Month: June 2017 (2)

Twin Cities Academy | Innovation + Environmental Responsibility

TECHNICAL INNOVATION It was imperative to transform and remediate the site into a healthy landscape with athletic fields for a dynamic school program. The innovation to correct the former industrial site is one of the best examples in the Metro Area. The Cemstone plant had inhabited the site for nearly 90 years, and within the site were a collection of dilapidated structures in need of demolition as well as remediation. Paramount to this process was to mine clean soil from the site, which was used in environmentally sensitive areas around the school to adhere to the MPCA guidelines. To minimize the impact on budget, the Kodet Team conducted feasibility and cost saving benefits due to hazardous items discovered on site to minimize impact on budget, while at the time satisfying MPCA requirements. In developing a more sustainable site we coordinated the site layout of the building, parking lot, and infiltration ponds to have the least amount of impact on the environment. ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY Sustainability was at the forefront of the design process with an aim to design a building that is not only energy and resource efficient, but also provides a healthy learning and working environment. The building itself is actually about 8,000 square feet smaller than the previous home of TCA; however, the efficient floor plan allowed for a smaller building footprint to accommodate improved functionality along with an increased number of students and staff. The project incorporated a variety of sustainable concepts such as the following: Efficient LED Lighting Healthy Indoor Air-Quality Energy Efficient Glazing to provide natural light for students + staff Acoustics in each room to maximize comfort + learning potential Materials with Low VOC content Recycled Materials and utilizing crushed concrete Remediating a brownfield site to create a healthy and safe environment to build a […]

Educational Design + ALEP

EDUCATIONAL DESIGN | ACCREDITED LEARNING ENVIRONMENT PLANNER Edward J. Kodet, Jr., FAIA, ALEP, LEED AP BD+C, recently completed the certification process for the ALEP Credential, a mark of excellence developed to reflect the knowledge, skills and abilities of a competent learning environment planner. The ALEP credential was designed to elevate professional standards, enhance individual performance and identify those in the educational environment industry who demonstrate the knowledge essential to the practice of learning environment planning. The ALEP certification is the industry standard for all professionals engaged in planning, designing, operating, maintaining, and equipping learning environments at all levels of education. With Mr. Kodet’s completion of this process, he has aligned himself with the standards of 21st century teaching and learning ideals, and incorporating the most current and relevant information regarding the school facility industry. The Association for Learning Environments (A4LE),is the only professional organization whose principal purpose is improving the places where children learn. Mr. Kodet’s certification has equipped him with the latest knowledge base in learner needs and styles, Community Engagement and Master Planning, Educational Facility Pre-Design, Educational Architectural Designing, Capitol Project Management and Assessing the School Facility. The CEFPI states, “An individual who has been certified by CEFPI has achieved the highest qualification in our profession. Clients can appoint ALEPs with confidence that they have been examined for competence by our association.” After meeting eligibility requirements and submitting an application, ALEP candidates must pass a rigorous ALEP exam. Once a candidate has earned the credential, they must maintain it by fulfilling certification renewal requirements every three years, in addition to maintaining minimum continuing education units each year. Mr. Kodet has worked with multiple school systems in his career. Kodet Architectural Group, Ltd. and Mr. Kodet have a history of delivering projects on time and under budget, while still […]