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Discovery Center at South Lake Union

Seattle, WA

Project Details

New Construction: Yes
Date Built: 03/01/2005
Building Type: Commercial office, Community
City: Seattle
State: Washington
Country: USA
Square Footage: 11,000

Green or Sustainable Features:

Environmental Aspects

The project sits on the eastern edge of a full-block urban park that has been gifted to the city until the site is developed to its maximum zoning potential. As a temporary building, the structure sits lightly on the land, suspended above the gently sloping terrain atop short concrete piers. The building edges are cantilevered, allowing the grade and vegetation to run uninterrupted beneath.

Four-sided steel frame bents, bolted together, provide the structure for the building and span the interior gallery and exhibit space. The metal-clad building envelope components are designed as shop-fabricated, modular assemblies. The service functions of the pavilion are housed in a linear component that faces the park. Its softer wood materials and colors harmonize with the adjacent park and open space.

Presentation centers for residential developments such as this one typically has a very short lifespan, since they disappear after construction is complete and the units sold. The modular nature of the project allows it to serve for a much longer period of time. The building separates at three integrated joints to break into four separate modules capable of being transported along surface streets, where the building may resume functioning in its current capacity or be reprogrammed for an entirely new use.

Awards

  • COTE Top Ten Green Projects 2008
    
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Discovery Center at South Lake Union - Wall Sections

Discovery Center at South Lake Union - Wall Sections

Photographer: The Miller | Hull Partnership
Photo 1 of 10
Project Team

Architect

Firm: The Miller|Hull Partnership, LLP
Seattle, Washington
www.millerhull.com