K A Oldham Design, Inc

The Details

"a progressive architecture firm committed to creative solutions that enhance communities"
K A Oldham Design, Inc
April 2008
 
 
Opera House
In This Issue
Big Ideas in Small Towns
Taking Refuge in the Codes
Up and Coming
Big Ideas in Small Towns 
Plans for Small Towns 
This month K.A. Oldham Design, Inc. was invited to visit the Cusseta/Chattahoochee County Chamber of Commerce to speak about development planning for small towns and municipalities.  As a point of conversation, we presented our work for the City of Newnan which has come to be known as the Newnan Central Park Plan.  The Newnan Central Park Plan is, of course, specific to the situational context and the needs and expectation that were identified through the project process.  But the process and the philososphies by which it was conducted are a framework suitable for a point of beginning for any similar venture.  The Cusseta/Chattahoochee County area is faced with defined growth expectations from the expansion of the adjacent military base, as well as the increase in industrial economy in the area.
 
There is a perceived division between those community members that are adverse to the idea of growth of economy and population and those that see it as inevitable and positive.  This disconnect can only be resolved through education from experienced sources and communication among the community members.  I am sure that this sounds cliched but it is the reality.  There is also another thing that is reality and that is that if the community's expectations are not defined and a plan to meet them is not put into place, then no one will be happy, except perhaps the first generation developers that struggle through the system and put in place low-budget projects with little benefit to the people affected around it.  The truth is that dollars are going to be invested in the local economy and that investment can either be a part of an overall plan with multi-faceted benefits to the area or it can be a stand alone instance of effort that has limited value to anyone including the investor.
 
So what can we say, briefly, about creating a plan that can help an existing small town environment prepare for the inevitable future and reap some incredible rewards for their efforts?  In our presentation to the Cusseta/Chattahoochee County we suggest five elements to focus on:
 
(1) Redevelop First
- Evaluate previously developed sites to determine re-use potential
 
- Encourage use of existing infrastructure and services, rather than the construction of new infrastructure in undeveloped areas
 
-Identify brownfield sites and provide incentives for the redevelopment of these sites
 
-Emphasize re-use of existing buildings for compatible uses
 
(2) Restore + Enhance the Environment
- Identify and protect existing wildlife habitats, cultural/historical landscapes, and environmentally sensitive areas
 
-Support projects that involve environmental remediation of damaged sites
 
-Encourage the creation and preservation of usable open space, including recreational sites
 
-Improve areas that pose a health or public safety risk
 
-Increase the quality, quantity, and accessibility of public open space
 
(3) Concentrate Development
-Support development that is compact, conserves land, integrates uses, and fosters a sense of place
 
- Encourage walkability by providing multiple uses and activities within each district, and connecting these uses with safe, convenient, and accessible pedestrian paths
 
-Promote increased development density by including a blend of housing types within each district
 
(4) Encourage Connectivity
- Evaluate existing patterns of pedestrian and vehicular traffic and identify areas of need
 
- Reduce dependence on single occupant vehicles:  promote commute alternatives such as carpool, ridesharing, bicycling
 
-Investigate options for regional connectivity:  consider commuter rail, regional bus service, trolley system, etc. with a central multimodal transit hub
 
(5) Conserve Resources
- Support projects that use alternative technologies for wastewater treatment, storm water management, renewable energy, recycled materials, or reduced energy consumption
 
-Provide incentives for projects that use LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or other recognized green building standards for high-performance buildings
 
-Consider adoption of LEED standards for all new municipal and government facilities
 
As you can imagine, a truly effective plan is much more complex and defined.  But with these elements as a base from which to launch, there is distinct hope for immediate and future successes.  If you are curious to find out more about how a plan for your project or your community can come together, give us a call and let us come and discuss it with you.
Taking Refuge in the Codes 
Opera House Plan
K.A. Oldham Design, Inc. gets involved in a lot of renovation and historical re-use projects.  Because of the nature of these buildings, it is not uncommon for a client to ask us to create a space plan solution that fits a use into a structure that was never intended to behave in such a manner.  One of the most complex parts of a successful solution is ensuring that egress and exit requirements are met in a sensitive, appropriate and functional fashion.  The architect must understand the balance between structurally modifying the building and proposing a solution that breaks the budget.  We must get the space to conform to the client's needs so it can produce the revenue that they expect.  But, we also have to be aware that the construction, or destruction, has its financial limitations if it is to have a chance to be lucrative. 
 
Recently we have been involved in two projects that have provided challenges in this crucial area.  One is a prominent historical re-use design and the other is a major medical space build out.  In both, we have been able to explore the use of a less commonly used element of an egress system called an Area of Refuge.  I use the term "less commonly" because it is not often used for the scopes of the projects in which we are typically involved.  An area of refuge is described in Section 10xx of the 2006 IBC and defines an area of safety that building occupants can retreat to in an emergency.  It can also be used to assist an elevator in becoming an accessible means of egress.  When you are limited in space for stairs and corridors this may be a prudent alternative.  When you need to sever the length of a dead end corridor it may be effective as well.
 
So, in these cases, the "code" has actually provided some assistance to us.  It is not always the enemy.  When you need to find a creative solution to a complex re-use or build out opportunity, let KAOD use our wide and varied experience to help you get there safely.
 
Up and Coming
 
K.A. Oldham Design, Inc. would like to announce two new projects in which we are honored to be involved.  We want to thank both returning and new clients for their faith and confidence in our ability to creatively and effectively meet the needs of their businesses and organizations.  Celebrate these opportunities with us.
 
We have been selected to conduct a space analysis and preliminary plan study for the Coweta County Health Department.  KAOD was selected from a group of short listed proposers to work with the existing facility and staff to develop a plan to meet the needs determined by their projected growth and future services.
 
We would like to thank Eagle's Landing First Baptist Church and Academy for selecting K A Oldham Design to participate as the architectural and engineering service provider for the expansion and renovation of their food service facilities.  The team of KAOD, Sage Dining Services, and Best Restaurant Equipment will create a whole new service arrangement and atmosphere for the Academy that will be more upscale and contemporary which will better meet the needs and expectations of their growing congregation and student body.
 
Sincerely,
 
Kip Oldham K A Oldham Design, Inc
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K A Oldham Design, Inc
14 East Washington St.
Newnan, Georgia 30263
p 770.683.9170
f  770.683.9171