Children’s Areas in Libraries

With an ever-increasing exposure to digital devices, children need opportunities to unplug and engage in hands-on creative learning. Libraries offer a great opportunity to provide this form of free play through unstructured imaginative environments that allow kids to be themselves and discover more about the world around them. Below are two great ways libraries, schools, and youth outreach programs can create these type of learning environments.

City of Williston Public Works Groundbreaking

The City of Williston recently broke ground on a new Public Works Facility which will feature a 96,000 sf facility on a 14.75 acre site. Kodet Architectural Group worked closely with the City of Williston and the process hinged on collaboration to ensure all voices were heard in designing a facility which met their unique programmatic needs. The building provides a connection between the public and city employees and features state-of-the-art technologies and the right amenities needed for various functions. BUILDING FEATURES Public Areas that Welcome the Public + Meet Service Needs Ease of Access to Staff + Resources A Place for Personnel to Accomplish Daily, Weekly, and Yearly Tasks Efficient Spaces + Circulation Well-lit Offices + Meeting Areas Safe Vehicle Circulation for Day-to-Day Use Repair Bays with Radiant Heating to Minimize Ice in the Winter + Warm to Work on Vehicles LOW MAINTENANCE + DURABILITY Kodet worked to design a facility that will stand the test of time by utilizing low maintenance and durable materials which includes: Metal Panels Cast Stone for Offices Pre-Cast Concrete Insulated for Storage Spaces Aluminum Windows Internal Mechanical Systems LED Light Fixtures New Hoists + Maintenance Equipment Throughout

Balancing Contemporary Needs and Historic Preservation

Finding a balance between contemporary needs and the requirements of historic preservation can be a challenge. There are established paths to success for those that work to maintain historic buildings in active use. The following are a few upfront planning considerations when considering an historic rehabilitation. Proposed Uses Identifying a suitable use is essential. This is relatively fairly straightforward if the use matches the original use. However, that is always not an option and suitable contemporary uses need to be explored. A well selected new use will not compromise ‘historic character defining features’. For example a use that would require modifications to an existing historic storefront would not be suitable. On the other hand, a use might be viable if changes would be limited to modifications or additions to a non-historic interior or non-primary façade. Building Codes In-depth code analysis is essential to confirm whether the proposed use can be safely incorporated into the building. The scope of work required to accommodate the proposed use within the code will vary greatly with the nature of the historic structure and the proposed use. Consequently, it is important that this analysis occur early. Code compliance is rarely a one-size-fits-all proposition with historic structures. Building codes in recent years have evolved to offer various pathways to compliance. This greatly assists working with historic structures that don’t fit neatly within contemporary building conventions. Contemporary Systems & Technology Whether the proposed use matches the historic use or is entirely contemporary, it is almost always necessary to incorporate new systems and to do so with as little impact or loss of historic character as possible. Successfully incorporating new systems requires understanding the opportunities and limitations of how a building is constructed as well as a willingness to look for creative solutions. Evolving technologies offers increasingly less […]

Debunking Preservation Myths

Historic properties enrich our cities and capture our history. Don’t let myths about extra costs and over-regulation outweigh the benefits of undertaking your historic project! Historic buildings can’t be sustainable. FALSE. Several well-known historic buildings have been renovated to meet LEED standards. The U.S. Green Building Council recognizes historic buildings “represent significant embodied energy and cultural value”. LEED offers credits for the preservation or adaptive reuse of historic materials and features. New technologies and products make it possible to integrate sustainable solutions that improve the performance of a historic property. The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation include special Guidelines on Sustainability. Work with a historic architect to determine if any of the following modifications could improve building performance without permanently damaging historic materials: Windows | Restore windows by replacing putty or weather-stripping to create an air-tight window opening. Interior Storm Window | Installing interior storm windows can nearly double the window’s insulating value. A compression fit assembly can be installed without any additional hardware or holes in the historic frame. Insulation | Historic buildings may not have any insulation. Blown-In insulation products can be installed into walls through small holes or attic access to improve energy performance. HVAC | After testing the existing system for efficiency, a new HVAC system can be installed as necessary within the replacement cycle. High velocity air ducts have a slim profile and can be retrofit into existing walls to avoid visible ductwork or additional soffits. Restoration | Inherently sustainable features, like skylights and operable windows, naturally improve occupant comfort since they predate electricity. A designated historic building can’t be altered for ADA accessibility. FALSE. With the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, access to properties open to the public is a civil right. This doesn’t mean every property is required to install an […]

Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd | Preserving Character

LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD | PRESERVING CHARACTER The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Minneapolis had begun to turn the page into a new chapter, which called for an adaptation to their sacred space to meet contemporary needs. Originally built over 65 years ago, the renovation aimed to uphold the historic integrity and respectfully adapting the Vic Gilbertson, FAIA mid-century modern church to meet current programmatic needs. The Kodet Team understood the importance of this historic restoration and through carefully studying sketches and the building’s artwork we were able to develop a better understanding for the back-story and connection to the details. Integral to the renovation was the idea of strengthening the bond between the church and the congregation, which reflects the celebration of their faith and community. The ever-present theme was preservation + improving functionality to serve current and future generations. ARCHITECTURAL SOLUTION The renovation and restoration looked how to make the best use of the buildings great art and architecture. A key element was to connect the existing sanctuary to the existing courtyard originally separated by brick wall with stained glass windows. By removing the south wall of the nave, we were able to expand the space by creating large custom wood sliding doors. These grand doors open the worship space to the new catwalk, which features a balcony overlooking the updated exterior courtyard. The worship expansion and inclusion of these custom doors incorporated the relocated original stained glass and allows a full view over the courtyard and introduces natural light into the sanctuary. Most importantly, we were able to creatively save and utilize the existing stained glass panels. By using materials original to the building and combining this with the glass, the changes transformed the church from an introverted interior focused space to a […]

2017 Firm Award

AIA-Minnesota Firm Award AIA Minnesota has announced and recognized Kodet Architectural Group as the 2017 AIA Minnesota Firm Award recipient. Given biennially, this prestigious award is the highest honored bestowed by the association, recognizing an AIA Minnesota member firm that has made outstanding contributions to the advancement of the profession of architecture. “Design excellence is a hallmark of any Kodet project, but what made them outstanding to the jury is far more than their exceptional body of award-winning work.” – Meredith Hayes Gordon, AIA, AIA Minnesota President + Selection Committee Member The AIA Minnesota firm award selection committee, comprised of AIA Minnesota board members and leadership, agreed that Kodet met or exceeded all criteria for selection, which included: Demonstrating Depth + Breadth of Work Impacting the Profession in Minnesota Produced Work that is a Product of a Collaborative Environment Work that Transcends Specific Areas of Expertise Work that is Known by the Profession + Outside for its Quality Our firm is truly honored to receive the award and from all of us here at Kodet we appreciate the kind words provided from our fellow architects, colleagues, and clients. We pride ourselves on our commitment to community service, volunteer efforts, and in working with our clients within the community which build upon efficiencies, aesthetics, longevity while establishing long-standing relationships. Kodet will be honored at the AIA Minnesota Awards Celebration on December 8, 2017, at International Market Square, Minneapolis. To learn more about the Firm Award, please click here.

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 […]

Little Free Library

LITTLE FREE LIBRARY Recently, the City of Lakes Rotary Club collaborated with the team here at Kodet to create a unique Little Free Library for a Project for Pride in Living site. The Little Free Library has gained worldwide attention as it aims to promote literacy and the love of reading by building free book exchanges worldwide. Members of the Project for Pride in Living collected and delivered hundreds of books to start off their two new Little Free Library Sites. Their goal to build a sense of community rang true as the Kodet team and Rotary Group put their heads to create their own Little Free Library. The team was comprised of Sean Leintz, Mandi Tauferner, Kelly Martinez, and Ken Stone. Early on in the process, each member of the team created sketches as to each would approach the project. After reviewing the creative sketches the team decided on a colorful library with a unique roof. Originally the design sought to have 2-levels, with sliding shelves moved with a “rotary” wheel incorporating the City of Lakes Rotary Club. In the end, the team collaborated to create a library which features a creative curved roof with pops of acrylic colored panels for windows. As you open the colored panels to grab a book the user is able to move the shelf back and forth to grab the book of his or her choice. Below are some images which depict the process the team went through in sketching and creating detailed plans for the project. Sketch by Sean Figuring out the specs! Materials + Details created by Mandi Rendering of the Final Product by Mandi! The team constructing the Little Free Library We would like to thank the Little Free Library organization and Project for Pride in Living the opportunity to work […]

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