U.S. Green Building Council Certifies Building as LEED Gold
PROVIDENCE, RI – Vision 3 Architects, one of Rhode Island’s leading sustainable architectural and interior design firms, announced today that Johnson & Wales University’s Grace Welcome Center has been awarded LEED Gold Certification for new construction by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), one of the top “green” awards in the Country. Located on the University’s Harborside Campus, the Grace Welcome Center has achieved USGBC’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standard. LEED is a third party certification program and a nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of highperformance green buildings.
For the nearly 4,000 students enrolled in JWU’s culinary and graduate programs at the Harborside Campus, Grace Welcome Center stands as a gateway to their careers, and also serves as the first stop and first impression for visitors arriving at the Johnson & Wales’ campus. The 7,700-square-foot facility is the University’s second LEED Certified Building. Every design decision, ranging from building materials to fixtures and furniture selections, were chosen because of their unique environmentally friendly characteristics and reduced impact on the environment.
The Grace Welcome Center, situated on a former brownfield site, was designed to complement surrounding campus buildings. The one and a half clearstory lobby space provides visitors with an inviting and user-friendly setting, and expands to a gallery area that features displays of culinary artifacts from the University’s Museum. The building also functions as a conference center, providing the University with the ability to host various types of functions. The facility accommodates a large multi-use presentation room with state-of-the-art audio and video systems, administrative offices, and meeting space. The building façade consists mainly of large spans of glass strategically placed to offer visitors’ views of the campus, maximize daylight, and minimize the use of artificial lighting. An outdoor terrace and amphitheater with views of Narragansett Bay opens up from the main conference space and has become a sought-after location for special functions and receptions.
About Vision 3 Architects
Founded in 1987, Vision 3 Architects is a nationally recognized architectural and interior design firm. Whether planning new construction or adapting existing buildings for re-use, Vision 3 designs facilities and spaces that are functional and cost-efficient while respecting each project’s unique geographic, historical and programmatic context. A dedicated team of professionals develops creative design solutions for many industries, including education, hospitality, healthcare, and corporate office. Vision 3 employs environmentally sustainable design practices. This commitment to design excellence and innovation has brought Vision 3 national recognition and awards. For more information about Vision 3 Architects, visit www.vision3architects.com.
About Johnson & Wales University
Johnson & Wales University (JWU), founded in 1914, is a nonprofit, private institution. A recognized leader in career education, it offers accredited degrees in business, hospitality, culinary arts, technology and education to more than 17,000 graduate and undergraduate students, representing all 50 states and 93 countries. By integrating academics and professional skills, related work experiences, leadership opportunities and career services, JWU prepares driven students who are seeking a competitive advantage in the global economy. Its 85,000 alumni from 140 countries pursue careers around the world. The university is committed to urban revitalization and thoughtful historic renovation. Through active civic participation and unique learning opportunities, JWU improves the quality of life in its campus communities in Providence, R.I.; North Miami, Fla.; Denver, Colo.; and Charlotte, N.C. For more information visit www.jwu.edu.
