A focal point of the Tempe Lake north shore, the 267,000-sq-ft Papago Gateway Center flexibly incorporates tenant needs while celebrating the Sonoran Desert. Each floor of the six-story building accommodates corporate office or research laboratory functions. A 933-capacity parking structure sits adjacent on the three-acre site, and a basement provides additional laboratory space. Sensitively sited, the building minimizes the desert’s harsh solar exposure on the west, south, and east sides while maximizing views. On the north and south facades is low-e glazing, with stone on the east and west facades. The southern fa�ade, looking toward the lake, includes an operable louver system that tracks sunlight to ensure optimal performance. This “second skin” is the largest such system in the United States. While pre-certified for LEED-CS silver, the project is tracking gold. Other sustainable design elements include indoor CO2 monitoring and a system which treats the chilled water from the mechanical system for re-use on the irrigation and water features. In addition, by diverting more than 80% of construction waste from landfills and by prioritizing recycled and regionally manufactured systems, the construction team further reduced the environmental burden.

Submitted by: SmithGroup and Okland Construction. Owner: Chesnut Properties LLC. Architect: SmithGroup. Contractor: Okland Construction. Engineers: Caruso Turley Scott Inc.; Dibble Engineering; SmithGroup. Landscape Architecture: GBtwo Landscape Architecture. Subcontractors: ABLE Steel Fabricators; Coreslab Structures; Delta Diversified Enterprises; Suntec Concrete; Sun Valley Masonry; Walters & Wolf.

Tempe, Ariz.

Photo by Ross Cooperthwaite

This ultramodern bridge joins three historic bridges that traverse Tempe Town Lake to carry the new Valley Metro Light Rail. This new 1,530-ft-long iconic landmark is a continuous 11-span triangular steel truss that supports each track with a 30 ft wide cast-in-place concrete deck. Pier caps in the shape of a V rise to meet the 75- to 160-ft-long trusses that feature diagonal pipe bracing connecting top and bottom pipe chords. These diagonal truss members and cross members required 1,760 and 880 welds, respectively along with specialized CAD software and thermal cutting equipment for the complex cuts. For each diagonal, this system simultaneously cut and rotationally aligned the asymmetric pipe within 0.5 degree. The south abutment was originally designed for drilled shafts, but due to existing overhead power lines interfering with the barge drill rigs, the design was changed to a spread footing. This redesign also decreased costs. A state-of-the-art fiber-optic lighting system installed under the bridge deck provides unique visual effects and aesthetics as the train passes.

Submitted by: T.Y. Lin International. Owner: Valley Metro Rail Inc. (METRO). Contractor: PCL Civil Constructors Inc.. Bridge Engineer: T.Y. Lin International. Civil Engineer: Michael Baker Jr. Inc.. Other Design: Buster Simpson; A Dye Design; R.A. Alcala & Associates Inc.. Subcontractors: Stinger Welding; Harris Rebar; CS Construction.

Tempe, Ariz.

Photo courtesy T.Y. Lin Intl.

This $28.5 million project is a 140,000-sq-ft storage facility for state archives, artifacts and public records that require special climate controls and protection from environmental and mechanical hazards. The facility includes a treatment room, conservation lab, cold photography lab, staff work areas, audio visual room and a public hearing room. Sophisticated HVAC systems include a fan wall system to assist in controlling the temperature throughout the storage space that prevents the need for maintenance shutdown. A humidity room is used for restoration of documents that are in the early stages of sunlight exposure damage. The cold room and blast freezer areas provide protection from pests for archives and infested artifacts. BIM was used for this project and detected numerous collisions, aiding project progression by coordinating between structural, architectural and MEP. Value engineering exercised through BIM resulted in over $250,000 in savings, with over $13,000 in MEP.

Submitted by: Mortenson Construction. Owner: State of Arizona. Architect: DWL Architects. Contractor: Mortenson Construction. Engineers: KPFF Consulting Engineers. Major Subcontractors: Arapaoe Utilities & Infrastructure; Ceco Concrete Construction; Commonwealth Electric Co.; Meyer & Lundahl; Netsian Technologies Group; NKW; Progressive Roofing; Sun Valley Masonry; Tpac; Tri-City Mechanical; Walters & Wolf Construction Specialties.

Phoenix, Ariz.

Photo courtesy Mortenson Construction

This modernist-inspired architectural mixed-use project is a myriad of interconnected buildings and lush oasis roof terraces. Over 17 acres of landscaped green roofs on each level and rooftop aid in reduction of ambient temperature and energy consumption. The overall landscaping design is based on line of sight, leaping from one unit to the next. The cascading plants on the terraces and rooftop provide screening for each patio. The entire project is watered and fertilized by a computer-generated, two-wire irrigation controller. Photovoltaic panels have been incorporated into the rooftop gardens. With over 700 urban dwelling units, the six- and seven-story structures also include retail, resort-style amenities and below-grade parking.

Submitted by: ISS Grounds Control, Phoenix Branch. Owner: Optima Inc.. Architect: David Hovey, FAIA. Contractor: Optima Inc.. Landscape Design: ISS Grounds Control, Phoenix Branch.

Scottsdale, Ariz.

Photo courtesy ISS Grounds Control

If you’ve ever wondered where your beer comes from, this beer warehouse and distribution facility holds the answer. The 180,000-sq-ft warehouse facility includes a controlled environment warehouse, a draught cooler, a two-story 30,000-sq-ft office, a 15,000-sq-ft maintenance building and a fire pump house. An energy efficient refrigeration system was developed in tandem with a lighting system that required a relatively low electrical demand with emphasis on controlled temperature environments. Insulated concrete tilt panels were used to prevent cooling system overloads, while high speed doors were installed between different temperature rooms. The overall quality is evident in the solidity of the structure, the sound mechanical and electrical components and the flexibility to make future building additions and expansions.

Submitted by: Deutsch Architecture Group and The Renaissance Cos.. Owner: Hensley & Company. Architect: Duetsch Architecture Group. Contractor: The Renaissance Cos.. Engineers: Atherton Engineering; Taylor Rymar; Simply Structural; Mechanical Solutions. Major Subcontractors: Ace Asphalt of Arizona; Bowman Brothers Concrete; Classic Roofing; Cochise Contractors; KJ Plumbing; Panelized Structures; Riggs Contracting.

Chandler, Ariz.

Photo courtesy Deutsch Architecture Group

The 20-mile new light rail was divided into five separate sections and bid to five different contractors. The 4.9-mi-long line section five was completed ahead of schedule and begins at First St. in Tempe and goes to downtown Mesa. The project also includes track and guideway in the newly replaced Tempe Canal Bridge and partial replacement of the Apache Blvd./Loop 101 bridge structure. Unique challenges included archeological finds, utility relocations, heavy traffic areas such as the ASU college campus and the construction of a bridge above final grade which was then lowered to final design elevation. The nature of the project required a high degree of communication skills and the ability to work with the public in a neighborly and respectful manner.

Submitted by: Sundt/Stacy & Witbeck, A joint venture. Owner: Valley Metro Rail Inc.. Project Engineer: HDR Engineering. Contractor: Sundt/Stacy & Witbeck, A joint venture. Engineers: Parsons Brinkerhoff; Gannett Fleming; ATL Inc.. Subcontractors: Five G Inc.; T-Pac; Rinker Materials; European Pavers Southwest Inc.; Penhall; MRM Construction Services; ISS Grounds Control Inc.; Ammex Rebar Placers; American Asphalt Paving & Sealcoating; Road Markings Inc.; Action Barricade; CS Construction .

Tempe, Ariz.

Photo courtesy Sundt Construction

This expansion includes an information building, student services building with a fitness center and community room, an instruction building and a central plant. Judges were impressed with how well the design fits into the surrounding 75-acre site’s desert environment. An arroyo running from northeast to southwest will remain the significant green space and will serve as an informal mall, encouraging pedestrian interaction. To facilitate future expansions, all buildings are “barrier free,” without internal bearing or shear walls. Natural lighting is abundant while long roof overhangs on the east, south and west elevations prevent direct sunlight from entering the buildings. Clerestories on the north elevations brighten centralized spaces.

Submitted by: RNL. Owner: Maricopa County Community College District . Architects: RNL. Contractor: CORE Construction. Engineers: Dibble Engineering; Caruso Turley Scott Inc.; LSW Engineers. Landscaping Architect: Ten Eyck Landscape Architects. Subcontractors: Noble Steel; Kuhl's Electric; Tri-City Mechanical; Sun Valley Masonry;. MKB Construction;Progressive Roofing; Brothers Glass & Glazing LLC; Blount Contracting;. Universal Piping; Juarez Contracting.

Glendale, Ariz.

Photo by Bill Timmerman

This world-class journalism school is the first ground-up facility for the Arizona State University downtown campus and will also house the new studios for KAET 8. By using a highly collaborative project delivery method, the school was completed in just 19 months from contract award to completion and came in on schedule and under budget. Design, construction, estimating and project management roles were assigned for the project team, which met in one office throughout the design process. This delivery method allowed for a holistic approach to communication and problem solving in all building systems. BIM was utilized, allowing design changes to be made in real-time. Once the design of the building was complete, the entire project team moved to a single onsite trailer for continuous involvement ion every facet of the construction process.

Submitted by: HDR Architecture, Sundt Construction and Steven Ehrlich Architects. Owner: City of Phoenix and ASU. Executive Architect: HDR Architecture . Design Architect: Steven Ehrlich Architects. Design Build Contractor: Sundt Construction. Engineer: Caruso Turley Scott. Major Subcontractors: University Mechanical; Schuff Steel; Kearney Electric; Western States Fire Protection; Performance Contracting.

Phoenix, Ariz.

Photo courtesy HDR

The largest new-construction project ever on the east Mesa campus, the 245,000 sq ft three-building project unites three Arizona State University academic schools and includes laboratories, classrooms, faculty offices, a lecture hall and a fine arts. The LEED gold project celebrates the desert sun while protecting its users. Primary materials express the functionality of the curriculum and the desert context with masonry, glass and weathered, corrugated steel siding. The structural system is an exposed steel frame. The new buildings incorporate three smaller existing campus structures. Together, the new and existing buildings embrace four unique courtyards landscaped with indigenous flora such as palo verdes and cactus. Each of the three new buildings is anchored by three-story open-air atriums, which, through portals and arcades, link with these spines.

Submitted by: RSP Architects and DPR Construction Inc.. Owner: Arizona State University. Architects: RSP Architects Ltd.; Lake|Flato. Construction Managers at Risk: DPR Construction Inc.. Engineers: Paragon Structural Design; Wood/Patel; Engineers Energy Systems Design. Landscape Architecture: Ten Eyck Landscape Architects. LEED Consultant: Green Ideas. Subcontractors: Bel-Aire Mechanical; Desierto Verde; Grindel Fire Protection; Hardrock Concrete Placement; S. Diamond Steel; Schuff Steel; Walters & Wolf; Wilson Electrical Svcs.

Mesa, Ariz.

Photo Courtesy RSP Architects

On 37 acres in southeast Phoenix, the 600,000 sq ft Riverpoint Center is the headquarters for the Apollo Group and University of Phoenix, providing space for their online learning programs. A focal point visible from Interstate 10, the campus is comprised of three office buildings — one 10-story tower and twin six-story mid-rises — as well as two parking garages and surface parking totaling 4,800 spaces. The design is regionally inspired, with the skin incorporating high-performance glass, copper siding, native stone, five-ply roofing and architectural precast concrete. The buildings maximize north and south exposures to bring light to the open office spaces, reducing energy consumption and providing a healthy environment. Heat gain is controlled through the use of narrow deep-set windows on the west and east side and through horizontal metal shade fins on the southern exposure. Throughout, a variety of sustainable design elements add to energy efficiency.

Submitted by: SmithGroup. Owner: Apollo Group. Architects: Carpenter Sellers Associates; SmithGroup. Contractor: Sundt Construction. Engineers: Caruso Turley Scott Inc.; Dibble Engineering; SmithGroup. Landscaping Architect: Laskin & Associates Inc.. Major Subcontractors: KT Fabrications; Delta Diversified Enterprises; Bel-Aire Mechanical; Pete King Drywall; Kovach Inc.; Aero Automatic Sprinkler; TP Acoustics; KTI Tile; Resource Flooring Consultants; ISS Grounds Control.

Phoenix, Ariz.

Photo: Bill Timmerman

Glendale's first park-and-ride facility operates as both a bus rapid transit facility and a local transit stop. The 12.7-acre facility provides parking for 388 vehicles. Progressive Concrete Works installed 140,229 sq ft of pervious concrete - the largest use of this type of concrete in the state of Arizona to date.

Owner: City of Glendale, Architect: DWL Architects, General Contractor: J. Banicki Construction, Concrete: Progressive Concrete Works Inc., Prime Design Consultant: Jacobs Engineering Group

Glendale, Ariz.

Photo courtesy DWL/Cooperthwaite Photography