December 14, 2021
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Arcari + Iovino Architects was identified at the AIA NYS/ AIA PA/ AIA NJ 2021 Tri-States Conference as the only AIA New Jersey Member Firm winner of a Design Award.
The firm was recognized with an honor award in the Architecture category for the JST Production Engineering Center in Harrisburg, PA.
Photo credit is given to Ms. Kaori Ichikawa of Ryuchi Ashizawa Architects, Osaka, Japan
Architects League of Northern New Jersey Past President Anthony Iovino, AIA, PP, LEED; on left, and his partner Edward Arcari, AIA, PP, CID, partnered with Ryuchi Ashizawa Architects of Osaka, Japan.
Project Synopsis
The one-story office and production building was designed to correspond with the terrain. The building’s form, which emulates tree branches, was inspired by patterns in nature. Its main axis, a central corridor, gracefully winds its shape and adjusts the floor levels to the natural landscape. Segments of the building branch outward from this spine, sized differently according to their function, offering ample surface area for a visual connection to nature.
Project Overview
Japan Solderless Technology – Production Center
“We are particular about every detail of our production facilities to ensure they are able to house the best production systems and cutting-edge manufacturing technologies.” JST website.
The culture implied by the client’s website is evident in the unique design of the Japan Solderless Technology (JST) Harrisburg Production Center. The building’s concept, which is rooted in nature through its form, connection to the site and use of materials, came to fruition through a collaborative effort by a Japanese architect and a state-side partner firm.
The facility hugs the gently sloped terrain in the form of a tree-like configuration. The base of this formation provides the main entrance whose lobby greets visitors and staff alike with a rock garden and flowing water providing acoustic and visual benefits. Following the natural grade of the site, the building slopes upward as you progress through the production center. The main corridor serves as the trunk from which several branches emanate. These off-shoots house meeting spaces, private offices, a pantry / relaxation area, engineering, and production spaces. As one meanders through these spaces, the framed interior and exterior views define the character of each branch. The exterior spaces between the branches and main corridor create outdoor gardens visually extending the interior spaces. This reinforces the belief that a constant connection to nature creates a pleasant working environment.
A limited palette of concrete, wood, and glass creates a detailed yet uncomplicated environment that respects the natural surroundings. The entire building is framed in Douglas Fir heavy timber fabricated and installed by local craftsmen. Wood columns are exposed at window frames yet concealed at the walls and ceilings by Cypress boards.
Careful attention to building codes and construction detailing were necessary to achieve the streamlined feel of the interior spaces. All building systems were painstakingly coordinated to be inconspicuous allowing the surface materials to shine.
Project Background & Impact
The primary design goal was to reinforce the natural environment of the site. Shaping the architectural form with this awareness helped develop a solution that is both beautiful and environmentally friendly while creating a functional, pleasant working environment…all important concerns of the client.
Ideally, the building should adapt to the site conditions, as opposed to being forced into the landscape. The one-story office and production building was formed to correspond with the terrain. The aim was to minimize the interference with the site’s topography. As such, the building’s form was inspired by patterns in nature as evident in trees and fractal formations. This inspiration led the team to design the building in a form emulating tree branches.
The building’s main axis is the central corridor through which its gracefully winding shape adjusts the floor levels to the natural landscape. Segments of the building branch outward from this main spine with each in different sizes according to their function. This configuration offers ample surface area for a visual connection to nature as well as intimate, contemplative spaces while still being readily connected to the facility’s central core.
Supporting the building, the landscape is sculpted with swales and terraces which root the structure to the grounds. These sloped surfaces allow rainwater to naturally flow downward toward surrounding gardens rather than transferring it directly to the sewer. The eaves depths were chosen based on solar load analysis to ensure optimal level of sunlight inside the building. This approach to the building and its surroundings was found to be successful as a parti and as a functional solution for the client’s needs.
Since 1992, when Arcari + Iovino Architects, PC was founded, they have built a reputation on innovative solutions to design challenges. Consistently ranked among the top design firms in New Jersey, they provide a full range of professional services in architecture, planning, interior design, and green building design. The firm has a terrific balance of public and corporate clientele throughout the tri-state area. This blend of projects allows them to learn from their unique client experiences and to carry those lessons forward to future commissions. The firm is located in Little Ferry, New Jersey.
By Stacey Ruhle Kliesch, AIA, AIA NJ Advocacy Consultant | Posted in AIA-NJ News, Architects League of Northern New Jersey | | Comments (0)
Architects are creative professionals, educated, trained, and experienced in the art and science of building design, and licensed to practice architecture. Their designs respond to client needs, wants and vision, protect public safety, provide economic value, are innovative, inspire and contribute positively to the community and the environment.
414 Riverview Plaza, Trenton, NJ 08611
(609) 393-5690
info@aia-nj.org
