Describes the design of the expansion of the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) Advanced Computation Building at the University of Illinois, Champaign. Discusses how the design incorporated column-free space for flexibility, cooling capacity, a freight elevator, and a 6-foot raised access floor to neatly house airflow, wiring,…

New energy-responsible buildings will not only use less energy, but will be more comfortable, more closely attuned to nature, and will create a better learning and living environment. The most cost-effective planning decisions have to do with good passive solar design and sensible operations. (MLW)