GSBS Architects’ Post

Last week, we broke ground on the John & Marcia Price Computing and Engineering Building at the University of Utah, a culmination of hard work, dedication, and shared vision for the advancement of education and innovation. This groundbreaking represents more than a beginning of construction. It's about laying a foundation for future growth and excellence in computing and engineering in Utah. A heartfelt thank you to the Price family for their support, collaboration, and trust. Together, we're shaping the future! ☀️🏗️ #Groundbreaking #UniversityOfUtah #GSBSProjects #BuildingTheFuture

To celebrate both Historic Preservation Month and yesterday’s Global Accessibility Day, GSBSers have only to look around their own office space in the historic Henderson Building to see a beautiful marriage of these two concepts. The Henderson Building in Salt Lake City was constructed in the early 1900s as a grocery warehouse. Many desirable original features have remained, such as limestone and brick walls, timber beams, and pine floors. But other less-desirable features like a sunken floor section, uneven flooring, and outdated workspaces, were not in keeping with a modern, mobile, accessible, and sustainable office. GSBS wanted a work environment to reflect our values of sustainability, teamwork, and inclusion. We began to explore how these concepts and others could best be exhibited. Following the adage that “the most sustainable building is the one that already exists,” we concluded that a renovation of the existing space was the best option. A major component of teamwork and inclusion is accessibility, and the renovation faced unique challenges in meeting accessibility standards while respecting the historical significance of the building. By considering accessibility from the start, we framed design and construction decisions around eliminating or limiting barriers—the most obvious being the 14-inch sunken area of the primary work zone. Raising this (with a foundation of geofoam blocks) physically and visually united the working spaces in the building with the reception and hospitality areas, highlighting unity and inclusion. We further improved accessibility and inclusion through material and furniture selection, with sit-stand desks for general health and ergonomics, and individual task lighting suitable for those with vision issues. We also designed the layout and storage configuration of everyday items in the breakrooms to make them more accessible. The space isn’t perfect for every user or visitor, but it’s vastly improved. And as we as an industry learn more, we can continue to progress. Feedback from users is crucial. Accessibility should be a journey that involves everyone, from designers and architects to employers and employees. Global Accessibility Day is a timely reminder of the strides society and designers have made in improving accessibility, and the many more needed to ensure that spaces, both physical and digital, are inclusive of everyone. It’s not just about meeting code requirements; it’s about fostering a culture of accessibility where everyone feels valued and included. #AdaptiveReuse #GSBSProjects #GlobalAccessibility

Ep 5: Jeff is back with all the tea about Mass Timber! 🚚

As Black History Month comes to a close, let's continue to honor and showcase the contributions of Black leaders in our fields. Don't forget to explore their portfolios and learn from their remarkable work! Whose work inspires you?

GSBS is hiring! We are looking to fill an Accounting Manager position in our Salt Lake City, Utah office. Visit the link below for more information and to apply. https://lnkd.in/gsFKR9Uy

It's Black History Month! Share your favorite local Black-owned businesses below. If you couldn't think of any, start here: @utahblackchamber @fwblackchamber

How are you furthering the conversation around equity in your profession? #BlackHistoryMonth

Bringing voices together! Against this stunning backdrop, GSBS interior designers convened for the Intermountain IIDA Advocacy Meeting in a commitment to elevate the interior design profession within the state. Through collaborative efforts and strategic initiatives, we seek to amplify the voice of interior designers advocating for policies that recognize the importance of our profession, streamline licensure processes, and foster a thriving design ecosystem. As advocates for creativity, innovation, and sustainability, we are dedicated to showcasing the transformative power of design in enhancing the quality of life for Utahns and fostering positive change both locally and globally. Together, we forge ahead, championing for a future where interior designers in Utah are celebrated, supported, and empowered to create spaces that inspire, uplift, and enrich the lives of all who inhabit them. #UtahDesignCommunity #InteriorDesignImpact #AdvocatesForChange #EmpoweringDesigners #UtahDesignExcellence

Ep 4: More trees are killed by beetles than fire! What do you do with all that wood? Resident expert, Architect Jeff Bolinger is here to tell! #Timber #JeffTheMassTimberGuy #BeetleKilledBeetleKilledBeetleKilled