Gateway video project -
The Gateway Building Video Project is a series of videos that describe how green
building techniques are changing the role of architects, engineers, construction managers,
and construction workers in Central New York. The videos follow six unique aspects of
a green project and capture the experiences in the words of the participants. The videos
will be resource for anyone approaching the learning curve of undertaking a “green”
building project.
The “Gateway Building” is 54,000 sq ft conference center/exhibit space/student center to
be built on the SUNY-ESF campus during 2010 and 2011. As a building which proposes
to be “way beyond (LEED) platinum” and “energy self-sufficient”, it offers a number of
unique aspects that will challenge all of the construction team. The videos will follow
their experience and in particular discuss the construction challenges that arise postdesign. The goal will be to provide a set of lessons for improved project delivery of
green construction projects.
The design of the building lends itself to the following six topics of focus. Further videos
may arise from another project that is being undertaken on campus.
1. Green structural systems – What are the challenges to building with an
underutilized wood species (Red Maple) as structural timbers, and how do
construction managers deal with getting the materials, and how do workers
deal with working with a structural system that will be exposed – they will
build a piece of furniture and then enclose it.
2. Green energy – What are the design and construction issues that arise in
integrating a CHP biomass system, rooftop PV, and steam turbine generation
in an urban locale?
3. Green site – Green construction often focuses on urban infill sites. What are
the challenges to overcome when building construction is limited by space
available for construction?
4. Building Information Modeling – What are the potential benefits/challenges to
adopting BIM as the design platform for all the construction documents for a
green building? What are the construction workers experiences of using a
BIM?
5. Integrated design process - What is the value of having construction
managers and contractors involved during the constructability analysis and
value engineering process? Does a “green” project make it more difficult to
undertake IPD?
6. Green construction materials/processes – What are the experiences of the
workers and construction managers in utilizing materials like fly ash concrete,
PV panels, green roofing materials, etc?
Filming started in October of 2009, and will continue through project completion.