ARCHITEKTON

At the Chandler Gilbert Communiity College’s Ironwood Hall, three parallel bars are positioned to create an interactive classroom building that serves as a gateway from the north end of the campus. The 58,459 sf Ironwood Hall contains nine science labs, classrooms, lecture halls, and 32 faculty offices. The unique mix of programs include Chemistry, Physics, Geology, Engineering, and Ceramics, which are carefully considered relative to the variety of resultant outdoor spaces that interconnect the project to the existing campus. The myriad of sustainable materials and strategies work together to create a didactic sustainable building that earned a LEED Gold rating and supports the campus’ mission as part of the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). Caliente Construction Inc. #architekton #architecture #design #CGCC #chandlergilbertcommunitycollege #ironwoodhall #highereducation

Designed by Architekton and constructed by McCarthy, the Walton Center for Planetary Health Pedestrian Bridge is a key part of the second-story walkway that links an active light rail stop through the research lab’s courtyard across an arterial street to the Novus Innovation District and the north side of ASU’s Tempe Campus. The bridge provides a safe alternative to crossing at the busiest intersection in Tempe and gives visitors a chance to investigate active research labs to see the science being explored at ASU. The design includes employing strategies to maximize pedestrian comfort. The metal shade structure was designed to optimize airflow, provide 100% shade every day of the year, and glow softly like a lantern at night. Strategically located planters provide biophilic relief to the urban views and transpirational cooling. The structure defines a signature gateway to the Tempe Campus. The bridge design takes cues from the adjacent context. The cast-in-place structure is clad in the same low thermal mass GFRC panels as the exterior of WCPH to reduce its heat island impact. The GFRC panel forms create a transition from the angled forms found on WCPH to the triangular patterns found on the parking structure it links to. The “V” shaped columns supporting the bridge provide an elegant visual relief from the urban clutter found along the road and the adjacent light rail crossing. A monumental stairway in the plaza on the north side cascades through several micro-plazas shaded by trees in elevated planters encouraging pedestrians to linger or meet friends. The cascades also break up the long stair run, creating a more inviting path to cross over the street. The plaza was designed to support several urban uses including the outdoor dining and open-air markets anticipated when the planned urban retail space wraps the parking structure adjacent to the plaza in the future. McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. #architecture #design #bridgedesign #arizonastateuniversity

The Phoenix Country Day School Shin Center is about much more than simply bringing outdated facilities up to date. It’s about designing a flexible, integrated, and adaptive space that can meet the evolving needs of the faculty and staff, not just now, but into the future. The Common Ground space creates a “living room” to stimulate ad-hoc learning, peer-to peer instruction and collaborative interaction. Willmeng Construction, Inc. #architecture #architekton #design #phoenixcountrydayschool #highereducation

Recreation on a college campus is an opportunity for social interaction. This facility provides a place to see and be seen with an extremely open plan with overlapping layers of transparency and activity. The building plan emphasizes views into adjacent spaces. Students and faculty that have never been in a gym can see into it from the pedestrian mall, demystifying the functional aspects and inviting exploration. All of the major spaces can be seen from the check-in desk, giving users the opportunity to plan their workout based on availability of equipment and even where their friends are. A goal of the facility was to help create a sense of community on this emerging campus and reinforce the University’s goals to emphasize the on-campus living experience. The project defines a number of spaces designed to attract both scheduled and spontaneous gatherings. It has become a place where students from different programs, faculty and staff can meet and exchange ideas and socialize on a casual basis. The facilities are not limited to the interior of the building and include soccer, lacrosse and baseball sports fields with lighting, sand volleyball courts, and a yoga yard for outdoor practices. The resultant project responds to the students’ request for a one-stop shop for all one’s recreation needs. Gilbane Building Company #architekton #architecture #design #arizonastateuniversity

At Architekton, we strive to create architecture that tells a story—one deeply rooted in place, culture, and community. Designing the Scottsdale Community College Business School & Indigenous Cultural Center was an opportunity to honor Indigenous traditions while shaping a forward-thinking learning environment. One of the most meaningful design elements was our use of saguaro ribs embedded into the tilt-up concrete walls. These ribs were burned away after the curing process, leaving behind a beautifully textured, ribbed pattern—a tribute to the resilience of the desert and the craftsmanship of Indigenous traditions. Through sustainable materials, natural light, and thoughtful design, this space fosters collaboration, education, and cultural connection. More than just a building, it’s a legacy—one that bridges business, culture, and community in harmony with the land. Okland Construction #Architekton #IndigenousCulturalCenter #ScottsdaleCommunityCollegeBusinessSchool #IndigenousDesign

Recently, we had a grand opening of our Central Arizona College South Mountain Campus consisting of Skilled Trades and Allied Health facilities. Each building’s architecture draws from early settlements and architecture of Arizona, with gabled forms and low-slung eaves serving as signature design elements. Equipped with cutting-edge tools and technology-rich spaces, the buildings foster a dynamic and innovative learning atmosphere, preparing students to meet the demands of today’s industries while remaining flexible for future growth. Swipe through for images from opening day! McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. Dibble Henderson Engineers PK Associates Structural Engineers TRUEFORM landscape architecture studio

Always love hosting AIA events at our studio, especially when we get to talk sustainability and wellness. Bonus points for the bike ride!

So thrilled that this amazing project is ready to welcome new students! Check out some footage from the ribbon cutting ceremony last week.

Honored to be selected as ENR Southwest’s Contractor of the Year and a Best Project Award for our KAPBCS Training Center! I have the privelage of seeing our teams put incredible work in place that positively impacts all the communities in which we work- this award is so well deserved! Thank you A R C H I T E K T O N for your partnership in the KAPBCS Training Center project and all the other partners that make all of our projects possible.

A cactus-like building for a harsh desert climate! ???? Designed by Architekton and Grimshaw, the Rob and Melani Walton Centre for Planetary Health is a new research facility at Arizona State University in the USA. Its envelope was conceived using a biomimetic approach: it models the self-shading folds of a local cactus species to minimise solar gain. Find out more in this video! A R C H I T E K T O N Grimshaw Walton Family Foundation Arizona State University ??: TIMMERMAN PHOTOGRAPHY, INC. Dror Baldinger FAIA John Kane FAIA Tom Reilly Rachel Green Rasmussen, AIA NCARB Tom McClure Alesea C. Nirmal Kishnani #Ecogradia #Sustainability #SustainableArchitecture #Biomimicry #BiomimicryDesign #FacadeDesign #PassiveDesign #ASU?