The Crandall Public Library in Glens Falls, New York, has reopened after an $18 million renovation and expansion designed by Ann Beha Architects. Photo: Courtesy Ann Beha Architects Extra Large Image

Boston · 2008.1215
Douglas B. Hyde, AIA, has joined Hartford, Connecticut-based JCJ Architecture as director of college and university design. Hyde is assisting in the development of the firm's new Boston, Massachusetts, office. He has 33 years of experience, and joins the firm from Einhorn Yaffee Prescott, where he was a principal-in-charge and project director. His project portfolio includes facilities for Michigan State University, Virginia Tech, Fordham University, the University of Iowa, Mount Holyoke College, and Middlebury College.

Glens Falls · 2008.1212
The Crandall Public Library (pictured above) in Glens Falls, New York, has reopened after an $18 million renovation and expansion designed by Ann Beha Architects of Boston, Massachusetts. The project included restoration of the original 12,600-square-foot (1,170-square-meter) building, designed in 1931 by Charles Platt and located within the Three Squares Historic District, and construction of a 39,400-square-foot (3,660-square-meter) expansion.

The three-story addition fronts the city's main commercial street. Conceived as a connector piece, clad primarily in glass, the addition responds to the proportions and rhythms of neighboring masonry buildings. A metal screen canopy hangs above the new entrance. Inside, open planning allows for flexibility and clear lines of sight, with color and light conferring distinct identities on different departments.

The project was designed for LEED certification, with two major sustainable approaches: high-efficiency mechanical systems and daylighting. "Green" materials include heat-absorbing roofing materials, and recycled, salvaged, recyclable, and locally harvested materials. JMZ Architects and Planners, P.C. of Glens Falls served as associate architect.

Astana · 2008.1212
Construction continues on the Khan Shatyr Entertainment Centre in Astana, Kazakhstan. Foster + Partners of London, United Kingdom, designed the structure, which rises from a 200-meter- (660-foot-) diameter elliptical base. The vast tent-like cable net structure, clad in ETFE, will house an urban-scale internal park, shops, cafes, and other entertainment amenities, including a spa, sports center, and indoor beach.

The building's 150-meter- (490-foot-) high, 2,000-metric-ton (2,200-ton) tripod mast was recently erected in a two-week process. The remaining phases are scheduled for completion by July 2009.

Another Foster + Partners project was recently completed in Paris, France: the first building within the Trapeze master plan at Boulogne Billancourt, a seven-story office development.

Flint · 2008.1211
The Berkley, Michigan office of SHW Group has revealed its design for a new science and technology incubator facility at Kettering University in Flint. The 9,000-square-foot (840-square-meter) stand-alone structure will overlook the Flint River and anchor the university's planned Technology Park.

Amenities in the public space will include a business center, furnished executive and administrative offices, a conference room, and cafe and reception areas. The private space will house six wet and dry research laboratories. Each lab will be approximately 700 square feet (65 square meters) and designed for easy division and addition. Completion is slated for late 2009.

Toronto · 2008.1208
Construction has begun on the new Centre for Urban Sustainability in Toronto, Canada. Diamond and Schmitt Architects of Toronto designed the project, part of the Evergreen Brick Works, to achieve LEED Platinum certification.

The center will use the existing footprint and brick walls of Building 12 at the Toronto Brick Works. Sustainable strategies will include natural ventilation to eliminate air conditioning in the administration space (80 percent of the floor area); a solar cogeneration system for heating, cooling, and power; and a high-efficiency biomass boiler fueled by wood waste from local manufacturing. Opening is scheduled for 2010.

Ground was also broken recently for another LEED Platinum-targeted Diamond and Schmitt project: the CANMET Materials Technology Laboratory in Hamilton, Canada. The purpose-built research facility is designed to reduce energy consumption by as much as 70 percent compared to the Model National Energy Code for Buildings (MNECB). Construction is scheduled to start in March 2009, and occupancy is planned for August 2010.

Firm principal Donald Schmitt leads the design teams for both projects.

Kitchener · 2008.1201
Construction is underway on a redevelopment of the Lang Tannery Building in downtown Kitchener, Canada. Raw Design of Toronto is serving as design architect and master planner for the $30 million project, which will transform two city blocks of buildings that housed a tannery in the late 1800s. The project will convert the complex to house restaurants retail, digital and multimedia studios, biotechnology research space, design workshops, and professional offices.

Currently under redevelopment, block A is a 300,000-square-foot (28,000-square-meter) area that comprises five interwoven structures. A structural core is being inserted to clarify circulation. Restoration will involve a light cleaning. Completion is expected by early fall 2009. Cadan Inc of Toronto is the developer.

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