Let's face it, when you visit another state and stop to use a restroom, its quality, or lack thereof, makes a pretty distinct impression.
It's like saying, "we're civilized, even enlightened."
So even though it may sound funny, Grand Rapid-based
Integrated Architecture's award to create a new sustainable design for Michigan State Parks buildings is of enormous importance to the state.
"While this is, perhaps, not the most glamorous of state park buildings, it is one to which every park visitor can relate," said Paul Dickinson, AIA, Integrated Architecture president.
With 97 state parks, the new designs offer IA the opportunity to make a significant impact on park architecture. Creating a sustainable standard design not only meets the new state guidelines for green design, it also educates through architecture, the benefits and environmental savings of well-designed sustainable buildings, Dickinson said.
"Our goal is to create a standard that results in buildings that will become 'gems' of the DNR, utilizing sustainable materials and forward thinking technologies to create green structures filled with natural light, fresh air and surrounded by indigenous plants," Dickinson said.
Source: Paul Dickinson, Integrated Architecture
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