With recent improvements to its building, the Missouri History Museum has earned the distinction of being a Green Museum. The aim of green museums is to raise awareness among people about the limitations of our world and how our actions impact it.

As we witness renovations being made to the north plaza, we can appreciate the efforts that have been made to maintain the museum’s sustainable approach. The new enhancements will enhance accessibility and create a more inviting space suitable for individuals of all ages and abilities, while also incorporating Missouri’s natural landscape into the design.

The objective is to bring about positive change by inspiring individuals to make sustainable choices in their daily lives. In addition, the plaza will be made more accessible by eliminating the stairs near the fountain without the need for constructing a large ramp. It is crucial for community-centered institutions to continue fostering a culture of sustainability and inclusion.

Team Members: Tao +Lee Associates, H2Lighting & BSI

St. Louis Community College embarks on a groundbreaking initiative with the commencement of construction for the Florissant Valley Advanced Manufacturing Center. This innovative facility, located on the Florissant Valley Campus, aims to redefine the landscape of local tech training and education in advanced manufacturing. Spanning an impressive 95,000 square feet across three stories, this center represents more than mere infrastructure—it embodies a pivotal shift towards experiential learning and hands-on education.

The 95,000 sq ft building is nestled on the site to allow for a flush eastern gathering plaza welcoming students into the 3-story atrium, access to the south side welding dock, and a stepped footprint to allow for western and southern green roof terraces. These terraces provide much more than an extension of classroom and gathering space. The green roofs also provide longer roof lifespan, greater sound insulation, reduced heating and cooling system needs, and a cutback in stormwater runoff. Green roofs also decrease carbon dioxide and increase oxygen in cities, making them cooler in the process and reversing the so-called “urban heat island effect.” While some see the roof garden as a visual statement using plants, geometric lines, and sculptural elements, DG2 Design believes the concerns for sustainability should equal visual appeal.

The Florissant Valley Advanced Manufacturing Center is envisioned as a transformative hub for the community, fostering collaboration, innovation, and skill development in the realm of advanced manufacturing. Its architectural design is meticulously crafted to seamlessly merge indoor and outdoor spaces, offering a dynamic environment conducive to learning and growth.

Team Members: JEMA, David Mason, Navigate

After years of meticulous design and construction, (our work began in 2018) the entire team is exhilarated to witness the grand opening of the 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis, welcoming visitors to explore the curiosity around every corner of the 10-story building and garden. Despite encountering certain challenges during the renovation of the 95-year-old former YMCA building, the remarkable and welcoming hotel effortlessly overshadows them. The hotel is located within the Downtown West District and is conveniently five blocks northeast of the city’s new soccer stadium, CityPark.

We encourage you to visit and explore. The art museum is free and open 24 hours a day. Don’t forget to take your picture with “The Orb” an 8′ diameter ball at the entrance. It is full of water and weights about 20,000 pounds!

You should also check out the other 9 locations. 21c is a Louisville-based hospitality brand that renovates historic buildings into boutique hotels and fills their lobbies with modern art, including colored statutes of penguins that have become the bespoke mascot of the hotel. St. Louis is the first location to have an Art Park Garden attached.

We’ll have an updated post as soon as the Art Park finishing touches are completed, including a large art piece in partnership with Laumeier Sculpture Park.

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