CREJ

June 2020 \ BUILDING DIALOGUE \ 59 G reat design is the result of applying our core princi- ples. Among our guiding principles is that great de- sign is not only efficient, healthy and sustainable, but also is beneficial to the community at large. Whether the restoration of a historic landmark, a state-of-the-art fire station or an affordable housing complex, designing for individ- uals and families who serve our communities – some of whom risk their lives to do so – is of utmost importance to our firm. In these times, serving our first responders has never been more consequential. We were honored to assist the Aspen Police Department in designing a-state-of-the-art police de- partment in downtown Aspen – a building that is architecturally appropriate within thehistoric,world-renowned resort town, anda facilitydesignedwitha laser focus onwellness and sustainability. Law enforcement services in any community must be structured to serve to the needs of its unique service population. In Aspen, the police department serves a res- ident population of 7,400, which increases to upwards of 30,000 in both winter and summer with seasonal visitors. In order to appropriately plan the built needs of the Aspen police, our collective team had to quantify specific needs of the services pro- vided by the Aspen Police Department in both the short- and long-term. The new building had to complement the character of the Aspen community, and appropriately engage Main Street in an open and friendly manner. A public pedes- trian connection between Aspen’s historic core and Obermeyer Place, a significant mixed-use development, was integrated into the east border of the site. By justify- ing the building to the west, a linear green space was developed between the build- ing and the pedestrian connection. This became a significant element, allowing the building’s office spaces to gain daylight and have views towards nature, while beau- tifying and invigorating the pedestrian experience. The program for the new building presents open and highly collaborative work- spaces, meeting rooms and a variety of casual areas for social and impromptu gath- ering. The building is organized around a linear core of circulation running from the main street entry through the secure area and to the north exterior. The open linear organization eliminates the tendency of staff compartmentalization. Connected to the public main lobby is a second-floor civic community meeting room (that is also used for training) and exterior deck with views of downtown and Aspen Mountain. Open to the public, the community meeting room and viewing deck are a popular amenity. Designing for wellness. The Aspen Police Department earned LEED Gold and WELL certification. The facility features cover a wide variety of wellness and sustainability solutions: • Maximization of daylighting and views towards nature and green spaces; • The building is acoustically designed for quiet and privacy; • Flexible workstations allow for standing or seated arrangements; • Access to outdoor dining and seating; • Fully outfitted fitness room with private shower rooms, bike and ski storage; and • Outdoor deck connected to the Community Room with mountain views Aspen Police Department: Applying Great Design to Public Facilities Charles Cunniffe, FAIA Principal, Charles Cunniffe Architects