Client: Sioux Falls Environmental Offices

Overview

Koch, Hazard Architects designed a new Sioux Falls Environmental Offices building with an emphasis on Green concepts including geothermal heating, efficient lighting, unusual use of standard materials, and recycled materials. Built next to the House Hold Hazardous Waste Facility, the Environmental Offices and Education Center includes a Reuse Room where the public can pick up household and automotive chemicals and some electronics for free. The Interior plans included specific locations for two specially designed light fixtures that were energy efficient and primarily made out of recycled, reused or recyclable materials.

Goals

The design of this building provided for two sites where unique but functional lighting was necessary, each with its own specific requirements for illumination and energy use. The sites were also designed to allow for a creative solution to the lighting. The intention was to have light fixtures designed to be a creatively expressive contrast to interior and be made out of recycled, reused or recyclable materials. The lights would also become a showcase to the public of how recycled materials could be useful.

Process

Artist John Peters discussed several ideas with Architect Stacey McMahan about what kind of materials and possible forms that could be explored. Then Peters made a sample portion of one of the lights using cut up parts of plastic milk bottles and zip ties. The idea was presented to Architect Jeff Hazard and associates for approval. Stacey continued to give input into the design process of the “milk bottle” light while Peters constructed it. Interior Designer Glenda Schmit chose the red color of the ceiling to create an intense setting for the light. Stacey also gave some input to John while he designed and constructed the blue glass beverage bottle light. This light also incorporated broken glass, antique glass plates and reused copper wires.