Architects give presentations for north and south campuses - (6/20)
by Jason Boyd, Reporter
Six Dallas-based architectural firms gave presentations to the Eastfield planning board on Wednesday demonstrating how they would tackle the designs of the yet-to-be-built north and south campuses.
Darren James, President and Chief Operating Officer of KAI Texas, one of the six firms chosen to present, believes they have an edge because of their design experience in Pleasant Grove and Garland, where the campuses will be located.
James said another quality his company has is a wide breadth of educational experiences across the board.
Another presenting firm was Urban Design Group, Inc.
Marketing director Shannah Hayley said they have wanted to work with the DCCCD for some time.
She said their particular method of working closely with clients' visions would help them get the project. She said all of their architecture reflects their clients, instead of Urban Design Group infusing their own style into the design.
Qualities the planning board is looking for include having a sense of the communities involved, said Don Baynham, member of the planning team, Dean of Business and Fine Arts and Language and Literature.
"We're looking for someone who has done their homework," he said
He said some of the firms had done their homework and others had not. Still, he found all of the firms competent and professional.
The planning team is looking for buildings that are externally inviting and internally flexible, Baynham said.
"We don't know what we'll be doing in ten years," he said. Baynham wants the buildings to adapt to future technology.
He said he hopes to make the buildings energy efficient by using rain collectors and native plants, as well as energy-efficient windows.
Baynham said the campuses would be finished by fall of 2008.
He also said the planning team has selected two finalists, though the names are confidential. In approximately two weeks, after negotiations, the winning firm will be announced. |
