Pub. 6 2018 Directory

28 THE MONTANA ARCHITECT | 2018 | www.aia-mt.org Project Information: Project Location: Missoula, Montana Project Completion Date: Summer 2017 Project Description: Providing shade is crucial to address human and community needs in a changing climate. This is especially important in lower income neighborhoods which often lack street trees and places of relief from the summer heat. In a pro-bono effort the design team partnered with local non-profits, Climate Smart and Home ReSource, on the Shade Shelter for Missoula. Set on the Milwaukee Trail, the Shade Shelter provides a place to rest and refresh oneself during the heat of the summer. Constructed of salvaged wood framing from deconstructed buildings, construction off-cuts, and rebar, the Shade Shelter is a highly sustainable example of reuse and up-cycling The west façade and roof are constructed of salvaged studs and short length off-cuts. Each piece was carefully arranged to provide both the necessary opacity for shade and transparency needed for a sense of security within the shelter. The result is a dappled light that shifts as the sun moves across the sky, connecting the occu- pant with their surroundings. The structure is supported on the east by a cluster of welded rebar reminiscent of Montana’s native grasses. The structure touches the ground lightly, appearing to float amongst its surroundings. The simple, repetitive nature of the design allowed the structure to be assembled at Home ReSource by volunteers. The Shade Structure was designed to be a prototype that could be easily reproduced. The project team is currently working on two similar shade structures for other locations in Missoula. The Shade Structure was a true community achievement - built with an extremely limited budget and volunteer labor. Shade Shelter Prototype MMW Architects Missoula, Montana Honorable Mention Design Award