{"id":31523,"date":"2017-04-03T08:45:00","date_gmt":"2017-04-03T12:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/?p=31523"},"modified":"2017-04-03T09:03:25","modified_gmt":"2017-04-03T13:03:25","slug":"christa-mcauliffe-branch-library-designed-by-finegold-alexander-architects-receives-leed-silver-certification","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/christa-mcauliffe-branch-library-designed-by-finegold-alexander-architects-receives-leed-silver-certification\/","title":{"rendered":"Christa McAuliffe Branch Library Designed by Finegold Alexander Architects Receives LEED Silver Certification"},"content":{"rendered":"

FRAMINGHAM, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#ChallengerSpaceShuttle<\/a>—Finegold Alexander Architects<\/a> (FAA) and the Town of Framingham proudly announce the new Christa McAuliffe branch library<\/a> in Framingham has received LEED Silver Certification<\/b>. Named for Framingham native lay astronaut\/teacher Christa McAuliffe, who died in the 1986 Challenger space shuttle explosion, the newly opened 17,000-SF branch embraces contemporary sustainable design. LEED-certified buildings achieve quantifiable energy efficiency, cost-savings, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Standards for certification are established by the United States Green Building Council<\/a>. <\/p>\n

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\u201cThe design team approached the project holistically to create a beautiful, functional, and sustainable library that reflects the spirit of McAuliffe. The building features a soaring wing-shaped roof lifting over the main reading areas,\u201d said Ruth Winett, Library Trustee and President, Framingham Public Library Foundation<\/a>. \u201cThe contemporary interiors capture elements inspired by space travel, including 5,200-SF of windows, maximizing natural light, a key feature of the sustainable measures.\u201d <\/p>\n

\u201cSustainability was considered from aspirational and technical perspectives with sensitivity to initial and future costs,\u201d said Tony Hsiao, Principal, Director of Design, Finegold Alexander Architects, \u201cThe windows are a design element, while providing natural daylight to offset energy demands. The roof is set up for photovoltaics when funds become available in the future.\u201d <\/p>\n

Features include a main adult reading room, dedicated children\u2019s library, 50-person capacity meeting room, 21 Internet-enabled computer-stations, two study rooms, and on-site parking. In addition, the library is located at the high point of its natural wooded site offering a garden area connected to the Minuteman Bikeway. <\/p>\n

Key sustainable design elements include the following: <\/p>\n