Office Building for the Sacramento Municipal Utility District - Smud

Abstract

This building takes advantage of the uneveness of the ground, and seeks to enhance the attractiveness of the landscape. It includes a cafeteria, an auditorium for 190 persons, exhibition hall, space for the various departments, and other facilities. Allowance has been made for a 30% increase in the staff. One floor level has been constructed, but is not fully completed, and there is the possibility of adding another one. There is parking space for 720 automobiles. The glass walls are specially fitted with a protection, whereby the sun does not shine on the office tables. The external colour of the building changes continuously, for the aluminium reflects or absorbs the sun, depending on the time of day and the season of the year: this colour changes from bronze to quartz tone, under the effect of the sun, and from white to grey in the shade. The green turf emphasizes the delicate tones of the building. The basic requirements have been satisfied by means of a beautiful and harmonious design, which constitutes an altogether important architectural unit.