Urban Architecture Houston

2011 Golden Trowel Awards

2011-08-09T16:52:00.029-05:00

Urban Architecture is a 2011 Honor Award Recipient of the Golden Trowel Award for demonstrating excellence for contributions in architecture on a masonry project for the design of the Harris County Precinct 4 - Central Facility.

Team Member Award Recipients: T. E. Reilly, Inc., Masonry Contractor & Pepper-Lawson, General Contractor.

The Associated Masonry contractors of Houston, in association with the Texas Masonry Council, recognize and encourage excellence in all phases of masonry construction. The Golden Trowel Award is awarded annually to an Architect, a General Contractor or Owner, and a Masonry Contractor demonstrating excellence in their respective contributions to a masonry project deemed worthy by a distinguished panel of judges.

Build NOW, Not Later!

2011-05-16T16:26:00.000-05:00

In June 2008, Houston Business Journal stated “Construction industry costs up 6.6% in second quarter”. In March 2009, “Index: Construction costs continue to drop”; May 2011, HBJ states that the “Houston commercial construction costs hold steady” based on report by Kirksey. Construction costs are still at the bottom – planning should start now!

Construction estimates are no longer guaranteed for long periods. Construction costs are expected to rise later in the year as building projects increase. More important – start your planning and construction documents now to be ahead of the construction cost increase to come.

Posted by: Victor L. Joe, AIA

Buffalo Bayou Partnership Efforts

2011-05-16T16:21:00.003-05:00

Many of you may have noticed some new improvements around Buffalo Bayou while driving along Montrose Boulevard or zooming down Allen Parkway. These improvements, a new pedestrian bridge traversing the bayou and 7 sculptures by artist Jaume Plensa, are part of a much larger Master Plan steered by the Buffalo Bayou Partnership. Through the Partnership “a major enhancement project is in its preliminary phase with a goal to improve aesthetic and recreational opportunities along the Shepherd to Sabine segment of Buffalo Bayou while simultaneously regaining the waterway’s flood conveyance capacity and environmental qualities.”

To read about the Master Plan, view PowerPoint presentations of the different phases and locations, as well as to donate or volunteer visit the Buffalo Bayou Partnership. Here you will also find information about ecological goals, kayaking adventures and the many events and recreational opportunities found along the bayou. Buffalo Bayou is Houston's greatest natural resource, take advantage of it!

Posted by: Megan Dickey, LEED AP

...and we keep on learning.

2011-05-16T14:47:00.006-05:00

We have had a string of product reps calling lately offering "lunch and learns" for us to satisfy the requirement of the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners (TBAE) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA). All registered architects are required to complete a total of 18 hours of instruction on a variety of topics in every renewal period. Eight (8) Continuing Education Units (CEU's) for the TBAE and an additional ten (10) hours for membership in the AIA.

All 8 CEU's required by the TBAE must include the study of subjects related to your profession and be pertinent to the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

§ At least one of the eight hours must be related to sustainable or energy-efficient design

§ At least one of the eight hours must be related to barrier-free design.

§ At least five of the eight hours must be structured activities, (classroom/classroom equivalent)

§ A maximum of three hours may be self-directed.

AIA members are required to earn 18 learning units annually of which 8 are health, safety, and welfare. Each state where architectural registration is being maintained has similar requirements. The best part is that most accept the AIA transcripts as proof of completion.

I cannot speak for everyone in our office, but I look forward to all of the vendors. They feed us literally and figuratively with information of their trade, their products and services. Many of them responded to our request for information and others use the cold call method. The time they ask of us, is our lunch hour and they serve us lunch. They are required to provide us with 1 hour of information without plugging their product. They are then allowed to present their company and products at the end of the hour as long as you allow. What could be better than that?

It is difficult to find vendors that qualify to present information on accessibility, health, safety, and welfare. These requirements are amply met through seminars organized by the Houston AIA.

It is a system that works like Lobbyists on Capital Hill...or maybe not as crass!

Know that your Architect is staying current with the products that serve our industry.

Posted by: Paul E. Martin, AIA

Image Source

Historic House Museums: Today’s Challenge Tomorrow’s Foundation

2011-05-13T14:53:00.011-05:00

Charged with preserving a window into the past, the Historic House Museum has much to offer through education, community involvement, and commercially. Using material culture to convey an accurate historic sense of place to the public is a powerful and invoking educational experience that would otherwise be limited in other museum settings. Communicating relevance is today’s challenge and maintaining that understanding is tomorrow’s foundation for the Historic House Museum.

Although affected by challenges common to the larger museum community, the debilitating impact of limited operating funds, adjusting to industry guidelines, and maintaining an all volunteer staff is greater and somewhat unique to the Historic House Museum. However, factors that are easier to control through organizational discipline are evaluating preservation redundancy, providing accurate historic interpretations, collection stewardship, operations management, accountability measures, and effective internal communication. Controlling these factors is likely to improve efficiency and allow an organization to redirect valuable resources to addressing the variables that can render a debilitating impact.

Whether a historic house museum is organized around the life of the occupant or time period elements, the method of communicating relevance over time must be clear and responsive to the fluctuating ways the public receives and processes information.

Historic House Museums may find their survival through an expanded preservation scope that engages the community more so by allocating space for educating small groups, meetings, gallery exhibits of associative works, and receptions. There is some concern that using less than 100% of the floor space for in-situ historical exhibits will redefine the meaning of a House Museum. If an overseeing organization has a collection of houses, they can develop some criteria for identifying the ones for in-situ exhibits and others for reuse or shared use. This careful application of scrutiny and forward thinking will open doors to new relationships that will respect the preservation integrity of the Historic House Museum and embrace the changing public environment.

Associating or partnering with local businesses, schools, and community groups in a manner, in which all can benefit, will give breath to the struggle of existence and relevance of the Historic House Museum. Accessing these houses and appreciating their contents can be a destination experience that continues upon entry as a visitor steps back in time.

Regardless of the type of intervention, meeting and surviving the challenges of the Historic House Museum requires a long-term commitment to planning, operations, and communication.

Food for Thought….

Why is this piece of history important or significant? Who should find it important, interesting, or entertaining? How many examples exist locally, regionally, and nationally? Is the interpretation accurate, clear, and compelling compared to other examples? Are the goals current and reflect forward thinking? Is an effective system in place for

accountability and measuring our ability to remain relevant? How can industry guidelines be used more effec

tively to address the unique challenges of the Historic House Museum?

Houston has some excellent examples of Historic House Museums located in Sam Houston Park managed by the Heritage Society and in Houston’s Historic Fourth Ward Freedmen’s Town managed bythe Rutherford B. H. Yates Museum Board

Related Links to local examples of Historic House Museums

www.heritagesociety.org

www.museumsusa.org/museums/info/1168018

Others

www.oldhouses.com/historic-house-museums.htm

www.vpa.org/museumstx.html

Posted by Crystal Y. Granger

Wortham Center Fish Plaza Lighting Project

2010-11-04T16:52:00.004-05:00

Urban Architecture announces the completion of the new lighting infrastructure and installation for the City of Houston’s Wortham Center Fish Plaza - South Entrance. Funded by the Downtown Redevelopment Authority (TIRZ #3), the façade, with its references to classical architectural details, serves as a backdrop to Fish Plaza’s grand entry. It has been illuminated to maximize the play of the evening light with artificial light against the natural and built environments. The design allows the extension and reciprocity of the drama from and between the interior and exterior spaces respectively. The expertise of nationally recognized lighting consultant, Michael J. Smith assured the dramatic success of this project.

Responding to the Needs of a Community

2010-11-04T16:27:00.004-05:00

Representing 5 % of Houston’s population, the Acres Home Community is located in the Northwest quadrant of the City. This early African American Settlement is home to the Cameron Iron Workers Social & Charity Club - constructed in 1975. More recently known as the Cameron Project or Cameron Center, founding members established programs and services that met the changing needs of the community.

Continuing the legacy of community service through the Cameron Project as the Cameron Community Center is an opportunity that has been extended to the Houston Area Urban League. As stewards of the community, Urban Architecture answered the call to support the initiatives of this community project through site/user specific design.

The design intent of the Cameron Community Center is to communicate a sense of ownership, permanence, and flexibility of use.

We propose a design concept that references the traditional character of the neighborhood and functionally serves the growing needs of the community. Collectively, the existing site and adjacent land (4.9648 acres) are designed to enhance outdoor experiences with shaded exercise trails, family picnics, theater field events, garden projects, and patio socials.

The program provides classrooms and landscape features for hands-on sustainability activities. Framed views and the integration of natural light are designed to compliment and activate space where chance meetings and large gatherings occur. Green initiatives are an integral part of the design and function. The design seeks opportunities to optimize energy performance, daylight and views, indoor air quality, use of local and renewable materials and resources; and water use reduction.

Preservation Conference 2010

2010-11-04T16:21:00.004-05:00

Urban Architecture Associate Crystal Granger was invited to speak at the National Trust for Historic Preservation 2010 National Conference in Austin, TX. The Affinity Session, titled Realized Communities: Necessary Spaces, attracted professionals with specific or related backgrounds in preservation to discuss their respective experiences and current work. Crystal presented a case study on one of Houston’s Historic African American Churches and the preservation challenges of its surrounding community.

The speakers highlighted the challenges they face during information gathering, applying for designations and funding, identifying resources, and navigating the regulatory process. Representatives of a historic community in Florida shared some helpful tips about their successful marketing efforts fund ongoing preservation work for the last ten years receiving national recognition. Many agreed that the conversation must continue through similar sessions in their respective locations. There were several recommendations that information and ideas should be available for reference through a recognized source such as the National Trust with specific guidelines for preservation work in minority communities. In addition to assembling a resource guide representing collaborative input from the participants, the session ended with an exchange of ideas on how to move beyond the challenges that are commonly faced when studying underrepresented communities.

Cameron Community Center

2010-11-04T16:00:00.017-05:00

Urban Architecture has been selected by the Houston Area Urban League (HAUL) to provide professional architectural services for the development of a new community center in an early African American settlement in Northwest Houston. The Urban League has received an opportunity to continue the community service legacy of the Cameron Iron Workers Social & Charity Club in the Acres Home Community. The original building was demolished due to major structural and mechanical problems. As the Urban League prepares to launch a Capital Campaign with the leadership of State Representative Sylvester Turner, Urban Architecture looks forward to providing the professional design and planning services necessary to achieve the goals of this campaign.

Lilly Grove Missionary Baptist Church

2010-09-28T10:08:00.005-05:00

Lilly Grove Missionary Baptist Church recently hired Urban Architecture to assist with their long range planning with the development of a Master Plan for their campus in Southeast Houston. In its 50 year history, Lilly Grove MBC has grown from a small wood frame building in Houston's Historic Third Ward community to a 1200 seat sanctuary and 40,000 SF Family Life Center on a 13 acre campus in the LaSalette / South Union community. With an average yearly growth of 6.3%, the church currently serves a membership of 7,000 that extends beyond the Houston City limits. Services are broadcasted throughout the world via internet, radio, and television. In 2004, Lilly Grove MBC has expanded abroad with the establishment of a church in Haiti - Lilly Grove MBC at Cabaret. The Haiti campus includes a sanctuary, school, and medical clinic. As Lilly Grove MBC continues to grow and serve the ecumenical and civic needs of its membership locally and abroad, Urban Architecture looks forward to their requests for professional architectural services.

Harris County Precinct 4

2010-09-27T16:18:00.004-05:00

Harris County Precinct 4: Construction Progress: Part 4

2010-07-12T10:43:00.003-05:00

Harris County Precinct 4: Construction Progress

2010-06-30T11:10:00.004-05:00

Harris County Pct. 4 Central Facility Construction Progress

2010-05-19T09:14:00.004-05:00

Mercer Arboretum Tea House

2010-05-04T11:24:00.007-05:00

Urban Architecture is proud to announce the completion of the Mercer Arboretum Tea House!

The Tea House evolved from an early structure built on the present site to be used by Mercer guests as a place of refuge and contemplation. The challenge to replace that early structure was to begin a process of research into the meaning of Japanese Tea houses and the timber forms that made it distinctively Japanese. We, at Urban Architecture, were enchanted with the process and studied classic examples of the Tea House, Japanese joinery and the tools used in their construction. The result created a cross between a Tea House and Shrine...not designed for the traditional use of Tea ceremonies or for formal meditation, but to continue to be a place where patrons of Mercer can enjoy the peaceful solitude on the edge of Storey Lake.

The structural form is visually at rest...without tension. The place is where one wants to see the sunrise or sunset...enjoy the fog or rain or a sunny day. The Tea House is another Mercer treasure.

Harris County Precinct 4 Central Facility

2010-04-15T09:35:00.006-05:00

Check out the construction progress at Harris County Precinct 4 Central Facility:

The New Panama Canal

2010-01-20T08:58:00.006-06:00

...and how it will affect Houston.

by: Paul E. Martin, AIA

Not much of a secret; the Panama Canal is being widened and lengthened to accommodate super tankers and super cargo ships. The $30 billion+ project began construction in 2007 and is scheduled for completion in 2014.

The impetus to do so came from the increased trade between the United States and China and the growth of ships greater than the capacity that the Panama Canal can now accommodate. Currently 4% of all world trade passes through the Panama Canal. Some sources anticipate that cargo passing through the canal will increase by 50%. A modest sum by most standards, however others anticipate that the impact will be double and much of the destination ports for the United States will move from the eastern and western ports to Gulf ports. The largest of the Gulf ports, Houston, will be supported by recent construction of the Bayport Super Port, widening and deepening of the Houston Ship Chanel, security upgrades and the existing inter-modal system of distribution. Other ports that will benefit are Galveston, New Orleans and Tampa...

Houston's port is well placed in the center of the Country, shortening the inter-modal distribution by several days in some cases. Houston has a larger inter-modal system than the other Gulf Ports and a favorable attitude towards growth.

Trammel Crow pulled a coup by wooing a share of the flower imports from South America that have traditionally funneled through Miami to a new air cargo facility at Bush Intercontinental (IAH).
The impact on Houston could place it as the Number 1 port by tonnage in the United States. The Port is preparing itself and so are those who will benefit most. The real winner is Houston's sustained economic growth...opportunities abound!

When will this affect increased business for Houston? NOW! Property is being purchased along the ship channel where industrial centers will be constructed. Land developers, Architects, Engineers, Contractors and all of its support industry should be starting to notice changes in the first half of 2010.

We will report all current news references and rumors regarding this exciting, "under the radar," event of the decade as they develop. Stay tuned and please share with us your own observations!

Thanks!

Steps in the Green Direction...

2009-11-11T16:26:00.007-06:00

Regional Priority credits are a step in the right direction in LEED v3. In an attempt to make certain LEED credits more applicable for specific regions, the USGBC has created 'Regional Priority' credits. These are not new credits, they are basically bonus points for achieving pre-existing credits that have been deemed important in your region by the local USGBC Chapter, varying by zip code.

Each local chapter was limited to selecting 6 of the pre-existing credits to award additional credit for. However, even if a building satisfies the requirment for all 6, you are limited to receiving only 4 points.
The credits that the Greater Houston Area Chapter has selected are...

SSc3: Brownfield Redevelopment --rehabilitate damaged sites with environment contamination and reduce pressure on undeveloped land.
SSc5.1: Site Development-Protect or Restore Habitat --conserve natural areas, or to restore damaged areas by promoting bio-diversity.
SSc6.1: Stormwater Design- Quantity Control --creating a plan to increase on-site infiltration and limit post development run-off.
SSc6.2: Stormwater Design- Quality Control --creating a management plan for water runoff to limit polluting natural water flows.
EAc2: On-site Renewable Energy --produce atleast 1% of overall energy consumed by building through on-site renewable sources (solar, wind, geothermal, etc.)
MRc2: Construction Waste Management --Recycle or salvage atleast 75% of construction waste.

Do the Regional Priority credits selected in Houston make sense for our region?
Should there, or could there have been better choices for which credits were selected? If so, which ones and why.
Do you feel like LEED is moving towards region specific guidelines for ALL credits?

Historic Preservation

2009-11-09T09:08:00.003-06:00

A 'Road Map' to Historic Preservation

by: Crystal Y. Granger, Associate

Revitalizing the Spirit of a Community through the preservation of the built environment benifits the City at large economically, socially, and visually. Why is it such a hard-sell?

The City of San Antonio has profited greatly from their preservation efforts with the restoration of the Alamo and numerous historic homes, hotels, businesses, and landscape features.

Both the City of Houston and Harris County are a melting pot of cultures and the fruit of their occupation. Stewardship of all resources must maintain a measurable level of accountability to ensure the integrity of our development. A pattern of economic gems and rich cultural development has been woven into the fabric of Houston's history providing a vignette of achievements that makes our City an international icon.

In an effort to start an ongoing dicussion on preservation efforts in Houston/Harris County, I echo previous inquiries from community meetings on the subject:

What is required for Houston to be a considered a city that values its history?
How can this be achieved?
What are the specific issues that are hindering our historic preservation efforts?
What should be included in the characteristics, strategic scope, and the execution of a 'Historic Road Map' in our city?