Mental Health America is one of the largest mental health nonprofit organizations that deals with all aspects of mental illness. The vision of MHA is to create a foundation for a future society that advocates and provides a better quality of life with justice, humanity and an increase in the clients’ health. With the design of their new office in Ames we wanted to combine their company’s philosophy with our commitment to sustainability.

 

Sustainability is not just a word it has become a lifestyle. Promoting a higher level of quality for the interior environment has become a necessity. Our vision at River Design is to implement sustainability by maintaining a strong collaboration between the exterior and interior environment. The employment of multiple sustainable

strategies includes the opportunity to provide different interactive options and the dedication to use sustainable and eco friendly materials.

 

The Pantorium is the building that will be adaptively reused as the Mental Health America Affiliate’s headquarters. Located downtown in the city of Ames, the building is significant to the project with its unique style and proportionality. The Pantorium houses multiple functions that include reception, executive and administrative offices, specialized support areas, and a training room for their employees.

 

The design incorporates spatial continuity and the play of light to provide social synergy and motivation for users to flourish within the environment. With this idea the space of the Pantorium will bring the outside in. This concept will be accomplished with the inspiration from the pops of color and contrasting materials provided by nature. Additionally, providing access to a roof garden that also functions as a green roof would increase the contact with the exterior environment.

 

This project placed in third for People's Choice in IDEC's Student Sustainable Design Competition 2011/2012.