University Of Washington Opens Newly Renovated Husky Union Building (HUB) Designed By Perkins+Will

SEATTLE, Sept. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, leading interdisciplinary design firm Perkins+Will announced the opening of the Husky Union Building (HUB) at the University of Washington. Completed after a five-year design and construction process, this latest reincarnation of the HUB is a forward-thinking, contemporary facility and a true embodiment of what a 21^st-century student and campus center should be.

Considering this is the most extensive HUB renovation since the original construction in 1948-49, the building seamlessly bridges the university's past, present and future by blending elements of the original HUB with new features. The project's designers were able to preserve half of the building's more than 60-year-old superstructure and expand upon the existing infrastructure to create a more spacious, connected, accessible and inviting building than its predecessor. In so doing, the new HUB serves as a model of how colleges and universities across the country can take existing buildings on campus and re-purpose them for the future.

"As someone who has truly come to love my adopted hometown, being able to design a building with such a strong sense of history at Seattle's intellectual center is tremendously fulfilling," said Perkins+Will Project Designer and Senior Associate Ryan Bussard. "We feel the end result is a true reflection of the inspiration we drew from the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest and the University's spirit of community and commitment to environmental stewardship."

The project, which incorporates a host of sustainable elements, is expected to achieve LEED™ Gold. The series of atriums in the center of the building not only visually and physically creates a new heart of the HUB, but also reduces energy use and cost by creating spaces that are naturally illuminated and ventilated. The upgrades to the building's exterior wall, the use of daylighting and natural and mechanical systems will provide an energy saving of 25 percent compared to other buildings of its kind.

A rain garden along the Stevens Way sidewalk uses native plants and storm water runoff to provide environmental and aesthetic benefits to occupants. Representing its definitive northwest character, sustainably sourced wood is used throughout the HUB, providing a striking visual element while functionally improving acoustics, ventilation and sun control.

"Perkins+Will did a masterful job of using feedback from dozens of hours of conversation with the student body, alumni, faculty and staff to open up the building and create a welcoming space that connects students to both the campus and greater community," said Lincoln Johnson, HUB Director and Associate Vice President of UW Student Life. "The end result is a new home for students that mirrors the values of the University, celebrating place; fostering innovation, engagement and collaboration; and encouraging sustainability."

About Perkins+Will
Established in 1935, Perkins+Will is an international interdisciplinary architecture and design firm founded on the belief that design has the power to transform lives and enhance society. With a staff of 1,500 in 24 locations worldwide, the firm serves clients across a broad range of project types and grounds its work in deep research. Perkins+Will ranks among the world's top design firms and is the recipient of hundreds of awards. Social responsibility is fundamental to the firm's outlook, work, and culture, and every year Perkins+Will donates one percent of its design services to non-profit organizations. With pioneering tools to advance sustainable design practices, the largest green building portfolio in North America, and a commitment to the 2030 Challenge, Perkins+Will is recognized as one of the industry's preeminent sustainable design firms. For more information, visit: www.perkinswill.com.

SOURCE Perkins+Will