Project to Watch: Utah State Prison Design to Emphasize Rehabilitation

The main design goal of the new Utah state prison in Salt Lake City is to focus on rehabilitation, normalizing day-to-day life for inmates. Photo Credit: Conceptual Rendering by Prison Relocation Commission

SALT LAKE CITY — Locally based GSBS Architects, designing the new Utah state prison in Salt Lake City, presented design ideas to the state legislature’s prison development commission in late September. As the architecture firm continues to gather ideas from hundreds of modern correctional facilities across the country, its main goal is to create a campus that focuses on rehabilitation, normalizing day-to-day life for inmates, according to theAssociated Press.

“The new correctional facility allows Utah to expand treatment and programming opportunities for inmates,” said Utah Department of Corrections Executive Director Rollin Cook. The modern design will replace the current facility that lacks adequate, flexible space for treatment, rehabilitation, education and job-training programs that prepare inmates for a successful, safe and lasting re-entry into society.”

GSBS Architects, working with national architecture firm HOK and Miami-based CGL on project design, presented several design layouts and shapes for the 130-acre prison campus that will have the design and space necessary to promote the state’s Criminal Justice Reinvestment Initiative to help with inmate rehabilitation. The plan is to create a comfortable setting for lower-threat inmates to help prepare them for life after incarceration. That could include having dining halls for inmates in lieu of eating in their cells. Another option would be creating an appointment system for inmates to schedule haircuts instead of standing in line at a specific time, reported the Associated Press. The design would also do away with guard towers typical of prison projects of this kind, according to FOX 13, a local news outlet.

“We have an opportunity to design a facility that is focused on what's best for public safety, and incorporates the best practices in security for the facility and that's very exciting,” Cook said.

Officials announced in late September that the closing agreement to buy land several miles west of Salt Lake International Airport should be reached this fall. Designs for the exterior of the prison won’t be done until next year, with construction to follow. Construction of the 4,000-bed prison is expected to cost $550 million and is scheduled for completion by fall 2020. A joint venture between Salt Lake City-headquartered Big-D Construction Corp. and Phoenix-based Kitchell (called BDK) was chosen to serve as the project’s management and technical consultant, while a joint venture between Layton Construction Company and Okland Construction — both of which have offices in Salt Lake City — are serving as construction manager.

Lawmakers funded $80 million in cash to begin the process of moving the prison from its existing site in Draper, replacing the aging facility and making room for land that could be developed, according to FOX 13. The project could have the potential for a 1,000-bed expansion, but lawmakers acknowledge that the state could eventually need a third prison site if the inmate population continues to grow.

Spy Hop

While attending the Spy Hop Fundraiser Gala event in April of 2016,  principals of GSBS Architects were blown away by the courage it took for teenagers to be on stage in front of a huge audience and pitch their stories for short films they have been working on.

On arrival, to the event, guests were invited onto the stage, bright spot lights beamed colored rays through the fog: guests had mingled, eaten, drunk and were merry.  Roller skaters zipped around selling raffle tickets in exchange for jelly rings that sparkled colored lights. Students worked the crowd chatting about the programs they were involved in, stations were set up for snippets of current gaming, film, audio projects. Silent auctions, raffles, music, exciting people from the community all "set the stage" for the yearly, anticipated auctioning of the films. Later, as guests were ushered from the stage to their auditorium seats, the current Spy Hop band played a set of songs. Shortly after the presentations began- up first: a brief video of Spy Hop winning the highest National award for an arts program given by the First Lady Michelle Obama. From there the students presented their work and the audience bid for naming rights, producer status and bid from sheer amazement at the ideas that thoughtful young adults are being encouraged to discuss.

For the last presentation of the evening two teenagers took the stage. There was a humming buzz in the crowd, the audience was, at this point, a bit restless. The evening had been an exciting sensory overload. As the young director and cinematographer stood nervously on stage clearly presenting their message to a now hushed audience,  the GSBS principals in the crowd knew immediately that this story was one that they have been fighting for and care for at their deepest core. GSBS believes  so strongly in environmentally friendly design simply because this is the legacy that will be left for our very own children. The name of the film: CO2- The Air that we Breathe. 

Buildings, generating electricity, vehicles all contribute to bad air quality during times of inversion in Salt Lake City.  Sustainable Design Excellence is GSBS's mission. GSBS has for thirty years been designing buildings that are conscious of this precious world we live in, all the while pushing its employees, clients, contractors and colleagues to design and build buildings that are better for the environment and for all of us in the long run. It did not take more than a second for the principals of GSBS to know that they had to help produce this film. The Spy Hop students described their film and told the audience "it may sound like a boring film you might have to watch in science class, but it is vital that we speak about this issue, and we assure you it isn't boring". These are absolutely topics that we should be discussing outside of science class. And at Spy Hop, an after school program in Salt Lake City, an  incredible platform is created for the youth of our community to raise their voices, on all issues. 

The wonderful people at GSBS are involved on so many levels on different boards, organizations, non profits that It is no secret that GSBS Architects loves it's community dearly. To be able to participate, in such a contributing way,  with other organizations that are also challenging, benefiting, changing and shaping the place we live in only makes us at GSBS Architects want to give more to our community through hard work, civic engagements and wonderful evenings like the Spy Hop Gala event. When can we all be surprised by young people further discussing serious topics? November 2nd at the red carpet Pitchnic grand premier.

You can purchase tickets here: http://spyhop.org/pitchnic_premiere/

Film previews can be seen here: https://vimeo.com/channels/922200/183876453

Architects Unveil Design Plans For New Prison

Utah’s new prison is expected to give inmates a more “normative” environment than currently exists at the prison in Draper.

GSBS Architects was picked to design the new 4,000-bed prison west of the Salt Lake International Airport in Salt Lake City. The firm updated the state’s prison development commission Monday on the progress that’s been made. GSBS architect Kevin Miller says building a prison system for both men and women at all levels of custody means the programming will inform the design...   

Read the full story and listen to Kevin here.

Potential rendering of the new state prison, which is expected to be completed by 2020.

GSBS Architects Named “Firm of the Year” By Women In Architecture

To recognize healthy workplace environments, The Salt Lake City organization “Women In Architecture” initiated an annual award for the Firm of the Year.  The recipient of the 2016 award is GSBS Architects, selected for excellence in creating a forward-thinking, flexible and employee-oriented work environment.

In acknowledgment of the importance of the award, GSBS principal David Brems said, “Our long time practice of hiring a diverse staff has led us to empathetic, mindful and environmentally-responsible design solutions.” 

Women in Architecture, SLC, was established 4 years ago to help equalize the gender gap in the profession by advocating, supporting, mentoring and creating a strong community of women in the field of architecture in Salt Lake City.  The criteria for judging were career development, flexibility, communication, benefits, diversity and inclusion, and firm amenities. 

The nomination form, prepared by Kelsey Madden, Erin Holcombe, both architectural interns, and Clio Rayner, AIA, LEED AP, stated:  “71 team members strong, our firm runs on a clear understanding and passion for people.  We believe that the best architecture is born out of consideration and respect for the individuals for whom it is built – their origins, values, purpose, location, and aspirations. We strive to create a sense of place and a sense of purpose for both our clients and our employees. This is what makes GSBS so special.”

Rayner said the GSBS team is comprised of members ages 21-71 from all over the world, including people from many U.S. states, Canada, Korea, Vietnam, Japan, Poland, Brazil, Romania, Bulgaria, Iran, Bosnia, Guatemala, and Mexico. She said five different disciplines – architecture, planning, landscape architecture, interior design, and economic consulting – are housed in an open-office environment, which encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing between disciplines. Women make up 45% of the workforce, and are represented at every level from board member to the newest interns.

“GSBS offers many career development opportunities for employees at every level,” Rayner said. “The office holds monthly meetings highlighting new projects, professional experiences, and education on new technologies and there are frequent training sessions focused on technology to teach employees best practices and office standards.”   She said the firm also encourages mentorship through small “studios” designed to answer questions, give assistance, and provide personal advocacy.  

On the lighter, side, the nominators described the make up of the firm as: 32 Empowered Women, 37 Moms & Dads, 19 Outdoor Enthusiasts, 16 Volunteers, 11 Dog Lovers, 1 Synchronized Swimmer, 3 Tri-athletes, 5 Car Fanatics, 8 Amateur Chefs, and 1 Crazy Family.   

Rayner said, “ We work hard together, play hard together, and genuinely enjoy the company of our colleagues. We believe that everyone is an important part of the team and we work to foster an environment where people can continuously grow and thrive and through that we deliver the best design.”

Design/Build Competition for Soccer Installation Engages Sunnyvale Kids

On any Saturday, 60 or more kids and their families are playing in the Sunnyvale Park, many of them kicking a soccer ball.  In this area of Salt Lake County, about 40th South and 7th West, a new attraction in the park is a soccer training wall and target practice designed by a group of young architects and architectural students.  It is the result of a Design/Build Competition won by a team which named their design WEST, for Women Engagement Society Training.

The team which included GSBS Architects' Ron Rezvan, won The Sunnyvale Project, sponsored by Salt Lake County – Women in Architecture.  According to Ron, the Sunnyvale neighborhood hosts a large refugee and immigration community. “The competition was for a public installation to create fun soccer-related activities and to encourage youth immigrants to use their public amenities,” he said. It is working!   “Our design team could really identify with the kids and their families because we know what it is like to live in a new country.” 

Ron and his team of three men and three women designers are all Iranian or Iranian-Americans. He, Massih Nilforoushan, Zahra Hassanipour, and Ardavan Tookaloo all went to Tehran University of Art for their Bachelor of Architecture.  Reihaneh Noori is working on her Master’s degree in architecture at the University of Utah and Elaheh Zarezade recently graduated.

The competition specified a $4000 budget and strict schedule for “an environmentally conscious design.” Accordingly, the team created a wood structure that has a target practice net with round targets made from used bike tires, fixed seating and a solid training wall, and uses recycled materials in its construction. The installation is now an active location in the park. 

Seven Design Professionals Become GSBS Shareholders

(Salt Lake City, UT – 5/5/16)  Seven design professionals, representing a broad spectrum of expertise and experience, have become principals/shareholders in GSBS Architects, an architecture firm with offices in Utah and Texas. Together, they serve clients in education, businesses, government, recreation, urban planning, and health care providing planning, architecture, economic analysis, interior design and landscape architecture services.    

In making the announcement, Kevin Miller, president of the firm, said “this is an investment in the future of GSBS. It reflects the continuum that the founders of the firm put into place. They had a vision for a firm that would evolve, grow and sustain itself;  One that would provide growth and opportunity for the people who work here, and who would add value for our clients.” 

New Shareholders are: 

JESSE ALLEN    AIA, ASLA
JesseAllen has been with GSBS since 2007 after receiving his Masters of Architecture degree from the University of Utah. He is one of the few licensed architects in Utah who is also a licensed landscape architect.  He is involved in planning and programming through design and construction administration phases of projects.  Recent projects include Regent Street, The Natural History Museum of Utah and the Salt Lake City Public Safety Building.  

STEPHANIE DEMOTT    IIDA, LEED AP ID+C
Stephanie DeMott graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design. She has been practicing in the field of interior design for 25 years, working on behalf of large corporations prior to joining GSBS. Notable projects include the Natural History Museum of Utah, the University of Utah College of Nursing Renovation, and numerous LDS Temples throughout North and South America.

LIBBY HASLAM     AIA, LEED AP
Libby Haslam has practiced architecture since 2001 and has a degree in architecture from the University of Utah. Along with her work at GSBS Architects, she has taught a design studio at the School of Architecture at the U of U for 15 years. She serves on several boards including the Salt Lake Art Design Board, Spy Hop and Women in Architecture. Notable projects are the Salt Lake Community College Center for Arts and Media. 

STEPHEN HOWARD    AIA, LEED AP, EDAC
Stephen Howard became a member of GSBS Architects in 2005.    He has degrees in architecture from the University of Colorado and interior design from Utah State University, and has been practicing architecture for more than 17 years. Recent notable projects include two LDS Temples in Brazil and Utah State University'sHuntsman School of Business Building.

CHRISTINE RICHMAN    ECONOMIC ANALYST
Christine Richman joined GSBS in 2012 as a planner and economic analyst. She was Director of Community & Economic Development for Midvale, Utah for 9 years.  She is an Adjunct Professor in the College of Architecture + Planning at the University of Utah, and is Chair of the Utah District Council, Urban Land Institute. She is an officer with the Community Development Corporation of Utah. 

TRAVIS SHEPPARD     AIA, LEED AP
Travis Sheppard joined GSBS after receiving his degree from the University of Utah in 2000.   He chairs the Public Relations Committee of the American Institute of Architects Utah Chapter.  Notable projects include the Cyprus Credit Union's Corporate Headquarters, LDS Temples in Peru and Brazil, Ogden Weber Applied Technology College - Health Technology Building, and Utah State University's Merrill Library.

TANG YANG  AIA, LEED AP, BD+C
Tang Yang became a member of the firm in 2009 and has managed complex projects for educational institutions and private industry. His initiatives in maximizing the productivity of existing technologies and research into new technologies has led him to the leadership role of IT/IS manager at GSBS. Recent projects are Snowbird's The Summit Building Restaurant and Utah Valley University Student Life Center.

GSBS Architects Achieves Record Number of LEED Certifications

GSBS Architects Achieves Record Number of LEED Certifications For Green Projects Representing $500+ Million in Construction

(Salt Lake City, UT – 3/23/16)  With the certification of the Jordan Valley Water Conservation Building, GSBS Architects has designed 30 LEED certified projects which account for more than 2.5 million square feet of space at a construction cost of over half a billion dollars.   These projects, which span all sectors of construction – offices, educational institutions, judicial centers, and even storage space – include many significant buildings, among them: The Utah Olympic Speed Skating Oval, Natural History Museum of Utah, and the Salt Lake City Public Safety Building.  

These 30 LEED certified projects in Utah, and Texas, include 3 Platinum, the highest ranking, 11 Gold, 12 Silver, and 4 Certified.  According to the Green Building Council which issues the certifications, “LEED certification provides independent verification of a building or neighborhood’s green features, allowing for the design, construction, operations and maintenance of resource-efficient, high-performing, healthy, cost-effective buildings. LEED is the triple bottom line in action, benefiting people, planet and profit.”

When determining LEED certifications, credit is distributed across six categories: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, Innovation in Design. Additional points may be earned for regional priority and innovation in design. 

According to Garth Shaw, GSBS Principal and LEED expert, “When designing buildings, project teams, including owners, have many sustainable design choices that don't necessarily cost more.  We work with our clients creating healthy, resource-efficient, cost-effective spaces which enhance the experiences of everyone who walks through the doors,” he said.  “By bringing the good in — like clean air and access to daylight — and keeping the bad out—including harmful chemicals found in paints, finishes and more –  we optimize the well-being of our lives and planet.” 

Marianne Wander St. John Joins GSBS Architects

(Salt Lake City, UT March 20, 2016)   Marianne Wander St. John, AIA, has joined the Salt Lake City office of GSBS Architects.   Her areas of expertise include design of commercial and institutional architecture and project management.  She has a special interest in projects which serve the community as a whole, such as public service buildings, museums, health care, and urban development. St. John wasone of the first LEED accredited professionals in Utah, and sustainability is an integral part of her practice.

GSBS President Kevin Miller said, “We are very excited to have an architect of Marianne’s caliber and experience join GSBS.  She will complement our already strong commitment to providing design solutions that responsibly use our client’s resources.”

Since graduating with a Masters Degree in Architecture from the University of Utah, she has worked in Salt Lake City architectural firms where she focused on commercial and institutional architecture.  She is also an adjunct professor in the U's College of Architecture and Planning.  

St. John serves on the boards of Tracy Aviary and the Wasatch Resort Water Company. 

More about Marianne in our People page.