOK Venue is committed to environmentally sustainable development. It is an attitude of mind and cannot be added to a project, but it has to be part of the concept and holistically designed by the whole team.

The office reference is 'The HOK Guide Book to Sustainable Design', although this book only covers environmental sustainability. In our studios in the US, a number of our architects and designers have achieved LEED Accreditation (Leadership in Energy Efficient Design) – LEED is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.

Ten Simple things HOK looks to embrace:

  1. Select and develop sites to promote liveable communities
  2. Develop Flexible designs to enhance building longevity
  3. Use natural strategies to protect and restore water resources
  4. Improve energy efficiency while ensuring thermal comfort
  5. Reduce environmental impacts related to energy use
  6. Promote occupant health and well - being in the indoor environment
  7. Conserve water and consider water reuse systems
  8. Use environmentally preferable building materials
  9. Use appropriate plant material
  10. Plan for recycling during construction, demolition, and occupancy