SWBR Architects, in collaboration with FXFOWLE and LeChase Construction, was recognized for its role in the design of Rochester Institute of Technology’s Golisano Institute for Sustainability (RIT GIS). SWBR served as executive architect and architect of record on the project, with LeChase Construction as design-build team leader and FXFOWLE as design architect. The firms and the project have been recognized with two renowned awards by the Design-Build Institute of America. The project was awarded with the DBIA 2014 Excellence in Design and the DBIA 2014 National Award of Excellence in the education category.
The $36 million RIT GIS project consisted of a 84,000 s/f, four-story addition to the university. It houses sustainability research, technology transfer, education and outreach, and is a state-of-the-art showcase for green construction and design, as well as GIS master’s and Ph.D. programs in sustainability and architecture. The project was completed in March 2013. It houses one of the world’s first Ph.D. programs in sustainability.
The design team incorporated cutting-edge “green” technology throughout the building, ranging from the solar panels on the soaring canopy to the vertical wind turbines near its front entrance. The building contains specialized research labs, student work areas, classrooms and office suites, and features a fuel cell, microgrid, geothermal system, green roof and green wall.
The DBIA defines, teaches and promotes best practices in design-build project delivery and was established in 1993. President of SWBR Architects David Beinetti, AIA, serves on the local board for DBIA. The DBIA and its members work to form an alliance between designers and builders that fosters collaboration and teamwork. Members work to have an impact on the local design and construction community through programs and events, legislative efforts, and owner and professional education and certification.
