On Wednesday, June 5th, 2024, ISTUDIO Architects, in collaboration with the DC Department of Parks and Recreation and GCS Sigal, hosted an engaging and informative tour for the AIA National Conference at the Arboretum Community Center – DC government's first mass timber building. Principal Rick Schneider, along with Tanja Werner and Sara Al Khatib, teamed up with Peter Nohrden of DC DPR to guide 47 attendees through the center. The tour highlighted the multifaceted challenges of revitalizing historic structures to meet modern community needs while adhering to budgets and sustainability goals. They also explored the innovative integration of mass timber construction to achieve net-zero readiness and adhere to construction timelines.
According to GCS Sigal, the project came together "like tinker toys." Attendees enjoyed exploring the building and its surrounding playfields and gardens, gaining insight into how the design team creatively balanced historic preservation guidelines with contemporary architectural expansions. The tour showcased the harmonious blend of old and new, illustrating the future of public development.
ISTUDIO Architects would like to extend a big thank you to the DC Department of Parks and Recreation and AIA National for the opportunity to showcase net-zero readiness and the merits of mass timber construction during the national conference.
