KSS Architects Capabilities

KSS ARCHITECTSCAPABILITIES OCTOBER 2016



CONTENTS 1 IDEAS AND WORK142 WHO WE ARE

IDEAS AND WORK

THE IDEAS THAT INSPIRE DESIGN ARETHE SAME IDEAS THAT DESIGN IMPACTS.

THE BEST WAY TO NURTURE STUDENT SUCCESS IS TO BUILD APURPOSE-DRIVEN COMMUNITY DESIGNING FOR ADEQUATE CHOICE STUDENT SUCCESS & INDEPENDENCE KEY CONSIDERATIONS HEALTH & WELLNESSSAFETY & SECURITY ENHANCING DIGNITY DURABILITYFAMILIARITY & CLARITY AFFORDABILITY SENSORY SENSITIVITY ACCESSIBILITY OPPORTUNITIES FOR & COMMUNITY MANAGING SOCIAL INTERACTION & PRIVACY |2

ENGAGEMENT STEWARDSHIP INNOVATION TRANSFORMATION WELLNESS URBANIZATION COMPLEXITYAt KSS Architects, we believe that the best Learners become leaders who areway to nurture student success is to build constantly reimagining society asa purpose-driven community. Communities inclusive, cohesive networks of people,are the connective tissue that enrich our together navigating the wind, thecollective lives, fuel the soul, and propel us calm, and everything in between.forward.In turn, learners become leaders who areconstantly reimagining society as inclusive,cohesive networks of people, togethernavigating the wind, the calm, andeverything in between. We design spacesthat enact our clients’ purpose—embracingsynergy, innovation, and opportunity tobuild community. 3|

ENGAGEMENT

ENGAGEMENT ISTHE ESSENTIAL STORYOF POSITIVE CHANGE— PEOPLE INTERACT,PEOPLE TAKE ACTION, PEOPLE ENRICH THE WORLD.

ROWAN UNIVERSITYROHRER COLLEGE OF BUSINESSRowan University has evolved from its 1923 the art entrepreneurial makerspace transitioninginception as a normal school to a comprehensive student business initiatives to market, and thepublic research university whose strong reputation Center for Business Professionalism: a situationalwields extraordinary impact upon the economic space preparing students for the world of businessdevelopment of the region. The Rohrer College of presentations, interviews, and the interpersonalBusiness, in the context of a new building, seeks relationships of the work place.to develop the entrepreneurs, business leaders,and innovators of the future by becoming South Learning environments are scaled for experientialJersey’s center for innovative thinking, strategic learning, offering numerous breakout spaces withproblem solving, and business acumen. flexible, collaborative arrangements. Targeted to achieve LEED Silver, sustainability considerationsAcademic programs and business development emphasize energy conservation, locally sourcedare supported by key program elements—The materials, and hydrology and ecology measures inRowan Business Center: a venue for business relation to the campus’ wetland assets. The formalinnovation, joining the opportunities of the region masonry building features an elliptical glass towerwith the expertise and resources of the College showcasing the manufacturing history of the regionof Business. The Hub: a public café and lounge as depicted by glass artisans—at once a reflection ofprompting interaction among students, faculty, the past and the promise of the future.and businesses leaders. The Hatchery: a state of Location: Glassboro, New Jersey Size: 99,000 sf new construction Features: Business center, Café, Lounge, Makerspace Program Expert: Goody Clancy|6



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LAFAYETTE COLLEGE DOWNTOWN ARTS CAMPUS Seeking to bring together its Film and Media Studies Situated along Easton’s main thoroughfare, the and Theater programs while creating a welcoming new Theater Building is lifted off the floodplain gateway to Lafayette College’s campus, the City creating a suitably dramatic statement for of Easton, and Williams Arts Campus, the College Lafayette at the gateway of campus. Designed teamed up with KSS to complete two projects that with sustainability and responsible stormwater transformed the front door of its campus into a management in mind, it incorporates solar panels vibrant arts community. Together, the renovation and a green roof. Visitors pass through Lafayette’s of the Film and Media Studies Mohican Building and “arts walk” and existing sculpture plaza to enter new Theater Building provide opportunity for new the Theater Building through a stunning glass cross-department collaboration, create a welcoming vestibule. Moving up to a central lobby, students center for community engagement–enhancing town and the public find ample room for college and and gown relationships, and preserve and protect city events. The purposeful adaptive resuse of the sensitive natural environment surrounding the the Mohican Building, a previous car showroom, Bushkill Creek. provides much-needed room for faculty offices, beautiful spaces for instruction, practice, and digital resources, and strengthens the building’s flood protection. Location: Easton, Pennsylvania Program: Collaborative arts campus and integrated learning environment Size: 12,000 sf (existing), 22,000 sf (new) Features: Black box theater, Screening room, Supporting spaces, Media-rich classrooms, Faculty offices, Student lounge| 10



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VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC LEARNING COMMONS Dedicated to providing an excellent learning Located at a crossroads of city and campus environment for its 22,000 undergraduate students, activity, the building creates connections the Academic Learning Commons provides a state-of- between interior and exterior spaces. A large the-art building for learning and teaching excellence courtyard allows indoor interactions to spill in the heart of the academic campus. The building outside on warm days. Vegetated green roofs will provide a stimulating educational atmosphere, provide garden views from the interior and help facilitate interaction between students and faculty, regulate indoor temperature and manage storm and support the context of historic Richmond. water. The building facade incorporates red brick masonry, cast stone, and metal detailing to tie The building design combines formal and informal in to the city’s historic, vernacular architecture. collaborative spaces with large classrooms. To The design integrates different levels of building provide an opportunity for physical and intellectual scale to transition elegantly from the small-scale collaboration, the rooms are proportioned to give residential neighborhoods of Richmond to the instructors room to move around and interact with larger scale of VCU campus buildings. students, and for students to interact with each other. Location: Richmond, Virginia Size: 102,000 sf Features: Center for Teaching Excellence, State-of-the-art classrooms, Lecture halls, Informal gathering spaces, Administrative and faculty offices, Outdoor courtyard Recognition: LEED Gold certification Architect-of-Record: BCWH Architects| 14

“It’s an amazing facility. We feel it elevates the quality of the environmentto the quality of the education we provide.” JAMES E. HINTERLONG, DEAN OF THE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK, VCU

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KEAN UNIVERSITY KARL & HELEN BURGER GALLERY With a goal of providing opportunities for students the space together with cohesion and warmth. and faculty to appreciate and understand the The Burger Gallery’s multicultural initiative diversity of the world through art, the Karl & curates artistic works that fill the space with Helen Burger Gallery at Kean University’s Center culture—from Yoruban artifacts to abstract Latino for Academic Success needed a space that would paintings, from photography retrospectives to deliver. A transformative space for art that perspectives on global ice melt. The Burger Gallery connects cultures and peoples, KSS’s design is a microcosm of human discovery and expression, materializes transparency with clerestory windows sharing with Kean University students and faculty that bring in natural daylight. Selected floor-to- fresh perspectives and reshaping Kean students’ ceiling windows wash the space with indirect light connection with each other, and connection with perfect for viewing art, and the glossed floor pulls the world. Location: Union, New Jersey Size: 2,000 sf new construction Features: Gallery space Recognition: LEED Certification, U.S. Green Building Council, Honor Award, AIA New Jersey (Center for Academic Success)| 18



BIOVID BIOVID OFFICES BioVid is the endurance racer of the pharmaceutical Engagement. The break room is the center of the marking industry—a consulting company that action, with a handmade 1940s shuffleboard table broke through the wall of the 2008 recession by (used daily for lunchtime tournaments) and team- re-investing itself to serve its customers. Their building spaces for activities like cooking classes. existing offices were isolated and empty. Looking to relocate, the team found what they needed—a Wellness. The Quiet Car is an alternative, \"heads- historic, abandoned warehouse in the Canal Works down\" workspace that eases the transition to the district of Bristol, PA, with great potential. KSS’s open plan. The Quiet Car is a no-phone zone, and is design capitalizes on the depth of heritage of the also home to the company-wide yoga program. space, articulating street art as contemporary focal points. To give voice to BioVid’s cutting-edge Transformation. A reclaimed set of bleachers serves approach to adding value for their clients, KSS as a gathering space for town halls and trainings, applied a series of design ideas to the renovation: emphasizing BioVid’s commitment to employee development. Innovation. Open plan seating punctuated with private meeting rooms maximizes opportunities Overall, the new BioVid space is an expression for spontaneous collaboration while providing of the company’s capacity to be both analytical areas for more quiet, formal conversation. and creative—an exceptionally crafted space that empowers employees to perform. Location: Bristol, PA Program: Corporate office Size: 9,000 sf Features: Offices, Meeting/conference rooms, Break room/Event space, Employee training area| 20

\"The space makes a huge difference. The new office fosters innovation and unleashes the creativity of our staff.\" Andrew Aprill President and Owner, BioVid





KEAN UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS A closet filled with navy blazers is an unlikely and moves down clear glass finishes on counseling icon for an architectural project, but it captures and tutoring spaces to reinforce the message of the unique nature of Kean’s Center for Academic embracing, not hiding, students who need assistance. Success. The blazers are a trademark of the Lightness and transparency in community spaces team of student counselors dedicated to helping are achieved through the extensive use of windows, their peers thrive academically and socially. In punctuated design elements like railings, and designing the new center, KSS made it a priority translucent skylights in the Great Hall. to uphold Kean’s commitment to the success of their students, many of whom are the first in their The Center is the university’s first LEED Certified family to attend college. building. Sustainable features include interior lights triggered by occupancy sensors, and solar energy The design breaks down the building’s large scale captured by roof-mounted photovoltaic cells, which into a collection of inviting spaces for students. It help power Kean’s campus radio station housed on lifts up solid, brick-clad office and classroom spaces the center’s top floor. Location: Union, New Jersey Size: 129,000 sf new construction Features: 125-seat lecture hall, Gallery space, Administration offices, Classrooms Recognition: LEED Certification, U.S. Green Building Council, Honor Award, AIA New Jersey| 24



INNOVATION

INNOVATION IS THE MODERN RESPONSE TO THE ENTREPRENEURIALSPIRIT—EXPLORATION THAT RECOGNIZES NEEDS & CONSTRUCTIVELY FULFILLS THEM.

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA PENNOVATION CENTER Pennovation Works—the 23 acre former DuPont and a “bleacher” to facilitate the many pitches that industrial site along the Schuylkill River, in the start-up companies typically present. This central up-and-coming neighborhood of Grays Ferry, is the space, above all else, is an area of intersections— next generation of Philadelphia and global innovation. where disciplines, theories, and brilliant ideas overlap Pennovation Center, a brick and mortar factory and collide in a spectacular array of what-if, outside- relic, is the site’s anchor building and will become an the-box, next-big-thing thinking, doing, and “we’re iconic landmark for Penn. The Pennovation Center’s going to need more space” happening. program will enable entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry partners to translate inventiveness into KSS, as the executive architect, has facilitated viable ventures in a dynamic environment. a thoughtful process through creativity, careful management, and thorough oversight in all aspects Co-working space has been amalgamated and of the team’s work. The Pennovation Center is centralized to connect offices, labs, and shared the cutting edge home for the next generation of resources—allowing engineers to break out from their entrepreneurship in the region and its design is both laboratory space and work cross-curricular with other an inspiration and a testament to the University’s lessees. In addition to co-working desk space, the mission of fostering innovation by creating vital, common area includes meeting rooms, social space, vibrant, and prolific intersections. Location: Philadelphia, PA Size: 58,000 sf addition and renovation Completion Date: Est. Summer 2016 Features: Business Incubator, Offices, Wet and dry labs, Co-working desk spaces, Studio spaces, Meeting rooms, Central presentation “bleacher,” Social spaces Design Architect: HWKN| 28



VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR ENGINEERING EDUCATION AND RESEARCH LAB In 2009, KSS Architects completed a master engineering concepts for real world problems. The plan for the renovation and expansion of resulting design facilitates this concept using a Villanova University’s 88,400-square-foot flexible systems furniture approach configured to College of Engineering Education and Research allow the instructor to provide real-time support (CEER) Building located on at the university’s to multiple student groups simultaneously. To main campus. One of the important strategic further facilitate flexible group work, the space also initiatives of the master plan was to improve the integrates a soft seating area for group discussion. overall learning environment at CEER through the introduction of active learning spaces. The The space has been wildly successful at improving renovation of CEER 105 into a projects lab was the student understanding and supporting College of first project to come out of this initiative. Engineering fundraising. Students actively apply their knowledge of engineering concepts to real The College of Engineering’s plan for the space engineering problems furnished by outside private was to create a space where students could industries that provide an honorarium to support work in project groups of four to six students activities at the lab. around a single large computer screen to develop Location: Villanova, Pennsylvania Size: 1,750 sf Features: Central instructor area with mobile instructor station, Laptop interconnectivity portal for student collaboration| 30



RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING BUILDING After Rutgers University, led by renowned building informed its sweeping glass façade design researcher Martin Yarmush, M.D., Ph.D., decided through which the entire campus can experience to become a leading institution in biomedical the activity and life powering the research facility. engineering, they needed a state-of-the-art More importantly, KSS wanted to create a space facility. Dr. Yarmush remembered years back that lightens the intense atmosphere that often when he was designing his first lab in a modest accompanies research. Instead of segregating lab basement space and KSS Architects was a small benches into individual rooms, typical at many firm just starting to get on its feet. institutions, KSS designed open lab spaces in which researchers can maintain individual work areas yet The proposed site was completely open, a noticeable interact readily with colleagues. void in the intersection between dormitories and science buildings. KSS knew the building As a lighthearted touch, the design replaces the would become a prominent landmark greeting conventional circles of the ceramic frit on glazing visitors to the campus. The enormous visibility with abstracted neurons, a reminder of the and potential impact of work occurring inside the facility’s specialized purpose. Location: Piscataway, New Jersey Size: 80,000 sf Features: Conference facilities, Classrooms, Laboratories, Faculty office, 200-seat auditorium, 80-seat classroom Recognition: Design Honor Award, AIA New Jersey| 32



THOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION SERVICES & TECHNOLOGY Thomas Jefferson University is blazing its path to KSS, melding input from the Jefferson IS&T team the future by creating a dedicated and customized and Epic Consultancy, came decision-ready to each space for its new Electronic Health Records Team— meeting, identifying efficiencies and streamlining yet to be hired, but already setting the tone for processes. The resulting designs and specifications the University’s technological advancement via are astute yet agile—a combination of multi- innovation and functionality, collaboration and disciplinary, open team areas and quiet, more creativity. The 10,000 sf space in Philadelphia is personal spaces. A fluid, open floor plan that also designed to accommodate multiple user groups and affords privacy. Specific program elements include a accomplish many operational goals at once. Above all variety of conference and training rooms as well as else, it must attract and retain the right personnel to huddle pods, hotel stations, a genius bar and café. staff the department—becoming a workplace of both Broad brush strokes paint a flexible, expressive work comfort and inspiration. Driving the project ahead? space, awash in natural light, generating a tangible The ambitious seven-month time frame. sense of modern thought and deed to complement the department’s historic surroundings. Location: Philadelphia, PA Size: 10,000 sf consolidation and expansion Features: Administrative offices, Open work stations, Executive office suites, Collaborative spaces| 34



DREW UNIVERSITY HALL OF SCIENCES Drew University has embarked on a new vision are organized along a transparent façade, for the sciences that establishes interdisciplinary bringing science activity to the rest of campus, programs and initiatives, collaboration among collaboration space, labs and offices are open disciplines and with the community, and is and engaging to the interior to connect with immersed in mentored research. The project team community in research and learning. worked closely to define a state-of-the-art facility while correcting past ills, reaches into the future The university’s pedagogy promotes a high and ultimately recommending an addition to quality education by emphasizing excellence in connect the Hall of Sciences with the neighboring teaching, research methodology, experiential liberal arts building, Brothers College. learning, mentoring, independent study, and utilization of technology. The new spaces support Transparency connects evidence of learning the administration and pedagogical needs of this and collaboration at all levels—lab clusters important discipline. Location: Madison, New Jersey Size: 45,370 sf additions and renovations Construction Cost: $16 million Year Completed: Phase 1-2014 Features: Science Learning Center, Interdisciplinary teaching and research clusters (includes teaching lab, research lab, lab support, and student work space), Faculty offices| 36



TECHX TECHX FOUNDRY Innovative Incubator for the Maker Industry. TechX brings ideas and their proprietors to life. From inception through production, from mentoring to marketing, Tech X is the largest With deep experience in centers for innovation, and most advanced ecosystem available for the learning environments and design for community commercialization of tech hardware innovations. building, KSS is partnering with TechX to make Conceived as a consortium of leading edge their Big Idea a reality. In addition to design and experts and cutting edge technology, TechX programming of the prototype building, KSS is offers members work space (office and industrial), also lending expertise in brand development and academia (training, certification and coursework), identity, and the provision of marketing materials community (events and expert guidance), and the to assist in fundraising efforts with investors. FabLab: access to millions of dollars of equipment to design, prototype or make anything. Location: Northeast Region Prototype Size: 80,000 sf Features: Meeting spaces, Production spaces, Flex office spaces| 38

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95%LESS WATER USAGETHAN TRADITIONALAGRICULTURE12-16DAY GROWTH CYCLECOMPARED TO25-70 DAYS FOROUTDOOR FARMS& GREENHOUSES98%REDUCTION INTRANSPORTATIONEMISSIONS

TURNING A CITYGREEN WITH URBANAGRICULTURECASE STUDY: AEROFARMSGrowth is taking place in the Ironboundneighborhood of Newark, NJ, where AeroFarmsis building the world’s largest indoor verticalfarm. A leader in urban agriculture, thecompany utilizes state-of-the-art aeroponicstechnology to grow leafy greens, herbs, andmicrogreens. KSS is designing a three-volume,hybridized facility on the site of a former steelmill to serve as AeroFarms’ multi-use campus.Farming, processing, distribution, and corporateheadquarters will all flow from the Newark sitestrategically chosen to nurture the vulnerable,under-employed, and food-scarce neighborhood.At the project’s heart is the renovation of apre-war warehouse frame, redeployed to serveas the harvest and packaging center. Playfulsupergraphics and thoughtful massing at thestreet façade transform the character of thebuilding into a welcoming and vibrant volume 41 |



that celebrates the area’s industrial heritage accommodates people speaks to the project’swhile acting as a harbinger of future growth. A status as a game-changer for the urban biome.generous culinary kitchen serves as the hub forcelebrations and community gatherings, and a AeroFarms also defines a new moment in theplanned phase of solar panel-covered parking future of Newark, and Ironbound itself. Thewill double as a neighborhood space for farmers’ neighborhood’s fabric of urban residencesmarkets, further engaging urban agriculture punctuated by vast industrial tracts is overrun withbeyond the scope of the on-site vertical farm. fast food restaurants and expensive convenience stores, with little to no affordable healthy foodRemediating the superfund site (an EPA designation options. In short, Ironbound is a food desert. Theof nationally-prioritized polluted sites slated for new hybrid farm, distribution, and headquartersdecontamination) and optimizing the facility for will be a local source for healthy greens for therapidly evolving farming processes has required neighborhood, operating year-round, 24/7, anda meticulous and creative design approach. The delivering four times per week to local foodfarm’s precise temperature, humidity, and lighting markets and restaurants. KSS’s collaborationsetpoints comprise an energy load leading to with AeroFarms, consulting scientists, andadaptive solutions for the three-building facility. engineers is revolutionizing the boundaries ofWith an eye toward sustainability, the aeroponics farming methods, and turning over a new leafapproach will use 95% less water than traditional in the Ironbound neighborhood. With a designfarming practices, and on-location research solution that changes the game in farming, andwill continue to rethink and advance farming changes the game for Ironbound, AeroFarms willmodels. The layered complexity of an interior reconnect Newark community members withagricultural environment that comfortably agriculture, and bring farms back to the people. 43 |

JONATHAN ROSE COMPANIES P.S. 55 GREEN BRONX MACHINE Innovator, educator, and entrepreneur Stephen More than just farming equipment, the Green Ritz is growing a Green Bronx Machine in an old Bronx Machine is a sophisticated engine of learning. library at PS 55 in the Bronx. He fully expects the Students come to understand the science of underutilized library to become the National Health growing food, as well as its nutritional benefits and and Wellness Center at PS 55. Stephen’s machine methods for preparation and cooking. The Green utilizes the new concept in urban farming known as Bronx Machine offers tools for the measurement of “aeroponics”; a plant-cultivation technique whereby electricity, lighting, and water, a computer station plants are grown vertically (to maximize growing to conduct research and analyze data, and a mobile space), and their roots receive nutrients via a rich kitchen to practice food preparation techniques. mist instead of soil. This method of urban farming Fresh salads and vegetables from the Green is still heavily hands-on, and brains-on, for skillful Bronx Machine appear in PS 55’s school cafeteria, cultivation and exponential growth. student’s home kitchens, and ultimately across the neighborhood - all while generating outstanding academic performance in school. THE FARM ‘COMMUNAL’ MODEL 4 1 231. GROWING TOWERS ‘FARM’ 9 62. FLEXIBLE STATION 5 73. SEED STATION4. TEACHERS’WORKSTATION 85. LEARNING AREA6. TEACHING TOWERS Location: Bronx, New York7. RESEARCH STATION8. COOKING KITCHEN Size: 1,500 sf renovations9. COMMUNAL TABLE Features: Meeting spaces, Dining facilities, Bookstore, Retail destinations, Theater, Informal hang out spaces, Admissions, Dean of | 44 Students, Student services



WELLNESS