 In 1978, Line and Space was founded as an architectural firm with the purpose to design ecologically sustainable buildings. The firm is small but has made notable contributions in the field of green building. They seek to integrate their projects with the surrounding environment. Line and Space has won several awards for their careful and well planned out work for their clients. There are several LEED experts on staff so that their designs can follow a setof standards for sustianble buildings nationally. Line and Space is not working on projects that are not only in the U.S., but overseas as well.
In Laveen, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix, Line and Space has made themselves known with a very exceptional honor. The American Institute of Architects, AIA, awarded the group the 2008 Green Project award, a national honor that few can achieve.
The project that earned Line and Space such an honor was the Cesar Chavez Library. The Cesar Chavez Library is integrated into a park made of mounded earth adjacent to a large constructed lake—a remnant from mid-20th century water attitudes. Unlike climates that will have rain every week, the desert has a unique climate that requires special consideration of water as well as energy conservation. The limitations imposed by the site, and these values, led to unique innovations. This project was chosen as an AIA Committee on the Environment Top Ten Green Project for 2008.The desert environment presented several challenges that created opportunities for green building strategies. Extensive overhangs protect the building from solar heat gain and glare. Window walls provide daylighting and views to the outdoors. Roof-top rainwater collection provides water for irrigation and low-flow fixtures reduce water consumption. To lessen cooling needs, the building was built into the site.
After this project was completed, it helped make the city of Phoenix make further strides to go green. The city was once known for its golf courses and other activities that are not environmentally friendly, but this building was able to change the history of the city. Line and Space uses the same careful thinking and consideration of the site for all projects they handle.
EnviroCitizen.org admires companies such as Line and Space, which go above and beyond to ensure that all aspects of building projects are green, sustainable and earth-friendly. By building sustainable architecture, they not only provide green buildings but inspire others to follow suit.
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