Originally built in 1954, Arizona State University’s Memorial Union is the center of student life on the Tempe Campus. In November of 2007 a fire in a second floor storage area caused extensive fire and smoke damage throughout the building. Given the critical importance of the MU to the life of the campus, an intensive remediation effort was mounted to bring the basement and first floor levels back on line for the start of classes in August of 2008. The well integrated design and construction effort was accomplished over an incredibly short period of eight months, including remediation and interior renovation efforts. Bright rooms with ample public corridors and furnishings provide a comfortable atmosphere while sophisticated lighting and control systems save energy, meeting the very dynamic needs of this high traffic facility.
Sustainable Strategies
A reflective white roof membrane was applied to reduce the heat island effect and the amount of heat radiating through the roof of the building
Drought tolerant plantings were used with innovative shading schemes to minimize outdoor water use and further reduce the heat island effect
A comprehensive recycling program provides labeled and color coded containers at collection points throughout all floors of the building
High efficiency HVAC systems, environmental monitoring systems and light harvesting controls minimize energy use
Sustainable materials were selected everywhere possible, including low-emitting furniture and finishes, rapidly renewable finish carpentry and ceiling tiles
Project Results
LEED for New Construction GOLD level achieved
25% lighting power savings above ASHRAE 90.1-1999 energy standard
70% savings of potable water use for irrigation
34% of non-roof impervious surfaces will be shaded within five years
95% of demolition and construction waste diverted from the landfill
Originally built in 1954, Arizona State University’s Memorial Union is the center of student life on the Tempe Campus. In November of 2007 a fire in a second floor storage area caused extensive fire and smoke damage throughout the building. Given the critical importance of the MU to the life of the campus, an intensive remediation effort was mounted to bring the basement and first floor levels back on line for the start of classes in August of 2008. The well integrated design and construction effort was accomplished over an incredibly short period of eight months, including remediation and interior renovation efforts. Bright rooms with ample public corridors and furnishings provide a comfortable atmosphere while sophisticated lighting and control systems save energy, meeting the very dynamic needs of this high traffic facility.
