AIACNY

Manlius Library Renovations & Expansion
Manlius, New York

Category: Institutional

This popular community library leased space from the local municipality in a portion of a 1950’s elementary school that had been converted to a shared community center. Low ceilings, antiquated building systems, poor space utilization, and lack of identity prevented the library from meeting the needs of its growing number of patrons. Site conditions were very restrictive, with parking space at a premium and handicapped access a challenge. The municipality also required any addition to the complex to blend the existing, while the library desired to establish a distinctly unique presence.

The program called for tripling the size of the library to 21,000 square feet, with emphasis on expanding children’s programs and computer services, along with increasing all reading and stack areas. The library retained 7,000 square feet of space in the existing building and decided to house the balance in an addition. A modest project budget dictated use of economical, durable materials.

The Library addition exterior presents a distinctive entry element at the end of the main entrance drive to the complex. A lighted clock and integral sign provide round-the-clock identity. Brick cladding, painted overhangs and aluminum windows are patterned similar to the existing building. Improvements to the existing building increase energy efficiency and help to tie the old and new together. The addition floor elevation is two feet lower than the existing, which allowed roof heights to be matched and provided additional ceiling height with space for modern building systems. It also allowed for handicapped access without exterior ramps or steps, an important consideration in a snowy climate. An interior ramp connects the renovated interior space of the addition.

From the front door, a spacious entry lobby and custom-designed circulation desk is enhanced by day- lighting from high windows. A stand-alone coffee bar/gift shop (made possible by donations) greets patrons. The children’s section and program room is immediately adjacent to the circulation area. It includes arts and crafts areas and a glassed-in enclosure to reduce noise to the rest of the building that support a myriad of programs consistently drawing large numbers of pre-school children and their families to the library weekly. Two contemporary large-sized conference rooms service the many groups (i.e. book clubs, investment clubs, scout troops, adult literacy outreach, etc.) that regularly competed for the one room previously available. Staff work and break areas are immediately adjacent to the circulation desk. An art gallery displays collections and the efforts of local art guilds, while linking the addition with the existing by a museum-like exhibit hall/corridor.

Modern technical systems were installed throughout and include 20 computer stations (where there were only six) with 20 more on the way. Because of the budget constraints, the library reused much of their interior furnishings. However, a comfortable new living-room-like reading room devoted to quiet study was added to the existing.

“The project came in right on schedule and well within budget; but more impressively, it is a beautiful and functional centerpiece of the village. It is a structure that the community can be proud of for generations to come.” (Library Director)

A university with a satellite biological field station, located in Cooperstown, NY, saw the need for a remote classroom facility at an historic farm, which is part of its rural holdings. Where to locate this new learning facility was an easy choice, but also the most challenging aspect of this project. The style and language of the design was governed by existing preservation covenants tied to the site that required the new facility to resemble the original maple sugar shack with appended clubhouse, including gable roofs, front porch and preservation of all trees on site in the hardwood forest. In addition to these site and preservation requirements, the Owner wanted the new facility to be fully equipped to function as a seminar/classroom with all the necessary electronic and communication equipment. Moreover, they wanted the design, including its required utilities to be environmentally friendly.

The final design is an accessible 1,600 square-foot, one-story building with a front porch, wood siding and a metal roof with eave extensions that relate to the vernacular farm architecture located within walking distance of the new facility. The exterior is diminutive in scale, while the interior benefits from natural wood and a lack of conventional fluorescent fixtures.

In addition to a seminar room, which includes exhibit space for multiple cabinets and bird and animal mounts, the main floor also houses an adjacent Kitchenette, the Director's Office, a Staff / Workroom, Storage, Toilet Rooms and a Utility Room with shower. A full basement was added during the schematic design phase for storage.

To meet the needs of the classroom portion of the program, the Owner's institutional standards, and to ensure public safety, the building is wired to accommodate today's communication technology, including overhead projection and an automatic fire-detection system. Handicapped access is provided through an on-grade entrance from the two-space parking area behind the building.

The goal was to create a humane and attractive environment for experimental field station use that could also facilitate the multiple aspects of the outdoor interpretive program, including orientation, seminar presentations, specimen analysis, field trip and lunch preparation, along with office and staff support spaces. This multi-use program, highly articulated by the biological field station director, was expected to result in a design that would accommodate the university's institutional requirements and, in the end, be a model for environmental protection.

While the design meets these requirements, it also provides a naturally lit interior with specifically focused task lighting to reduce the building's energy consumption. To further enhance the sustainable design, the building incorporates a daytime wood stove heat system with a woodshed located at the rear entrance. The fuel source is the farm's adjacent forest. To manage soluble waste in an environmentally responsible way, the septic system is concealed in existing forest clearings and uses a self-contained, user-friendly phosphorous and nitrogen treatment process and a mounded leech field, along with monitoring of ground water migration.

Working in coordination with the Owner, portions of the facility were constructed using locally procured materials, including wood flooring and the front door, an Italianate style hand-me-down from the previous building.

The main challenge was how to create a complex, if small building that appears simple and friendly. The protected forest setting, limited pre-existing electric service and winter weather at a 2,000-foot elevation all challenged construction progress. Solving the requirement for wastewater phosphorous and nitrogen testing and treatment for such a small septic system was also a challenge. This was a pioneer installation in the Otsego Lake watershed area.

The President's Message

Thank you to all the members that attended last month’s annual membership meeting. Over 50 members in good standing attended our lunch meeting at King & King’s new downtown offices. It was said, that it has been some time since we had so many people attend an annual meeting and even many more years since we have had to cast ballots for our slate of officers. Our nominating committee did an excellent job finding several dedicated individuals for each available position. Congratulations to the newly elected officers. I encourage all the candidates who stepped up this year to volunteer; we have many opportunities and we welcome your input and support.

Some of my personal goals as your president this year were to find opportunities to increase member participation, increase the diversity of our members and develop a clear statement of our mission. Your attendance last month, spoke to the efforts of the entire board of officers and directors, and I would like to thank my board for there help in achieving my goals. Thanks must also be extended to Steve Kapusniak our out-going Director of Membership for all the years of good service.

Based on the outcome of our elections the following are the 2010 AIACNY Officers & Directors:

DIRECTOR (PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES & POLICIES)
Steven Busa, AIA
James F. Williams, AIA, LEED AP

The Board also accomplished the task of developing a mission statement to represent our professional goals: Our mission is to promote Architecture and Design. We are dedicated to serving and empowering our members through education, leadership, advocacy, and fellowship.

Lastly, I would like to update you on an important piece of legislation regarding the investigation of unauthorized practice within our profession, the protection of public health and safety, and professional misconduct. This legislation is a primary AIANYS legislative initiative for 2009, but it does not come without a cost to our members. This legislation will require our members to increase their contribution to AIANYS. (Our registration fees have not been raised since 1989 and additional funding to maintain an adequate level of service is required.)

Governor Paterson is considering this legislation now. “AIANYS supports the legislation, provided that the funds collected pursuant to this bill are released by the Division of Budget to enable the Office of the Professions to hire critically needed employees, particularly to enforce statutes prohibiting the illegal practice of architecture.” Please contact the Governors office today encouraging him to approve the bill. The subject line in your email should read “Assembly Bill 8219 – Funding for the Office of the Professions.”

Are YOU being served?

This is a title of a British comedy that takes place in a London department store. It makes fun of floorwalkers, clerks, customers and owners. It is a farce.

Reading the latest AIANYS Newsletter it was shocking that legislation has passed both State houses and was waiting for the Governor signature to provide additional funds to OPD. Even more distressing was the implication of the Associations wholehearted support. Quote: “This bill authorizes the Commissioner of Education to impose a 15% surcharge on any professional fee imposed that is to deposit in the office of professions account. Our goal is to increase the Department’s ability to curtail illegal practice.” The lack of the Associations knowledge about how the Education Department operates, make the issue a farce.

The legislative body and the administrative body of the State do not govern the Education Department. The New York State Board of Regent is free and independent from these branches of government. They appoint the Commissioner, which means they are his boss. Funding is provided by the State Legislature, Cities and Towns do for individual school districts. In New York education is to be independent from political influence.

A 1999 Memo of Professional Practice Guidelines makes it clear how the Department functions. “The Board of Regents’ supervision and the State Education Departments administration of professional regulations is guided by the Education Law, Regents Rules and Commissioners’ Regulations.” Section 6504 of Title VIII of Education Law, “Admission to practice and the regulation of such practice shall be supervised by the board of regents and administered by the education department assisted by a state board for each profession.” Please note how all three entities are in lower case. Architects are to assist not aid, abet and propagate heavy bureaucracy.

State Boards for the Professions-A Guide for State Board Membership dated January 1998, states “Board members devote a substantial portion of their work to the professional discipline process.” The process follows: OP opens a case and conducts an investigation when it receives information about possible professional misconduct. The following are among the numerous sources of complaints:

Consumer complains about negligent, incompetent or unprofessional service.
Insurance carrier reported billing irregularities.
Newspaper article reports a licensee’s arrest.
State or Federal official reports criminal conviction for Medicaid fraud

If there is imminent threat to the public, OP may apply to the Regents for summary suspension of a license before a hearing is conducted.

OP initiates a complaint resolution process.

· OPR staff review the complaint to determine if the allegations fall within SED’s jurisdiction under the Education Law.

· OPR staff meets with a State Board member to determine if misconduct has occurred or to refine the nature and scope of the investigation. The Board member will be asked to recommend a resolution of the charges, ranging from administrative warning to surrender or revocation of license.

· Based on the above, a prosecutor from OPR meets or otherwise communicates with the licensee (“respondent”) to explore possible resolution of the charges.

· If no agreement is reached, staff convenes an Informal Settlement Conference (ISC) with the Board member, prosecutor, facilitator, the respondent and his or her attorney.

If no agreement is reached at the ISC, the Executive Secretary to the applicable State Board appointed a five-member hearing panel and designates the Chair.

The hearing panel listens to the evidence that is presented, deliberates and recommends resolution of the case.
The Administrative Officer from the Division of Legal Services prepares a report of the decision for the panel’s approval.

A Regents Review Committee (RRC) considers the recommendation of the hearing panel, hears oral argument from the parties who may appear and submits a recommendation to the Board of Regents for its final determination. In cases that are directly referred to the RRC without a hearing panel, the same process is followed, except that the parties are permitted to produce witnesses and evidence.

The Board of Regents decides final action, except for complaints alleging minor and technical instances of professional misconduct (which may be resolved by agreement and a penalty decided by the members of the relevant State Board).

The Regents determine penalties that can range from censure and reprimand, revocation of license, and/or fine up to $10,000 per specification.
OP staff secures the revoked or surrendered license and registration, collect any fine and monitor penalties and probationary terms.

Then there is the appeals process.

SED does not prosecute unlicensed illegal practitioners. It’s no my job!

The Attorney General sets a very low priority on such cases.

SED does deal with 48 professions. There are 778,929 professional licensed, certified and/or registered. Of the multitude there are 15,322 Architects less than 2% of the total. Of the 11 published hearing results in 2008 the average, Nurses sighted for misconduct was 11 and Architects was 0 .4. per reports.

It is understandable that complaints abound in the health care professions as their patient have direct contact and supervisors watch their every move. Architects have more trouble with CEU than clients. Clients don’t pay every month but the law now enforces that owners pay contractors. Some complaints to SED are about what the architect charges not of what the client received in service. Architects shall not get their monies worth out of the annual investment of $229,800 unless they go to a Hospital as a patient.

Dear leaders of the profession, please look before you leap. Members of the State Board for Architecture please guide OP to the needs of the registered architect. Members of AIA help the practitioner be a better by stopping the tilting at windmills. Architects serve people not platitudes.

Next month, another Brit comic relief, “Yes Minister”.

Correction: September Voice, Misspelling of Sargent. I apologize to my mentor Doc Sargent, all alumnus design professionals and employees of SWC&F.

Opening of the Meeting: This meeting of the Board of Directors of the American Institute of Architects Central New York Chapter was held Thursday, August 13, 2009 at the AIACNY Resource Center . Julia Hafftka-Marshall , AIA called the meeting to order.

This seminar will better prepare A.R.E. candidates for the Structural
section of the exam.

The fall events are here at the Syracuse School of Architecture. See the attached pdf of the fall event schedule.

Funding for the Office of the Professions to Maintain Services to both Licensees and the Public – A.8219

I bring to your attention an important piece of legislation that will impact the Office of the Professions in carrying out its charge of investigating the unauthorized practice of a profession and professional misconduct,as well as the protection of public health and safety. While this legislation will require AIA New York State, Inc. members to increase their contribution, AIA New York State, Inc. recognizes that most registration fees have not been raised since 1989, and that the Office of the Professions is in dire need of additional funding to maintain an adequate level of service to both licensees and the public.

This legislation, a primary AIANYS legislative initiative for 2009, is now being considered by Governor Paterson. AIA New York State, Inc. supports the legislation, provided that the funds collected pursuant to this bill are released by the Division of Budget to enable the Office of the Professions to hire critically needed employees, particularly to enforce statutes prohibiting the illegal practice of architecture.

Please contact the Governors office today encouraging him to approve the bill by by clicking here. The subject line your email should read Assembly Bill 8219 – Funding for the Office of the Professions

GOVERNOR PATERSON SIGNS STATE GREEN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION ACT; OGS TO DEVELOP “GREEN BUILDING” STANDARDS

Governor David A. Paterson recently signed the State Green Building Construction Act. The new law gives OGS the authority to develop and implement new green building standards for New York State .

Ashley McGraw Architects, P.C. is pleased to announce that Chief Executive Officer Edward McGraw has been elected President-Elect of the Central New York Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. The current members of the CNY Chapter met at an Annual Meeting held on September 16, 2009, to elect their President for the 2010-2011 year.

McGraw is not the first of the firm’s staff to hold this position, and is preceded by both Steven Busa and Matthew Broderick. Other members of the AIA Board of Directors are Ashley McGraw employees Steven Busa as Practice Co-Director, Louis Boisnier as Program Director, Robert Haley as Education Director and Nicolette Feldser as the IDP Coordinator.

Ashley McGraw Architects, P.C. is pleased to announce the addition of four employees:

Sinu George, Sunayana Mozumder, and Charles Proffitt join the firm as Architectural Designers in the K-12 Studio. In addition, Nicholas Williams joins us in the College & University Studio as an Architectural Designer.

Sinu and Sunayana are both LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Accredited,, bringing Ashley McGraw’s total number of LEED Accredited Professionals to 42.

Lake Architectural with offices in Marcellus , NY and Charlotte , NC is pleased to announce that Wayne La France, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP has recently been licensed to practice as an Architect in the Commonwealth of Virginia . Wayne has over 30 years of architectural experience serving a variety of markets including retail, educational and medical. Wayne believes in three core principles: leverage technology, promote sustainable communities and remain small but nimble.

Lake Architectural of 24 Maple Street in Marcellus is pleased to announce studio leader Jessica Haas has been elected for the position of Director of Membership for the local chapter (AIACNY) of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Jessica will begin her 4^th year with Lake Architectural this coming December. She is a valuable asset to our architectural team and has been instrumental in numerous projects while with Lake including the Marcellus Free Library, the Lyncourt Union Free School District ’s additions and renovation and Onondaga Community College ’s monumental signs.

Beardsley Design Associates is excited to welcome David B. Porter, P.E., CEM to the firm. David brings more than 24 years of mechanical engineering experience to complement the firm’s full architectural, engineering, and landscape architecture capabilities.

David holds a master’s degree in environmental engineering from Syracuse University and a B.E. in mechanical engineering from Stony Brook University . He is a Licensed Professional Engineer (PE), Certified Energy Manager (CEM) and a Board Certified Environmental Engineer (BCEE). His expertise includes mechanical design, energy evaluations, and green building design for healthcare, industrial, and municipal clients. David is currently providing mechanical engineering design for numerous design/build projects at Fort Drum, NY for Beardsley.

Beardsley Design Associates Architecture, Engineering & Landscape Architecture, P.C. is pleased to announce that Todd H. Kelsey has earned his Engineer in Training Certification in the State of New York and has been promoted to Intern Plumbing Engineer.

Mr. Kelsey is a Certified Plumbing Designer and LEED Accredited Professional with over 14 years of professional experience. Todd has been responsible for the design of plumbing engineering projects for Federal, State, Educational, and private clients.

Beardsley Design Associates Architecture, Engineering & Landscape Architecture, P.C. is pleased to announce that Seth A. Livermore has earned his Professional Engineer’s license in the State of New York and has been promoted to Project Civil Engineer.

Mr. Livermore joined Beardsley Design Associates in November 2005 after receiving his Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from Clarkson University . Working out of the firm’s Syracuse office, Seth has been responsible for the design of civil engineering projects involving site improvements for Federal, State, and private clients.

Historic State Tower Building I 109 S. Warren St. Store 11 I Syracuse, NY 13202
Telephone/Fax: (315) 475-8563 I Email: aiacny@verizon.net

Please join us in welcoming Susanne Gruening, our new AIA/CNY Resource Center Office Consultant. Susanne is a graduate of the Interior Design program at Syracuse University . We are excited that Susanne has joined our cause in bringing design professionals together. To promote our AIA Chapter, Susanne will be working to establish relationships with vendors in an effort to gain supporters while maintaining our successful affiliation with our current sponsors. She will also be scheduling upcoming Seminars to assist us with our continuing education requirements.

Members of The AIACNY Chapter of Central New York
now have access to WI-FI at The Resource Center
Monday-Friday- 8am- 12noon.

All AIA Members have access to all ARE Study Materials, There is no fee to use the ARE Study Material, but a Deposit (Check) will be required, which will vary.

The check for deposit is given to Susanne Gruening at Resource Center on the date you want to borrow the material. You will receive your check for deposit on the return of the material to The Resource Center .

AIA New York Chapter’s public calendar is also a great place to promote both this Chapter’s events and other outside events: http://www.aiany.org/calendar/index.php