US Building of the Week

Green Forest City Hall + Police Department

modus studio
19. October 2020
Photo: Timothy Hursley
Project: Green Forest City Hall + Police Department, 2019
Location: Green Forest, Arkansas, USA
Client: City of Green Forest
Architect: modus studio
  • Design Principal: Josh Siebert
  • Project Architect: Matt Poe
  • Project Team: Chris Baribeau, Leanne Baribeau
Structural Engineer: Tatum Smith Welcher
MEP/FP Engineer: HP Engineering
Civil Engineer: Bates & Associates
Contractor: Oelke Construction
Site Area: 50,000 sf
Building Area: 7,182 sf
Photo: Timothy Hursley
What were the circumstances of receiving the commission for this project?

After having completed a dozen successful projects on the Green Forest School District campus, the city of Green Forest asked us to provide a proposal for services for their new municipal building.

Photo: Timothy Hursley
Please provide an overview of the project.

The Green Forest City Hall + Police Department is a familiar, but exciting form that harkens to historic downtown retail storefront buildings, yet crafts a new facility with a bold new form. As the central unifying community building in a small rural town, this multipurpose building serves the citizens on a daily basis.

Photo: Timothy Hursley
What are the main ideas and inspirations influencing the design of the building?

The design of this facility embraces the idea that the adjacent town square is a hub for pedestrian activity and invites the public in through a well-proportioned courtyard and green space along the street. The open design encourages civic engagement and is a transparent reflection of the programs within the City Hall. The building takes on a familiar but exciting form that harkens to historic downtown retail storefront buildings, yet crafts a new facility with a bold new form. As the central unifying community building in a small rural town, this multipurpose building serves the citizens on a daily basis, strengthens a developing town culture, and is a source of pride in the community.

Photo: Timothy Hursley
How does the design respond to the unique qualities of the site?

Subtle detailing derives articulation from the city's historic water tower that sits at the western end of the site. The ever-changing reflections and shadow play from the water tower dance along the facade, animating the experience throughout the day.

Photo: Timothy Hursley
How did the project change between the initial design stage and the completion of the building?

The team worked to drastically lower construction costs by the creative use of a metal building structure package. We also moved to combine departments under one roof, decreasing utility costs and improving communication between departments via proximity and updated office technologies.

Email interview conducted by John Hill.

Photo: Timothy Hursley
Photo: Timothy Hursley
Photo: Timothy Hursley
Photo: Timothy Hursley
Drawing: modus studio
Drawing: modus studio
Image: modus studio

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