The U.S. Green Building Council awarded a LEED Gold certification for the design of the Ridgewood High School gymnasium addition in Norridge, Ill., by DLA Architects Ltd.
The certification recognizes that the gymnasium provides a healthy indoor environment for student learning while at the same time reflects energy conscious design.
Architects from DLA Architects Ltd. began the design for the gymnasium addition in 2008.
Located on a tight urban site, the addition was constructed on a remediated brownfield, reclaiming the land for a healthy and useful purpose.
Spaces within the addition are designed to meet educational needs and encourage community connectivity.
The school is in a transitional area between a residential neighborhood and a commercial area providing the opportunity for alternative transportation methods.
Its convenient location allows students to walk to school or ride bikes, with bike racks, showers, and changing rooms available. In addition, it’s along a major artery with multiple bus lines nearby.
The vegetated green roof serves as an outdoor eco-classroom. It was designed to absorb rainfall which reduces detention requirements, lessen the heat island effect, diminish deflection and vibration from the running track and reduce the infiltration of airport noise and vibration.
Indoor air quality was a primary concern for the learning environment. Supporting this is building commissioning, the design of an energy efficient building envelope and mechanical and electrical systems, the use of carbon dioxide monitors, as well as the reduction of CFC’s in the equipment.
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