Firm News

Henry Johnstone, PE, President of GLHN Architects &Engineers, Inc. is raising awareness of the future of fresh water not only domestically, but globally.  Published in District Energy magazine, distributed by the International District Energy Association, Henry’s article explains how district energy will play a large role in the reduction of urban water consumption. “As regional fresh water becomes scarce, the balance of trade offs between cooling energy and water consumption becomes…

The University of Arizona operates and maintains a campus steam production and distribution system serving over 130 buildings, with a generating capacity of over 320,000 lb/hr of saturated 100 psig steam. The campus is comprised of many building types and uses including a Level I trauma hospital, research laboratories, classroom/office buildings, large auditorium spaces, student housing, and NCAA Division I Sports complexes. Campus heating loads can fluctuate significantly over the…

A Utility Development Plan (UDP) is a comprehensive and interactive long range planning process encompassing some or all campus utilities.  It is a living document with the purpose of establishing an effective method to identify, prioritize, and define projects and estimated costs for immediate and future needs.  Stage 1 of the process is Problem Definition which looks at existing conditions of the utility systems and includes talking with utility providers…

Pima Community College’s renovated Dental Clinic is up and running, providing low-cost dental hygiene services to adults and children of all ages during the fall and spring semesters. GLHN provided design services to the college to update and expand the clinic from 13 dental chairs to 23 while adding a comfortable waiting room that “looks like one of the best dental offices in town.” To meet the requirements of the…

GLHN was thrilled to be selected to improve one of Pima County’s most interesting parks. Founded in 1943, Rillito Park was originally built as a Quarter Horse racing venue and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Sometime later soccer fields were built on adjacent property along with restrooms and a small parking area. The County wanted to improve the existing facilities while adding new lighted soccer fields…

It would seem artificial turf would be a no-brainer in the desert southwest where water is a limited resource. However, in addition to higher installation costs, artificial turf has some disadvantages that might make natural grass fields more sustainable. Natural turf fields are less expensive to install and provide a cooler playing surface. However, that cool surface does require regular irrigation and may need annual reseeding. Artificial turf requires no…

GLHN is proud to be part of McGann & Associates winning team selected for the Pima County Kino South Sports Complex.  The project will be located on the south side of Interstate 10 across from the existing Kino Sports Fields.  The first phase of improvements is planned to include 12 natural turf lighted fields; a building for concessions, lockers rooms, restrooms and offices; lighted parking lots with solar panels; and…

Designing a good lighting system for an open parking structure is more complex than you might think – especially when it’s located adjacent to a residential neighborhood. The design team must be sensitive to the visual impact the garage will have. Three-D modelling and rendering of the architecture, hardscape, landscape, and lighting are essential tools that should be used to insure a positive outcome. We recommend preparing day and night…