Designed in a joint venture between RTKL and KlingStubbins, the project consolidates NGA’s six existing locations into one self-contained campus.
Washington, D.C. – September 19, 2011 - As the third largest government facility in the Washington, D.C. region, the new 2.4 million SF National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA) headquarters is the largest U.S. Federal Government building to achieve LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), exceeding the initial goal of LEED Silver. The joint venture design team of RTKL and KlingStubbins applied an integrated design approach to sustainability, while achieving NGA’s objectives to enhance their organizational vision of cultural transformation by unifying the workforce in a collaborative, mission-focused facility. NGA’s unique mission focuses on intelligence derived from the exploration of imagery and geospatial information to describe, assess and visually depict physical features and geographically referenced activities on the Earth, also known as Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT).
From the beginning of the project, the client presented a clear objective: to reinforce and enhance the organization’s vision and to achieve a unifying, collaborative and mission-focused cultural transformation. Inspired by this mission and the organization’s motto, “Know the Earth, Show the Way, Understand the World” the design team developed a LEED strategy that reflected these ideas. In turn, the sustainability elements became part of the revamped cultural identity, while remaining true to the agency’s basic ethos.
This massive undertaking required the project team to develop a succinct LEED energy strategy, focusing on three main areas: transportation, water and energy. By encouraging the use of public transportation, the strategy removes nearly 3,500 cars from area roads and reduces automobile use by 33% for NGA staff. The new campus also incorporates a rainwater collection system, saving 2.5 million gallons of water per month and low-flow indoor plumbing fixtures that save more than 8 million gallons of water per year. Together, these efforts result in a 45% reduction in water use. Featuring the largest chilled beam system in the U.S., areas of ETFE roofing and efficient lighting, the facility is able to reduce energy use by 30%.
Working alongside NGA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Clark/Balfour Beatty, RTKL-KlingStubbins created an exemplary plan that led to the LEED Gold certification. The result is a facility that successfully integrates design, cultural values and mission, while providing a collaborative and contemporary environment for employees and visitors. The new NGA headquarters not only visually links the organization, but also realizes the client’s cultural and design visions, building a synergistic NGA workforce equipped for the future.
A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on Monday September 26, 2011 at Campus East, honoring the completion and dedication of the facility. The event will be attended by representatives of government agencies, RTKL and KlingStubbins.
About RTKL:
RTKL is a worldwide architecture, engineering, planning and creative services organization. Part of the ARCADIS global network since 2007, RTKL specializes in providing its multi-disciplinary services across the full development cycle to create places of distinction and designs of lasting value. RTKL works with commercial, workplace, public and healthcare clients on projects around the globe. www.rtkl.com
About KlingStubbins:
KlingStubbins provides professional services in all major disciplines within the realm of architecture, engineering, interiors, planning, and landscape architecture. The firm consists of over 400 professionals in its Philadelphia, PA; Cambridge, MA; Raleigh, NC; San Francisco, CA; Washington, DC; and Beijing, China offices. Its areas of market focus and specialization include Corporate/Commercial, Government, Science + Technology, Higher Education, Hospitality/Entertainment, Institutional/Civic, Mission Critical, and Healthcare. The company is a global leader in sustainable design and an innovator in project delivery. KlingStubbins can be found online at www.klingstubbins.com.
About ARCADIS:
ARCADIS is an international company providing consultancy, engineering and management services in infrastructure, environment and facilities, to enhance mobility, sustainability and quality of life. ARCADIS develops, designs, implements, maintains and operates projects for companies and governments. With more than 15,000 employees and € 2.0 billion in revenues, the company has an extensive international network that is supported by strong local market positions. More information can be found at www.ARCADIS.com