Context + History: Located in the picturesque back country of San Diego Co. the very small historic St. Bartholomew’s Chapel was destroyed by a wildfire that ravaged the Rincon Indian reservation in late 2007. Only the original adobe bell tower and original Mission bell survived, which would become the anchor element in the redesign planning. The needs of the current community changed significantly over the past 100 years. The fire presented a “blank slate” opportunity to expand and update the facility primarily by doubling the seating capacity and adding a standalone multipurpose social hall which created and framed a third space; an outdoor prayer garden. It is a beautiful project that is even better experienced in person, the drive alone through the backcountry makes the visit worth it. Design Objectives: The new design by Kevin deFreitas Architects, was conceived to reverently knit together “past” and comfortable traditions, while acknowledging and offering something relevant to current and future generations. Thus, emulating or recreating the past literally was not a project goal. Native American as well as Catholic/Christian symbols and metaphors were referenced in every design element; plan, section, and elevation as a way to infuse meaning into the chapel on several layers. Sustainability + LEED: In an effort to reconnect with traditional Indian culture of living “lighter” on the land, the client specifically requested that the redesigned project incorporate a thoughtful complement of green materials, efficient technologies, and sustainable strategies. Low tech high mass walls, oversized roof overhangs, skylights, protected operable and clerestory windows were combined with high tech products such as a thin film solar PV system, a tankless water heater, a computerized lighting control system, and high performance glazing and insulation. The result, a building that consumes approximately 26% less power, and 35% less water than comparable structures. The chapel is currently pursuing LEED certification at the Gold level. Natural Materials: The Chapel utilizes a significant amount of site harvested building materials; the signature element being the massive rammed earth walls that flank the sanctuary, each nearly 60 feet long, 18 feet tall, and 2 feet thick-a first in San Diego County. Symbolically important, these beautifully textured and organic walls are literally molded from 120 tons of sacred reservation soil. Other eart

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Completed in January 2010, the newly remodeled Mormon Battalion Historic Site is a drastic improvement from the original visitors center. Overlooking Old Town San Diego, visitors are welcomed by the entry plaza with a water feature, battalion statue, period cannon and a wagon (which you can climb into!) This begins your INTERACTIVE experience through the museum. Passing rocking chairs while entering the foyer, pictures of battalion members come to life and start talking to you! Taking you back in time, you enter a series of rooms, each detailed with period artifacts. From a tent camp to an old fort, the attention to detail is on the same level of work from Disney Imagineers. Concluding, you can pan for gold, make bricks, and eventually climb the tower to view a scenic lookout of Old Town. Not only is it fun, but an informative journey to learn about the men, women, and children who walked the longest military march in history! It is more than a museum but a memorable experience for the whole family. Not to mention, a great addition to the Old Town State Historic Park.

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Inland North San Diego County, of which Escondido is at the core, is emerging as a regional economic leader in the forefront of job development and new industries. As the City has grown, replacement of the aging Main Fire Station No 1 became a priority. The passage of a local bond measure in 2004 allowed for the replacement of the existing station which was originally completed in 1966. The project included the construction of a new 28,340 square foot six bay fire station, 2,500 SF hose tower and 5,000 SF Reserve Building. The station itself is designed to accommodate 19 firefighters per shift. Among the features are 19 individual bunk rooms, kitchen, dining area, dayroom, fitness room and administrative offices. Also included is a training room for the department as well as a community room for community activities. Operational spaces include turnout lockers, decon and laundry facilities, hose storage, and a workshop. One of the main features of the station is the History Room at the entrance to the station which was designed to house the original 1926 engine that the city has restored. In addition the area is designed with a wall mural depicting historical events in the Department’s past and other memorabilia from the department=s long history. Also included in the project is a 2.5 acre training grounds incorporating a 6 story training tower with 2 burn rooms, a confined space prop, a trench rescue prop and a roof prop. It will enable the department to run both wet and dry training exercises, utilizing stairs, balconies, ladder access and roof access, as well as live fire training in the burn room. The training grounds are designed to allow for hose and nozzle testing, as well as providing an area for practicing vehicle extraction techniques. One of the features that was incorporated into the training ground area is a 40,000 gallon water vault and pump system to capture and recirculate all of the water used on the training grounds. Exterior site elements include an emergency generator, fueling facilities, and a hose-drying area. The fire station’s stone and stucco exterior, and metal roof relate to the surrounding neighborhood. The use of creative lighting and landscaping enhance the interior and exterior design features of the station. With well executed design and proper planning of required functions, Fire Station 1 provides the City of Escondido Fire Department the necessary tools to fulfill the needs of a growing city.

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After three years of construction, the dust has settled at Urban Corps of San Diego County’s three building campus in mid-city which includes two soon-to-be-LEED® Certified buildings. The result is a state-of-the-art campus loaded with green features which serves as a model of sustainable building, working & living practices. Urban Corps provides job training & education to youth in the fields of conservation, recycling, & community service, so what better place to do that than in these sustainably designed buildings! Building materials were chosen for their recycled & renewable content as well as those with low amounts of hazardous chemicals, which help reduce air pollution and create a safe, enjoyable environment. Most furniture was donated, saving money & raw materials. In the classrooms, one server powers all work stations, eliminating the need for personal computers, saving energy & reducing heat output. Solar tubes capture natural light from the roof & channel it to offices so lights are rarely needed. When lights are on, motion sensors detect inactivity & turn off. Windows open, providing fresh air, minimizing the use of AC, saving money and energy, and providing a wonderful location in which to work & learn.Other green elements include aerated faucets & low-flow toilets that help save water & energy; native and near native plants help reduce water; and special drains filter storm water for debris, removing contaminants before runoff enters watersheds. The Community Training Room features a 23-kilowatt SDG&E-owned solar system which provides clean renewable energy to the neighborhood. The adjacent green vehicle wash includes water reclamation technology to filter soap & debris for water reuse & prevent dirty runoff. The newly constructed Recycling ECO Center is dedicated to conservation education & includes a rooftop garden, conveyer belt & compactor machine to train youth on sustainable living & the recycling process. The garden features drought tolerant plants & an “edible wall.” A rainwater capture system, composting & vermi-posting support the garden. The garden provides a hands-on learning space while creating a sustainable green landscape.The completion of the green campus is quite a feat given the vast blend of public & private funders that joined forces to accomplish the shared vision. As the Corpsmembers work to change their lives, this progressive environm

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This March 2010, SEDC commissioned collaborating Artists Todd Stands, Miguel Godoy and Maxx Moses aka Pose 2, to embark upon a 400 long 1600 square foot mural titled Liquid Harmony located at the 62nd Street/Encanto trolley station.

From the artist's website:

As we developed our concepts for the wall it became evident that our goals were geared toward illustrating the power and vitality of Chollas Creek and it’s endangered habitat and wildlife.
Chollas creek is a powerful water source that runs throughout the southeastern region of San Diego and on a local scale symbolizes the importance of water. By raising awareness of the creek and its benefits to the community through our art we hope to foster the care of this rich natural urban resource by the residents.

The collaborative process of artists is a powerful tool used to forge individualistic ideas into a unified vision. Each artist involved in this venture offered a unique skill that lent itself to the specific task of making this project a huge success.

Throughout the last 2 years Miguel Godoy, has made a strong impact upon Imperial Avenue with his unique style and imagery illustrated upon numerous painted utility boxes. His participation in this project extended the visual conversation already taking place within this community. Todd Stands, is a working artist in the Cholla’s Creek neighborhood. His 25 years of mural painting and public art experiences are often based on youth workshops and collaborations. As a professor at Southwestern College, he has the opportunity to work with a myriad of emerging artists thus enhancing his ability to unify ideas and visions of groups of people cohesively. These skills will galvanize our collection of youngsters and artists for this endeavor. His passion for the natural world and years of environmental work is a perfect marriage for the overall theme of this project. Pose 2 aka Maxx Moses, is an internationally renowned Graffiti Artist and Concrete Alchemist. His years of experience as a painter, Art Educator, and community activist are the components that attracted SEDC to seek out his services and head up this project.

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The newly renovated Bali Hai Restaurant, Shelter Island’s Tiki-themed institution is an example of controlled design expertise. The subtly handled remake of the iconic building that has resonated with generations for decades was mastermind by Graham Downes Architecture. "The community has great affection for this harbor landmark," says Downes. "The Bali Hai is like a house you’ve lived in your whole life. Patrons want that hominess and comfortable familiarity. We strived to maintain that pride and history while contemporizing and freshening the environment and improving the functionality." Inside, Graham Downes Architecture restored the original internal timber structure, comprising 15 different species of wood, by sandblasting away years of paint layers. A palette of warm, friendly colors and light sage green, infuse throughout the interior and complement the energizing aqua blue colors of the bay. In keeping with the Polynesian concept, natural materials such as grassy and bamboo wall-coverings/flooring are in place. Bali Hai’s extensive collection of Polynesian artifacts—including tiki figures, statues, antique tapa cloths, wood weapons, ocean charts, maps, and native pictures - have been refurbished to adorn the entire restaurant. Most notable are patterned tapas cloths pressed between glass panels to create room dividers. Other interior additions include a private dining room upstairs, a resort-style lounge featuring a backlit honey onyx bar, and classic-style Hawaiian light fixtures over the bar and staircase. Project team included Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing engineers KHL, Food Service Consultants Orness Design Group, Landscape Architects Garbini & Garbini and General Contractors Hawkins Construction Inc.

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The newly renovated Bali Hai Restaurant, Shelter Island’s tiki-themed institution is an example of controlled design expertise. The subtly handled remake of the iconic building that has resonated with generations for decades was mastermind by Graham Downes Architecture. "The community has great affection for this harbor landmark," says Downes. "The Bali Hai is like a house you’ve lived in your whole life. Patrons want that homeliness and comfortable familiarity. We strived to maintain that pride and history while contemporizing and freshening the environment and improving the functionality." For the circular, two-story structure, Downes' goal was to make Bali Hai's signature building feel sleek with modern lines and a consistent use of materials and finishes, such as integral-color cement fiber board siding and a new standing-seam green metal roof to match the Hawaiian Village outdoor pavilion that Downes completed last year. The architect and his team also restored two famous original tikis: the "Goof on the Roof" with its vibrant King Kamehameha colors, and "Mr. Bali Hai," welcoming guests at the front entrance. Out front, Downes created a dramatic "arrival experience," heralded by a redwood art screen façade by artist Miki Iwasaki, inspired by ancient stick charts of the Pacific Islands and tidal movements. The piece displays 85 synchronized white LED lights, preprogrammed to create a series of patterns such as night stars and ripples across the surface of the water. New signage, cantilevered wood-louver awnings, and decorative tiki torches define the entry. Other exterior elements include a ground floor patio shaded by a pergola structure and an outdoor redwood deck just off the upper dining room. Project team included Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing engineers KHL, Food Service Consultants Orness Design Group, Landscape Architects Garbini & Garbini and General Contractors Hawkins Construction Inc.

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Community offers live & work environments that allow the positive resident experience to begin at the front door to the property, not the front door the to their apartment or office. Each property encourages a sense of community and family. Community properties engage tenants by throwing events such as pool parties, tenant outings and art shows. These events promote conversations and interactions that might not otherwise occur. All Community properties embrace the concept of shared property and expanding boundaries.Community properties utilize the concept of adaptive reuse. At each property, new life is breathed into existing structures by utilizing progressive urban planning methods. Community offers streaming music in common areas, public art displays, complimentary wifi and the use of common areas. Environmental awareness is an integral part of each property. Upon move in, all tenants are given reusable grocery bags and the use of Community bicycles. Because each property is located within 3 miles of public transit and the properties offer bicycles, tenants are encouraged to leave the car, and use public transit or a bicycle. Giving back to the community is also important, so the Community Gives program partners with non-profit orgs such as Aware Recycling and ProjectMIM, along with the tenants of the Community properties in order to contribute to the community. The residential extension of Community is implemented at The Scripps Building and The Martin Bldg.+Flats. The residential properties offer the above-mentioned amenities as well as Community vegetable gardens. The Community vegetable gardens are maintained strictly by the tenants and encourage interaction. The introduction of art studios and gallery space into The Scripps Building is also in the works. The business platform of Community is currently applied at The Onyx Business Center. There Community offers the above-mentioned amenities as well as the use of common spaces, kitchenettes, and the conference room and business services. This platform allows small companies to act and feel as if they’re a larger company. Community will continue to expand into residential, business and retail environments using the same passion for a strong sense of cooperative spirit. As more restaurants, galleries and wine bars open and as more metro neighborhoods celebrate their urban cultures with nightly happenings, a community of like-minded urbanites will grow at Community properties

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homeland security was a walking tour of very local food production in an 8 square block area of North Park. It was part of the weekend-long "There Goes the Neighborhood" art project. homeland security mapped intentional and inadvertent local food production – local deviations from our industrialized food system and challenges to the aesthetic status quo of most neighborhood landscapes. Changing our homeland-scapes from monocultures of lawns into polycultures of food requires a re-imagined aesthetics that allows for improvisational strategies, opportunistic acts, and a little chaos in the garden. There are political as well as social and environmental implications to the simple planting of a tomato or peach tree, since if the average carrot travels 1500 miles from farm to table (and it does), and the average San Diego-grown orange is eaten in China (and it is), and the average turf front lawn uses up to 4 times more water than an equivalent square feet of vegetables (and it does), then there are repercussions for our community food security if there are disruptions in transportation or communications networks, and the oil that fuels our economy is harder to get and more expensive, and the water that nourishes our bodies and landscapes is rationed.

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The Sustainable Sites Initiative is the first rating system (similar to LEED) for green landscape design, construction and maintenance. It is an interdisciplinary partnership led by the American Society of Landscape Architects, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at The University of Texas at Austin and the United States Botanic Garden to transform land development and management practices with the nation's first voluntary rating system for sustainable landscapes, with or without buildings. This year the Sustainable Sites Initiative announced the selection of 150 projects from 34 states as well as from Canada, Iceland and Spain to participate in an international pilot project program to evaluate the new SITES rating system for sustainable landscapes. Three projects in San Diego County were selected to participate: two designed by the Schmidt Design Group, Inc. of San Diego (Cottonwood Creek Park and Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens) and one by Helix Environmental Planning of La Mesa (Helix Environmental Planning Headquarters). Cottonwood Creek Park (former Orchid recipient) was selected based sustainable practices such as: the daylighting of two creeks to create a native riparian habitat corridor, stormwater management and bioswales that improve the water quality of the urban runoff that flows through the park. Other sustainable elements include native plant material throughout, sustainably harvested IPE wood decks and fencing, pervious concrete that provides infiltration in the parking lot and pathways; and interpretive educational nodes along the restored creek. Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens (former Orchid recipient) was selected based on sustainable practices including: combining entertaining and recreation within a stormwater basin, water quality improvements, use of local and reused materials, as well as Mediterranean, native and edible landscaping to create a unique and regionally appropriate garden. The garden is also 100% organically maintained. Helix Environmental Planning Headquarters was selected based on sustainable practices including: removing high water use lawn areas, installing a native plant garden, as well as managing and re-using rainwater on site.

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