Optimizing Building Space and Material Use in Federal Building Designs

Optimizing Building Space and Material Use in Federal Building Designs

Federal buildings serve as a physical location for government agencies and departments, providing offices, meeting centers, and other accommodations for various functions. The design, architecture, and construction of federal buildings all play a role in the structure’s aesthetics and functionality. Optimizing space and material in federal building designs is a smart use of both taxpayer financing and ecological resources.

Reclaimed Building Materials

Using reclaimed or recycled building materials reduces waste associated with building construction and offers many long-lasting benefits. Recycling materials for building purposes reduces the amount of waste in landfills, reducing the size and impact of these areas on the surrounding environment. The use of recycled or reclaimed building materials also lowers the impact of construction on the local and global environment by preserving valuable natural resources and reducing carbon emissions associated with building construction.

Multi-Purpose Spaces

Incorporating multi-purpose spaces into federal building design optimizes the square footage of the building and uses existing space more efficiently to reduce the building’s physical and environmental footprint. Rooms that include design elements such as movable wall panels and multiple audiovisual and network connections provide a versatile space that can be utilized for a wide variety of purposes, reducing the need for multiple single-purpose rooms that will be left empty the majority of the time.

Non-Toxic Materials

Cleaner, healthier construction hinges on the use of materials that are non-toxic to building occupants. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released by certain types of building materials, finishes, paints, carpeting, and furnishings, affecting indoor air quality and posing certain risks from long-term exposure. Avoiding the use of such materials and finishes during the building design and construction phase is a significant step toward higher indoor air quality and improved occupant safety and health.

Sears Gerbo Architecture, LLC offers economical and eco-friendly building planning and design in Tucson, AZ. You can find out more about our firm, our architects, and our past architectural achievements when you visit us on the web, or by calling (520) 722-5079.