COMPETITION CHALLENGE
This competition is directed to the notion that a sustainable future must incorporate the rejuvenation of our existing buildings. The challenge exists in indentifying how the classic buildings within our cities can prove to have the greatest potential. The model selected to represent this effort is The Old Federal Building in Tampa, FL. The Federal Building design problem is meant to serve the City of Tampa with a model linking existing, historically significant buildings to sustainable design applications. “Greening” the Federal Building will not only decrease the negative environmental impact of this building, but it will also promote occupant health and productivity while generating substantial cost savings for current and future tenants. According to a U.S. Government study (published in Architect, October 2006) more than 85% of the existing building stock in the U.S. will require substantial renovation by 2030. The ultimate goal of the competition is to show that the classification of high performance green buildings can also be applied to historic buildings without affecting their historical value and integrity.

This design concept should encompass sustainable ways of rehabilitating, operating, and maintaining the federal building to decrease energy and water usage. Incorporating passive strategies and optimizing integration will illustrate how the efficiency and longevity of building systems can be attained. As a result, the reduction of unnecessary capital and operating costs can be achieved, while decreasing the burdens that the building imposes on the environment and public health. The design should be tailored to the local climate and site conditions in order to efficiently utilize suitable materials and components.

PROJECT CONTEXT & LOCATION
Site: Old Federal Building –601 North Florida Ave.
Designed by James Knox Taylor, Supervising Architect of the Treasury Department, the federal building (originally serving as a U.S. Post Office) was completed in 1905. The building is the oldest significant building in Tampa originally designed for government use. Due to its central location, it serves as a focal point of the downtown area. In 1984, the building was converted for use as a federal courthouse.

Brief (PDF)