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UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI ROBERT AND JUDI PROKOP NEWMAN ALUMNI CENTER Coral Gables, Florida As a home away from home for University of Miami alumni, the Robert and Judi Prokop Newman Alumni Center has comfortable lounges, a spacious reception area, café, living room, library, offi ce space and state-of-the-art technology. As a USGBC LEED Gold certifi ed building, it also leaves a light ecological footprint. High-effi ciency water and power systems, lots of natural lighting and recycled or renewable construction materials make the four-story building a model of sustainability. Early in design, TLC engineers created an energy model that allowed them to determine the most effective energy-saving strategies. These included using sensor-operated faucets and low-fl ow toilets and urinals for a projected 30% reduction in water use. The HVAC equipment employs high effi ciency fans and motors to produce similar savings. Lighting controls, occupancy sensors, dimmer switches and skylights will help reduce power use and energy costs while strategic positioning of the outside light fi xtures will lessen light pollution. Several design features were incorporated to maintain the indoor air quality, including permanent temperature and humidity controls, CO2 sensors, and indoor chemical and pollutant controls. Outside air controls vary the amount of outside air drawn into the building based Architects Michael Dennis & Associates Boston, Massachusetts and MGE Architects Miami, Florida Constructor Arellano Construction Miami, Florida Owner University of Miami Coral Gables, Florida Major Components Conference Room Business Center Library Café High-Effi ciency HVAC Systems Water-Effi cient Plumbing Systems Project Size 67,000 square feet Construction Cost $10 Million Completion Date 2010 TLC Services Mechanical Electrical Plumbing Fire Protection LEED Consulting Energy Modeling on the number of occupants inside, thus maximizing the indoor air quality while minimizing energy use. Additionally, low-toxicity paint, carpet, sealants and adhesives were used to reduce the emission of harmful chemicals. Another green strategy was to locate the building in a central location on a campus bus route to reduce transportation costs. The architectural design incorporates elements that create a comfortable, inviting space, such as front and rear courtyards, pergolas, stone and glass walls, wood beam ceilings and paneling, stone fl oors and fountains. The fi rst fl oor of the new alumni center houses public spaces such as lobby and reception areas, the multi-purpose room, conference and rooms, the living room, the library, a Hall of Fame and historical archives. The Alumni Association offi ce and meeting spaces are on the second fl oor. Located on the third and fourth fl oors are offi ce and conference spaces, completed by TLC under a separate contract. LEED for New Construction V. 2.2 Gold Certifi cation Awarded Nov. 29, 2011 59 |