With students returning from break early, Studio 804_08 began in earnest this week, as this past December, Studio 804 committed to building a sustainable prototype in the city of Greensburg, Kansas, through the Greensburg Art Center, a local non-profit.  It is a tremendous opportunity to showcase sustainable architecture through the national lens which has descended upon Greensburg since the tragedy 9 months ago.  In addition, Studio 804_08 has committed to make Mod_5 the first LEED accredited project in the program's history; this is a substantial undertaking, especially within our limited timeframe, yet the promise which LEED holds in promoting a sustainable future for the city of Greensburg is something which cannot go unnoticed. 

After four years at the Van Go warehouse, Studio 804_08 will now be operating out of Farmland Industries, located in the southeast corner of Lawrence.  This change of location did not bring along central heating, however it has allowed us to consider many possibilities which were simply unfeasible at Van Go – most notably, a larger warehouse door.  Studio 804 spent time last semester updating and preparing the warehouse by installing lights, creating a meeting space, and setting up our equipment for the months to come. 

Unfortunately, Greensburg has no money in place at this time for bricks and mortar improvements so we are on our own; thus, the inexhaustible effort to secure donations and materials continues as we move ever closer to finalizing a design.  On a positive note, the floor and roof joists have been ordered, which has been a great benefit this week as it has contained our design efforts within a set frame.