Before "putting pen to paper," the architects led the Municipal Association board and staff through numerous programming sessions to identify the Association's goals for the new building. These goals served and continue to serve as a point of reference for all building-related decisions. The building meets all the goals set out at the beginning of the design process. Develop a project that demonstrates the model for future downtown development and revitalization. Provide a shaded streetscape featuring color, texture and scale that is sensitive to the pedestrian Show sensitivity to the surrounding context in terms of character, views and setbacks Design the parking structure to blend with the building in terms of character, materials, etc. Demonstrate good stewardship of Municipal Association funds. Provide a "service emphasis" with the design. The image should be one of meeting the needs of all Municipal Association members Avoid features that appear elaborate and unnecessary Use durable materials to reduce long-term maintenance costs Design to "last the lifetime" of the Association, accommodating future space needs so as to allow the Association the ability to add/enhance essential membership services over the years Design to generate revenue from tenants reducing the costs to the Association of its space Develop and contribute to Columbia's urban fabric and sense of place. Provide continuity with developments along Gervais Street to the west as well as Main Street in Columbia Continue the Gervais Street "edge" with similar setback and massing on the street Seek a character that is unique to the Municipal Association, but is inspired by the existing buildings in Columbia's Vista region. The design should strive to be timeless. Blend contemporary and traditional elements in the design to link the building with the past yet demonstrating a commitment to the future. The building's character should be tasteful, not flashy, and avoid trendiness Provide workspace for individuals tailored to their individual needs, yet within a standardized framework to promote flexibility/adaptability. Design each work space with an emphasis on proper ergonomic principles Integrate furniture design with the architecture for a cohesive working environment Institute standards for office sizes for added flexibility/adaptability Cluster workspaces to mirror relationship and communication needs, while avoiding departmentalization. Cluster personnel to be close to those who work together most frequently, yet allow the flexibility to accommodate future change. Provide proper balance between privacy and accessibility Create efficient, easy-to-access storage facilities that support the working relationships of the Municipal Association Provide administrative assistants with space that provides easy access to those they work with most closely, encourages efficient work flow, and is sensitive to noise control Provide abundant conference rooms located in proximity to personnel who would use them most. Provide shared file storage close to work groups needing access to the files. Provide decentralized equipment areas for each access to work groups and efficient workflow. Provide environmentally sensitive interior workspaces. Maximize views from the interior by providing plenty of windows Design each workspace with an emphasis on proper ergonomic principles. Design individual workspaces with adequate acoustic separation Provide acoustical isolation from other spaces in all meeting areas Provide common space for staff interaction Maximize day lighting while minimizing glare and solar heat gain. Provide a secure environment for staff and visitors. Provide clear, convenient access to the facility, both from Gervais Street and from the parking structure Emphasize safety and security, especially regarding access from the garage to the building Provide easy access for staff to the exterior through the use of a well-design courtyard, providing a place for seating with shade; however, limit access from off site routes Provide a lobby that differentiates building space from MASC Provide abundant lighting in the parking structure and outside the building to aid with security Provide covered walkway from parking structure to building Demonstrate commitment to state-of-the-art technology. Provide a training room that is multi-purpose in nature, allowing a variety of activities Provide state-of-the-art audio/visual capabilities in the training and board rooms Provide full networking capabilities with integrated systems.   mail@1411Gervais.com Copyright ©1998-2000 Gervais Street Associates.