The NC DOT Division 8 Office was recently recognized by the American Institute of Architects Triangle Chapter for a Merit Design Award at the 2021 Design Awards Ceremony. Jury Chair Carla Swickerath, AIA of Studio Libeskind stated…”The lesson learned with this project is economy in design…literally.  The architect shows in a conventional program that does not always have the opportunity to value design, the impact truly creative thinking within a very limited budget can have.  It can reshape the experience of our public buildings and make them more welcoming and sustainable”.

The typical NC DOT office building is usually very inward focused with minimum daylighting and a limited architectural expression. While these buildings have their place, the design approach for the new building type expands the design palette. The infusion of natural light through welcoming entries, daylit corridors and solar orientation all provide an upgrade to the typical office building for the NC DOT. The shift in the design approach for the proposed new office building type was designed at the same cost per square foot as its predecessors. Despite the limitation in budget, the team was able to effectively realize a building which employed strategies proven to increase the health and productivity of workers, and promote sustainability.