Embedding Sustainable Design into Design Process

By USGBC Communications

USGBC MA Chapter Sponsor, Levi + Wong Design Associates set an example for how to incorporate sustainable design into all aspects of design practice. Over half of the professional staff is LEED accredited, and as a whole, the firm believes sustainability is not an “added value” to otherwise conventional projects, but rather a thought process embedded in every step of project design.

From site design to envelope analysis to daylighting studies to material selection, Levi + Wong Design projects embrace a holistic approach to systems and materials.  The firm offers clients a proactive, research-based, budget-conscious approach aimed at delivering cost-effective, maintenance-friendly, healthy buildings.  

The firm considers short term performance metrics such as daylight harvesting, total energy consumption and water use, as well as the long term impacts of potential future expansion and infrastructure replacement. To Levi + Wong Design, sustainability is really just another term for good, common sense design, employing materials and systems that minimize waste, maximize performance and deliver the best value over the life of the project. 

An example of this holistic approach is exemplified by The D’Youville Center for Advanced Therapy in Lowell, MA. The 25,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility is designed for a single site experience that supports the needs of patients across the continuum of care.

To promote healing and wellness, natural light permeates through windows strategically located in corridors, patient rooms and therapy spaces drawing light into interior spaces. The large windows views in the rehabilitation gym create a connection with the local neighborhood and exterior courtyards allow patients access to outdoors relaxation and community re-entry training experiences. A clean modern look was created using simple forms, detailing, and proportion, and was complimented with natural materials such as wood and stone to create spaces that are warm and comfortable.