Air National Guard Headquarters | Irena Savakova

SHEPPERD HALL READINESS CENTER EXPANSION was consolidation of Air National Guard personnel within the capital region into a central location at Andrews AFB, thereby vacating leased space, increasing efficiency, and reducing operational costs. The challenge was to create a campus and facility that set the standard for ANG facilities nationwide. The result is a model facility exemplifying a thoughtful balance and integration of functionality, flexibility, force protection, and sustainability, delivered on budget and on schedule. Planning parameters considered pivotal in the design development of the campus included the relationship of new building to the existing structure, its access and entry points from the various parking areas, the arrival sequence and visual presence from the surrounding roadways, as well as the overall solar orientation. Meeting federal conservation requirements and LEED-NC Silver requirements merged into a larger sustainable approach that integrates operations, workflow, people, attitudes, site and then building. Rather than mirror the original building, the new addition’s contemporary architectural vocabulary provides a campus complex of structures logically linked. By varying curtain wall systems and geometries, the expansion forms a dynamic balance with the existing ANG facility, projecting a strong ANG image, while respecting the Andrews AFB architectural and planning standards. It was equally important that the linkage of the existing building and addition facilitate circulation within the entire complex. The spine of the existing lobby, new glass bridge, and three-story atrium offers an architectural solution by creating an internal street to make the campus a reality. Awards: 2008 USAF Design & Construction Awards, Honor Award for Concept Design, Air Force Design Awards Program, Air Force Design Excellence Awards AECOM Excellence Award – Best Medium Project, 2011 NAIOP 2011 Award of Excellence – Best Suburban Office, 1-4 stories ENR NY 2011 - Award of Merit - BRAC Air National Guard Headquarters and Readiness Center / Category - Government/Public Building