BBN is proud to announce the Helzberg Penguin Plaza has been officially certified as LEED Gold by the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the nation’s leading program for the design, construction and operation of energy saving, green buildings.

BBN is passionate about sustainable design and seeks to implement conservation strategies in every project be they certified or not. We are committed to the thoughtful integration of our buildings and landscapes into the natural environment through the use of regional materials, and sustainable design strategies.

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Helzberg Penguin Plaza, Kansas City Zoo

Kansas State University’s Veterinary Medical Library was featured in the latest issue of Fresh Dirtt. The article focuses on the modular glass partition walls which achieved a number of design goals including maximizing daylight, increasing the sense of openness, and incorporating embedded technology. Text of the Veterinarian’s Oath in addition to American Veterinary Medical Association symbols were applied as personalized graphics to the partition walls.

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Trotter Hall Library

BBN was honored with two 2015 Historic Preservation Awards for the restoration of the Marshall Theatre building in downtown Manhattan, Kansas. The Kansas Preservation Alliance and Manhattan/Riley County Preservation Alliance both awarded the project recognition. The former 1,100 seat theatre is has undergone numerous renovations and is now home to small businesses and boutiques including a restaurant, tech loft and basement speak easy.

Kansas City Zoo’s Orangutan Canopy was featured in last quarter’s issue of Modern Builder. The article, which focuses on the builder’s involvement in the project, also discusses BBN’s role as the Design Architect and Landscape Architect. Highlighted in the new exhibit are three distinct orangutan characteristics; their arboreal realm, physical dexterity and cognizance. The exhibit consists of a large, naturalistic outdoor habitat with expansive viewing opportunities, a winding pedestrian hillside pathway featuring interactive educational displays, and a renovated Day Room that adds significant new orangutan amenities.

A major design goal was to create a naturalistic habitat with a diverse range of purposeful opportunities to motivate the apes’ instinctual behaviors and offer them choice and control.

BBN Architects in association with Collins Noteis & Associates, Bartleby Content, Draper Communications, and Hoop Dog Studio recently presented the final recommendations for establishing a Cultural District in midtown Kansas City focused on Arts + Education. The year-long planning process engaged over 300 participants in work team sessions, student workshops and planning charrettes, and the planning team met regularly with representatives from each institution to vet and refine ideas.

The result is a concept that strengthens East/West connections, promotes more collaborative programming between institutions, respects the historical signature of the area, provides a balance of amenities for residents and tourists of all ages, and sets the tone for future improvements that will enhance the vibrancy, accessibility and identifiable district features as the center of Kansas City’s Cultural Arts + Education scene.

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