Gresham, Smith and Partners has revealed its design for the Theatre Putuo Zhoushan Opera House in Zhoushan, China. Image: Gresham, Smith and Partners Extra Large Image

Santa Monica · 2008.1029
WWCOT Architects has named Miguel Maio, AIA, a partner in the firm. Based in the Santa Monica, California, office, Maio has over 20 years of architectural experience, and has worked at WWCOT for 11 years. As a project manager, he has served on design teams for a number of Kaiser Permanente healthcare facilities and Los Angeles Unified School District school campuses.

Denali Park · 2008.1027
The new $9.2 million Eielson Visitor Center in Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska recently received LEED Platinum certification. The Anchorage office of RIM Architects designed the 7,400-square-foot (690-square-meter) visitor center, which is located in the park interior, 66 miles (106 kilometers) from the entrance.

The low-profile, earth-bermed building blends into the landscape and provides panoramic views of the Alaska Range, including Mount McKinley. The roof deck is covered in transplanted tundra mats that were salvaged during construction. Other sustainable features of the off-grid building include solar panels, hydroelectric power, daylighting, recycled and locally produced materials, and energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and plumbing systems. Portions of the original visitor center were reused.

San Marcos · 2008.1026
Ground was recently broken for a $35 million expansion and renovation of Central Texas Medical Center in San Marcos, Texas. Ascension Group Architects of Arlington, Texas, designed the project, which is expected to include a childbirth center with private rooms, a 22-bed obstetrics unit, and a Level II neonatal critical care unit, expansion of the surgical suite, and a new nursing unit. Principal Erick Westerhom is leading the project, which is expected to be complete by spring 2010.

New York · 2008.1022
The renovation of the Child's Surf Avenue Restaurant historic building on Coney Island, New York City, for the New Freak Bar & Museum Gift Shop is complete. Philip Tusa, Architect of Croton-on-Hudson, New York, designed the project, which created a bold, colorful space within the 1917 building. The existing dividing partitions were perforated with large-scale openings, and the arches of the historic facade were uncovered and incorporated into the design.

Leipzig · 2008.1021
Construction continues on a new complex for the University of Leipzig, Germany. Erick van Egeraat Associated Architects, based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, designed the project, which has topped out. Located on the site of the former Pauliner Church, the project consists of three main elements: the Aula, the Main Building, and the Audimax.

The Aula with Vestry is a 930-square-meter (10,000-square-foot) multifunctional space that will be used for church services, academic ceremonies, concerts, and conferences. The interior will feature white stucco, glass, and ceramic ornamentation The 13,600-square-meter (146,000-square-foot) Main Building will house an art collection and administrative functions. The 730-square-meter (7,900-square-foot) Audimax has capacity for 790 students.

Beijing · 2008.1020
The Beijing Yintai Centre has officially opened in Beijing, China. The 3.77 million-square-foot (350,000-square-meter) mixed-use complex, designed by Atlanta, Georgia-based John Portman & Associates, Inc., consists of two 45-story office towers, divided vertically with sky lobbies, and a 63-story mixed-use tower, featuring a five-star hotel. This 820-foot- (250-meter-) tall central tower is capped by a glass-and-stone "lantern," with the hotel public areas, lobby, restaurant, and lounge. A large mixed-use podium connects the three towers.

Palo Alto · 2008.1020
Designs have been revealed for the expansion of Lucile Packard Children's Hospital and the development of a new Stanford Hospital, both in Palo Alto, California. Kohn Pedersen Fox designed the 104-bed addition for the children's hospital, with single-patient rooms, daylighting, and garden views. The design is organized around the idea of a journey.

Stanford Hospital will build a new 600-bed hospital from the ground up, designed by Rafael Viñoly Architects. Adaptable modular pavilions will be arranged in a checkerboard pattern around courtyards. The project will also feature extensive daylighting and roof gardens.

Stanford University Medical Center has submitted a formal application to the City of Palo Alto for the renewal project. Phased construction is slated to begin in 2010.

Cincinnati · 2008.1020
Cincinnati, Ohio-based SHP Leading Design has promoted Lauren Della Bella, LEED AP, to president, effective January 2009. A partner who has been with SHP for more than 20 years, Della Bella currently serves as an executive vice president. She has undertaken a variety of roles that combine her planning and marketing expertise. After more than 40 years with SHP, Gerry Hammond, FAIA, LEED AP, will step down as president and chief executive officer to become chairman of the board of directors.

Zhoushan · 2008.1008
The Shanghai office of Gresham, Smith and Partners has revealed its design for the Theatre Putuo Zhoushan Opera House (rendered above) in Zhoushan, China. The Opera House will include four venues: a 1200-seat modern lyric theater, a 350-seat music hall, and two projection-film theaters with 60 and 100 seats, respectively. The building will also house rehearsal and support spaces, a small cafe, a gift shop, offices, and parking.

The freeform concrete shell of the building will be covered in a metal filigree space frame with small LED lights that will glow at night in a variety of colors and patterns. The skylit main lobby will feature a helical grand stair and undulating wood wall. The building will be located on an engineered peninsula between Zhoushan Island and Mount Putuo. Construction is expected to begin in mid-2009.

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