Academic Complex 'steels' the show

Nearly 2500 tons of steel was used in the “Academic Complex” project at ASU’s Polytechnic campus and now the end product is being honored by the steel industry. It’s the second time in less than two months the project is receiving national recognition.

The latest the project has earned is the 2009 Innovative Design in Engineering and Architecture with Structural Steel award (IDEAS2). The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) presented the award during a public ceremony in the Santan Building courtyard at the campus, April 1. Conducted annually by AISC, the IDEAS2 awards recognize outstanding achievements in engineering and architecture on structural steel projects around the country.

The IDEAS2 awards are the highest project-based award the structural steel industry bestows. The ASU Polytechnic project was selected to receive AISC’s Merit Award in its category of projects costing $15 million to $75 million. The project is one of only two projects recognized in its category for 2009.

Each project is judged on its use of structural steel, with an emphasis on creative solutions to project requirements; design innovation; aesthetic and visual impact of the project; innovative use of architecturally exposed structural steel; technical or architectural advances in the use of steel; the use of innovative design and construction methods; and sustainable design.

The new academic buildings more than double the instructional classroom and lab space at ASU’s Polytechnic campus as well provide office space.

The project had a goal of receiving a LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, but is currently tracking toward the higher-level LEED Gold certification.

For more information about the award, visit www.aisc.org/nascc.

Chris Lambrakis, lambrakis@asu.edu
(480) 727-1173
Public Affairs at ASU Polytechnic campus