William Maclay - Vermont Architects and Planners
Choices in Sustainability
George D. Aiken 2008: Rubenstein School of Environmental and Natural Resources - Burlington, VT

George D. Aiken Center, University of Vermont Rendering

George D. Aiken Center, University of Vermont Indoor Atrium Rendering

George D. Aiken Center, University of Vermont Campus Rendering


The Aiken Project is an addition and renovation to the George D. Aiken Center, which houses the Rubenstein School of Environmental and Natural Resources at the University of Vermont. The project is envisioned as a model facility for the UVM campus - setting an example of energy efficient design and construction, responsible use of natural resources, while providing a truly healthy learning and work environment. As such, the Aiken Center will herald the opportunity for a sustainable future, a "green beacon" to those on-campus and to those coming into the city of Burlington. This ambition is the catalyst for many of the design decisions, such as the Eco-machine which is being designed to treat all of the buildings black water waste on site naturally.

George D. Aiken Center, University of Vermont Multi-View Sketches

The renovations and addition are aimed at updating the Aiken into a living building, designed from the inside out to soften perception, while promoting human interaction and scale. The key organizing principle of our vision for Aiken is the integration of all components of the project, including social interaction, connection to the building's surrounding environment, building envelope and technologies, materials selection, mechanical systems, and building operation. The environmental concepts in this approach are expansive beyond the LEED rating system, but the building is striving for LEED Gold in its documentation. The renewed and expanded Aiken Center will provide needed space, but with a reduced ecological footprint. The facility will blend ecologically designed systems with appropriate technologies to naturally light the interior, clean and renew building air, and house occupants in productive spaces.

University of Vermont webpage: The Greening of Aiken

George D. Aiken Center, University of Vermont Site Plan