The real problem is that uninformed, non-users have a simplistic misperception that the library is a building filled with shelves of just books, not an important source of all types of “free” electronic media including CDs, DVDs and audio books and perhaps the only local resource for verifiable electronic reference materials. For example, who is better suited to research a topic online, me with my computer at home/work, trying to filter through several hundred thousand hits on Google, which may or may not be accurate or a professional librarian, with access to subscription only databases, who is trained to weed out the superfluous and focus the search to the most pertinent and useful information? Most importantly, the librarian is then able to cross reference with “in house” hard copy media for additional resource.

Make no mistake; the public library is so much more than just materials. For young and old and everyone in between, it is a hub for interacting and connecting to other information, people and cultural events, a thought provoking environment to question, to share ideas and information. It is a place to attend program related performances and lectures, for small business meetings, group study, tutoring and book groups. All these different uses and functions warrant appropriate space. Even as technology rapidly changes the way information is delivered, the need for physical space will still be critical. The key to the future will be flexible open space, giving the library the means to adapt.

Throughout history, the “library” has stood as the intellectual and cultural center of great civilizations. The concept of the Public Library, free and open access to all, is one of the cornerstones of our great country and is supported by the Bill of Rights. I feel strongly, that the way people view their library, is the true barometer of that community’s core values. The role of the modern public library is to offer its patrons an experience as well as a service. Along with an excellent school system, it represents the community’s broad commitment to the pursuit of knowledge, a fundamental element to the furthering of human intellectual growth. One of our key supporters said it best, “Libraries are not just symbolic. These are important institutions for the preservation, proliferation and application of knowledge. It is good to have a physical place to go. It gives you the world.”

 (For more information on the impact of libraries, go to: http://www.docstoc.com/docs/18009029/LibrariesHow-they-stack-up )

If you tell me you want a “green home” I can hand you some color swatches — sage has been very popular.  “An eco-friendly home then,” you say. “Eco” is short for ‘ecology,’ but in this case it’s a stand-in for ‘environment.’  Either way, anyone who has been to a construction site knows that building is not “friendly” to the ecology or environment of a building lot.

When most people with good intentions think of an “eco-friendly home”, they are likely to be thinking about the finishes: bamboo flooring, CFL bulbs, low-VOC paint and carpet, and concrete countertops to name a few.  Those are nice products, but these types of “green” products are only part of the puzzle.   Our goal as architects is to build an environmentally responsible home with a whole-systems approach to its design and construction. We want thorough insulation and a building envelope without air leaks. With a proper envelope, the energy efficient heating and cooling system will have less work to do, reducing your fuel costs. Add to that water-saving plumbing fixtures and the house has already taken big steps toward reducing its environmental impact.

Sure all those environmentally-friendly products are appealing, but they need to be judged in terms of how they will affect the whole system of your home.  That said, definitely do go for the low-VOC paint.  Just don’t ask for green!

Project coordination starts early in the design phase of a project. The architect must consider mechanical, structural and functional issues as the design unfolds. While the structural engineer might think a drop beam is the easiest solution to span a new opening, the architect and owner may have had a flush beam in mind. If these differing thoughts are not reconciled or understood during the design process, someone may be in for a surprise in the field and perhaps a very expensive change order.

Ultimately, having a successful project comes down to the coordination between the contractor and their sub-contractors. Nothing is more important than quality job supervision. Not having the proper supervision on a job is the equivalent to an intersection without traffic controls, it’s a joke!. A good job “super” will have studied the construction drawings prior to a shovel hitting the ground and will know the project pitfalls.  They are savvy enough to know when to alert the design team about construction issues and still maintain the ability to keep the job on track. Coordination between the owner, contractor and architect is paramount to an enjoyable and successful construction experience.

Listen, everybody knows that the Joker is wild, that’s why it is always better to be the King!

So what causes an ice dam? In the simplest terms, it is non-uniform surface temperatures on the roof. Heat from inside the house is transferred to the roof surface through gaps in insulated portions of the structure by convection, conduction and radiation. Another big source of heat loss is through air infiltration. Classic areas of trouble are found with recessed lights in a cathedral ceiling, skylights and poorly vented and flashed roof eaves.

There are two kinds of solutions, short term and long term. Short term solutions like roof rakes and heating coils can help, but they don’t get to the root of the problem. Also, be careful, if executed poorly these solutions can damage your roof. Long term solutions address the causes of ice dams, namely poor insulation and air leakage. Blower door tests and radiation cameras are useful tools in assessing these issues. Increased insulation, air infiltration barriers, waterproof membrane flashings, proper ventilation are all methods of solving this problem. Remember that each situation is unique. Consulting with an Architect will help to find the solution right for you.