Our firm led a multi-disciplinary team of design professionals for this eight- story mid-rise, mixed-use project for Mercy Housing California. Located in downtown Sacramento and surrounded by myriad government and industrial land uses, this post-tensioned concrete building consists of 150 affordable residential individual units atop a clinic space for residents and accompanied by ground floor retail.

The project seeks to build a community within the building, contribute to the vibrancy of the neighborhood, and connect to the community at large. We achieved this through a variety of design approaches, including an activated streetscape, well-designed, visible common area spaces and distinct community rooms and balconies on the upper floors. The unique Z shape plan creates two large landscaped outdoor terraces on the second floor. The clinic on the ground floor is designated for resident use as part of a comprehensive wellness program for this special needs resident group. The roof is crowned by a dramatic solar panel array that provides energy to heat water and power the building.

Our team’s passion for sustainable design coupled with our integrated design approach for building, energy and water systems will provide a high- level of comfort for residents, provide for improved indoor air quality, and allow for efficient day lighting to deliver occupant satisfaction at very low operating costs. Using collaborative, integrated design practices and strategies helped to reduce the project’s ecological footprint and allow us to achieve a truly green building, while satisfying all the programmatic goals.

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The galvanized coating on steel is both protective and decorative. ASTM A123 Zinc (Hot Dip Galvanized) Coatings on Iron and Steel is the industry standard for specifying typical galvanized steel coatings. This specification focuses on the protection from corrosion (cathodic protection) afforded by galvanized steel. Many factors affect the APPEARANCE of galvanized steel, but do not reduce protection from corrosion.
The support structure for the rooftop photovoltaic array at our 7th and H project (currently under construction) provides an example of adequate cathodic protection, yet a problematic appearance if the structure was located in a highly visible location.
During the pre roofing conference held on January 24, 2012, the PV support structure was observed to have a very un-uniform galvanized finish appearance. Portions were dark dull gray while other portions of the same I beam were shiny.

The PV array support structure is acceptable, but MNA is concerned that the appearance of the galvanized finish on the second floor terrace gazebos will not be as intended unless this appearance is not addressed by the galvanizer.  The galvanizer should be made specifically aware that finish is an important part of the design and that steps need to be taken to ensure a more uniform finish with a natural reflectivity range of 70% or greater.
The following comments are based upon research conducted at the American Galvanizers Association (www.galvanizeit.com).  Galvanized coating is created in several layers, the surface (or “zeta: layer) grows in columns perpendicularly outward from the base steel. It appears that the surface layer of the zinc coating (zeta layer) is overgrown (too thick) in the dull areas and thinner in the shiny areas. My research indicates that there are several potential causes and remedial steps to ensure a more uniform finish.
1. Steel chemistry: Steel with chemistry outside the recommended limits and ranges for galvanizing is known as “reactive steel.” This steel may have higher levels of phosphorous and silicon than is appropriate for an exposed galvanized surface. Steel Mil Certificates indicating phosphorous and silicon content may not be a reliable indicator as the certificates are generally an average of sample pieces and do not necessarily reflect the actual chemistry of each part. The galvanizer should specify steel phosphorous and silicone limits within optimum galvanizing tolerances.
The galvanized coating is created through a metallurgical reaction between the steel and the zinc in the galvanizing kettle. For non-reactive steel, the metallurgical reaction is complete within six or seven minutes. After that time, no additional zinc is deposited on the steel. For reactive steel, the coating experiences linear growth with respect to the time it is exposed in the galvanizing tank: the longer reactive steel is left in the galvanizing tank, the thicker the coating.
2. Adding nickel to the galvanizing bath: Nickel can be added to the galvanizing bath to help control reactive steels by reducing intermetallic formation. This process is effective as long as the steel has 0.20% silicone content or less. Tin and aluminum can also be added to the galvanizing bath to produce a better overall appearance.
3. Cooling time: During hot-dipped galvanizing, the steel is heated to approximately 830 degrees F. Reactive steel continues reacting as long as there is free zinc available and the temperature is 500 degrees F or higher – even when outside the galvanizing bath. This happens when reactive steel on thick, heavy parts is cooled slowly. If the reactive steel consumes the entire eta layer, the zeta intermetallic layer will grow to the surface and will transform the part from shiny to dull as the part cools. When steel is dipped into a quench tank immediately after galvanizing, the temperature of the steel drops several hundred degrees quickly; thus stopping the metallurgic reaction. Quench options include water, chromate and phosphate.

4. Withdrawal speed: Withdrawal speed can affect the thickness of the galvanized coating. The faster steel is removed from the galvanizing kettle, the less zinc is able to drain off the steel before solidifying. This means faster withdrawal rates can create thicker coatings.

5. Blasting: Blasting is a process whereby abrasive particles are propelled at the steel surface using compressed air. Blasting interferes with the growth of the zeta layer, rather than growing in long columns when the surface is flat. Blasting creates many peaks and valleys so the growing crystals collide and interfere with each other to the point that they cannot continue to grow. The American Galvanizers Association comments that “Blasting is not a replacement for sourcing steel with the recommended chemistry; however, in those times when you must galvanize reactive steel, blasting can help decrease the coating thickness.”

6. Specifications: the specifications should make the intent clear to the Galvanizer. For example:
2. PRODUCTS
2.1 FINISH
i. Galvanizing: Hot-dip process ASTM A385-11 (exposed sunshades and trellises) ASTM A123 (concealed locations) typical and ASTM A153 for threaded fasteners performed after fabrication into largest practical section. Weight of coating not less than 2 oz. per sq. ft. of surface. Where damaged, repair surface with one coat of hot process galvanizing repair compound, “Galvalloy”, Galvweldalloy”; or equal.
ii. Exposed galvanized fabrication, not scheduled to be field painted shall present a uniform visual appearance.
iii. Do not use reactive steel as defined by the A6A.
iv. If reactive steel is used as a component, the galvanizer is responsible to take such measures as are required to assure a uniform appearance. Measures may include:
Blasting steel prior to galvanizing
Adding nickel tin or aluminum to the galvanizing bath
Quenching galvanized components to shorten cooling time
Limiting the time the steel is in the galvanizing bath.
Exposed galvanizer fabrication exhibits excessive variation in finish appearance including color, reflectance or dross inclusions as determined by the Architect shall be rejected.
Exposed galvanized hand nails exhibiting rough (not smooth) finish including dross inclusion or other deposits shall be rejected.

Conclusion: It is critical that the Architect inform the galvanizer to the importance of the visual surface appearance at the second floor terrace gazebos and develop an action plan to assure the final result is as intended. Action plan may include all or some of the following:
1. Specify and obtain non-reactive structural steel.
2. Adding nickel or other elements to the galvanizing bath.
3. Limit time the steel is immersed in the galvanizing bath.
4. Quench the steel for rapid cooling.
5. Slow withdrawal speed to maximize zinc runoff, then quench to cool.
6. Blasting the steel prior to galvanizing.
One additional item: the American Galvanizer’s Association web site notes concern that adequate drain holes and vent holes be provided to allow galvanizing the interior of capped tube steel members. Gusset plates may need to be cropped (would require the approval of the Structural Engineer) to ensure unimpeded flow of the galvanizing solution. These features were not included in the gazebo shop drawings. The galvanizer should review the shop drawings and provide input prior to fabrication.

- Jay Hyde

Our firm was charged with developing a program and implementing an interactive schematic design process for this 592 bed, dormitory style student housing project. The resultant LEED Gold project incorporates 30% water and energy savings along with storm water detention and treatment, natural ventilation, recycled materials and on-site renewable energy. Our firm provided site massing studies and constructability value analyses followed by an area-wide site planning effort that organizes existing and future housing projects on the UC Davis campus.

The project creates community at ascending levels, accommodating differing comfort levels while allowing for varying levels of resident interaction. Plans encourage social engagement, balancing accessibility and safety with the need for solitude. Common spaces are carefully located with spatial visibility as a goal: a place to see and to be seen while contributing to a greater sense of community. In this way, students are able to establish a sense of ownership, taking care of their ‘home’ while being engaged with their surroundings.

Floor plans from the University’s recent housing projects were analyzed as a way of developing prototypical clusters of student rooms, serving as building blocks for floor configuration and amenity layout. Window seats reinforce hallways as gathering spaces, defining each cluster while working in concert with the building’s passive ventilation system. Hallways end in vistas to the campus community, providing an open, airy feel to corridors and connection to the campus at large.

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Recent News For this Project:

Much of the electricity used to convert water to pure hydrogen is produced on site by the 100kW photo voltaic (solar panel) array that shades parked cars around the station.

As part of the programing portion of the project, MNA suggested the inclusion of a visible public education area. This area will be designed to house exhibit information illustrating how hydrogen is produced on site and how fuel cell vehicles work.

Fuel cell vehicles produce only water as a by-product and thus emit none of the common vehicle related pollutants. This station will serve as part of the “Hydrogen Highway” that is envisioned to someday stretch the length of California.

MNA produced schematic drawings and visual simulations of the site to be used for bidding during the design-build portion of the project.

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I just had a guest opinion editorial published in the Sacramento News and Review, on a topic which is close to home for many of us here at MNA – bicycle and pedestrian safety.

A teenage pedestrian was struck and killed by a motorist near West Campus High School recently, and in the inevitable discussion after, I heard far too many expressions that boiled down to caveat emptor, with a subtext of “Teach kids to fear for their lives even when following the law as pedestrians; it’s solely their obligation.” This is leavened with “Damned pedestrians think they own the street: teach ’em they don’t.”

But the pedestrians do in fact own the street. So do you.

We all own the street, with a legal and moral right to safely use this public-commons resource. Motorists, motorcyclists, motor-scooter riders and bicyclists all have a unique responsibility, tied to their ability to travel very quickly. We are all required, by law, to only progress at a rate of travel which is safe for the conditions.

We are required to drive slowly enough to make a safe stop if a kid runs into the street, if another motorist stops short, or if a police cruiser pops out of an alley. There is not a legal right for motorists to progress quickly for their own convenience with little or no regard for others’ safety. There is not a legal right for motorists to have priority on the roads over pedestrians, bicyclists or any other vehicle. If a pedestrian crosses the street legally and safely and a motorist hits them, the motorist is squarely at fault, both legally and morally.

When the average motorist begins to understand, accept and act on the responsibility they have in driving—the safe use of the most deadly potential weapon most will ever own—without blaming the victims when the driver errs on the side of speed and convenience at the cost of someone else’s safety, only then will we see a marginal decrease in such incidents. When the typical police response to bicyclist and pedestrian deaths is no longer to blame the victims but rather to find the driver who is both responsible and legally culpable; when that driver is tried for manslaughter, reckless endangerment, reckless driving, gross negligence or other applicable charges; and when this gets publicized, that’s when we’ll see a really significant decrease in these kinds of incidents.

I’m looking forward to that day.

Here’s a link to the published article:

Sacramento News and Review Article: Don’t forget who has right of way… 

- Gerard

Throughout the development of the program for the 92,000 square foot structure, our firm worked closely with a design committee as well as student housing staff to ensure that the project responded to the ever-evolving culture of University student housing. Central to the mission of student-oriented residences is the importance of community, therefore, the project was designed to embrace community at all levels: from the relationship between two roommates to student interaction with the campus as a whole by means of a central plaza, to the way the building relates to its neighbors.

Using natural light and air, modified by individual controls, the residence spaces in Segundo provide pleasant, healthy environments in which to live and study. The Segundo student housing project also addresses the social context of the space, maximizing the possibility for students to have choices about personal connection and privacy. The use of operable windows and shades for student residents in their rooms and common areas provide an important level of personalized comfort for residents and visitors alike.

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Mogavero Notestine Associates developed a master plan and completed the first phase of construction documentation and administration for the renovation of the CSU Sacramento Dining Commons. Originally built forty years ago, the building was in need of a refresh. The first phase included the renovation of the large dining room and provided accessibility upgrades.

The ceiling and lighting systems were completely replaced with new, suspended acoustic ceiling panels that float between existing wood beams. Daylight harvesting strategies were coupled with new dimmable pendant drum light fixtures that are automatically controlled by photocells through a new lighting control panel. Additional thermal insulation, ceiling fans and a recessed movie screen complete the ceiling renovation.

All furnishings were replaced, providing floor level and elevated seating dining areas as well as new fixed booth and banquette seating arrangements. A soft seating area was also developed at the center of the dining room to provide for a more casual setting while making good use of natural light provided by an existing monitor skylight.

The existing concrete masonry unit walls just above fixed seating areas were covered with acoustic panels that feature custom silkscreen images portraying life on campus. The flooring was stripped and refinished with a new concrete topping that was ground, stained and polished using a pattern that reflects the existing exposed beams above. Ecologically sensitive techniques were combined with products that kept green principals in mind throughout the project.

Careful attention to construction systems, techniques and scheduling provided a successful first phase which was required to be constructed during a short two month summer break while the kitchen continued to provide meals for summer conferencing. The second phase of the renovation master plan will include work on the servery and cooking areas, and the reconfiguration of circulation routes and building entry.

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It is, by far, the smartest investment of public transportation resources in the region. Through elimination of grade separated interchanges and emphasizing sidewalks and shade trees they are:

1. Reclaiming the district for easier and safer pedestrian and bike movements.
2. Reducing the speed of automobiles- enhancing safety.
3. Providing the opportunity for new development to “people” these streets.
4. Increasing the probability of redevelopment in this district.

In contrast, most jurisdictions in the region continue to spend their money on wasteful road capacity increases that have negative impacts on the neighborhoods surrounding them.

The project is not perfect: all the streets are too wide, seemingly designed for the infrequent extreme peaks associated with infrequent use of the baseball stadium.

Nonetheless, West Sacramento’s leadership deserves big credit for a major dismantling of the auto dominated infrastructure that has been the scourge of all American communities.

-David Mogavero

Maybe there is a fundamental disconnect between our libertarian entrepreneurial culture and the notion of central planning; a disconnect between the nature of specific approach to managing the cooperation necessary for complex civilization and the essential American psyche.

There has been a constant centripetal force since the ascension of the automobile as the primary mode of transport that has played into the hands of land speculation entrepreneurs with good political connections.

Certainly the results of most American metropolises do not suggest efficacy for our current approach to “planning” and growing our communities.

I am looking at our culture for other models regulating our interface with each other and with our environment:
• Point source air and water quality regulations… factories, power plants, sewage outflows.
• Fuel economy and tail pipe emissions standards
• Energy efficiency regulations for buildings.
• Funding programs for mentally ill or physically disabled people…sharing resources with the less fortunate.

Some may quibble about the actual successfulness of these government programs, but I would argue that their effectiveness is substantially greater than the general plans, and zoning codes that have been the stalwarts of our community planning process.

What these mechanisms seem to have in common is a focus on the direct regulation of the actual “event” rather than a focus on planning for the event; admittedly each do require some amount of coordination and planning.

I am curious about this more now because of an increasing role in the dialogue around these issues in California. I believe a radical new paradigm (hate that word, Michael Petersen) is needed to affect the allocation of growth resources in American communities; one that fits the culture better and thus is supportable by those involved in building our communities.

I will be writing much more on this and hope to get feedback to enhance the thinking.

The site allows for excellent non-vehicular connection to the UC Davis campus and was designed to be pedestrian oriented with wide, shaded sidewalks, narrow drives, and hidden parking in several locations. Retail and office space on the ground floor establish an interface with the street, and the 3-story residence buildings were designed to allow for maximum connection between buildings and landscape with porches in varied positions, generous balconies and covered walkways that penetrate buildings.

The residences are a combination of ground floor flats and 2-story townhouses. The units were designed to provide extra privacy and living space for student lifestyles, balancing the needs of quiet study time with (sometimes loud) social activities.

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