Arkansas Tech University has a strong heritage in providing degrees in the Allied Health Professions. They had outgrown their existing facility and contracted with Crafton Tull to provide full service design and documentation for a new 21,000-square-foot facility to house expanded programs for Nursing, Health Information Technology, Physical Therapy, Paramedic / Emergency Medical Services, conference rooms and faculty offices.
With the goal to provide a supportive and inspiring environment for both students and faculty in mind, the design of this new signature building blended existing campus vocabulary with new precision materials to establish a refreshed vocabulary for the campus.
The building incorporated highly adaptable labs, classrooms, and common areas able to be reconfigured quickly, accommodating the maximum number of programs within a building envelope that was appropriately sized for the campus.

Learn about Crafton Tull's work on ATU Health Sciences and Wellness.

Crafton Tull | ATU Health Sciences and Wellness

[X] ATU Health Sciences and Wellness

Education

LEED AP

Learn more about Gregg Long and his role and experience at Crafton Tull.

Crafton Tull | Gregg Long

Gregg is a Vice President of Infrastructure and manages the Russellville office for Crafton Tull. He is an Accredited Professional in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). Gregg&rsquo;s areas of expertise include large-scale commercial site design, recreational trails, sidewalk, street, and drainage projects, as well as higher education campus infrastructure design.&nbsp;

Like many other components of our national infrastructure, streets and roads do not get much attention until there is a problem. Funding limitations often force counties, municipalities, and university campuses to put off routine maintenance of asphalt surfaces until such problems exist to the point that major reconstruction of a road, street, or parking lot is necessary. Research has shown that it is far less expensive to keep a road in good condition than it is to repair it once it has failed. In addition to the cost of major repairs, pavement in poor condition causes increased fuel use, vehicle wear and tear, and is detrimental to safe travel. One of the most underutilized tools in identifying developing problems and prioritizing maintenance schedules to extend the life of pavement surfaces is the implementation of a Pavement Management System.
&nbsp;
A Pavement Management System consists of three major components:
<div class="row customLists">
<ol>
<li>A system to regularly collect pavement condition data.</li>
<li>A method to sort and store the collected data.</li>
<li>An analysis to evaluate repair or preservation strategies and suggest cost-effective projects to maintain street conditions.</li>
</ol>
&nbsp;
</div>
Larger cities may have the budget to dedicate full-time staff and use commercial software to manage their municipal pavement system.&nbsp; These systems facilitate the collection of Pavement Condition Assessment ratings, assist in prioritizing and tracking maintenance and repairs, track expenditures, and assist with annual budgeting.
Pavement condition data collection methods range from simple &ldquo;windshield surveys&rdquo; to the use of elaborate testing vehicles that measure smoothness, skid resistance, faulting, and cracking in the road surface. From this assessment, pavements are typically given a rating or grade that is used to rank order the condition of streets.
For smaller municipalities with limited budgets, city staff can conduct Pavement Condition Assessments (PCA) of existing streets.&nbsp; A &nbsp;PCA can be conducted in a low-cost manner to evaluate the existing condition of pavement surfaces without the use of expensive testing equipment that is not readily available to smaller municipalities. Such rating systems allow engineers, public works directors, street department superintendents, and physical plant directors to assess the current conditions of the pavement surfaces and address potential issues before they become major failures. The system can also be used to prioritize surface rehabilitation efforts for a city, county, or campus.
The process is quite simple and can be performed in-house or through the services of an outside engineering firm. The complexity of the project depends on the size of the municipality and the number of miles of streets to be evaluated.
Under a typical system, an inspector begins by preparing a map of the streets to be evaluated so that progress can be tracked. The inspector then slowly drives each section of street to produce an overall rating of the ride quality (smoothness) of the road on a scale of 0 to 10 with 0 being an excellent, smooth surface and 10 being the worst.&nbsp; Then, to get a closer look, the inspector walks each section, taking notes of the various types of failures and distress of the pavement, giving a numerical value for each distress or failure noted. Since most streets in Arkansas and Oklahoma are constructed with asphalt (vs. concrete), following are some of the typical asphalt distresses seen in local pavements:

Transverse Cracking&nbsp;&ndash; Cracks that occur roughly perpendicular to the centerline, usually a result of surface shrinking of the asphalt layer or reflection of existing cracks in underlying asphalt layers.
Longitudinal Cracking&nbsp;&nbsp;- Cracks that run parallel to the centerline and are usually a result of poor joint construction, or surface shrinking similar to transverse cracks.
Shrinkage Cracking&nbsp;&ndash; Cracks that appear on the pavement surface as interconnected cracks, forming a series of polygons. Much like transverse and longitudinal cracking, these cracks can be a result of surface shrinking caused by weather cycles, or heaving in the aggregate base or subgrade.
Alligator Cracking&nbsp;&ndash; These are interconnected cracks that form a series of small polygons that resemble the skin of an alligator. These cracks are typically signs of failure in the aggregate base or subgrade caused by poor drainage combined with heavy traffic load.
Raveling&nbsp;&ndash; The deterioration of pavement by the loss of asphalt and rock. Such deterioration can be a result of poor compaction at the time of construction, aggregate separation due to a poor mix from the asphalt plant, or the dislodging of aggregate materials in high-traffic areas.
Rutting&nbsp;&ndash; The permanent deformation of asphalt surfaces over time, usually shown by the depression of the wheel paths in the roadway. This failure is typically the result of poor compaction during construction, improper mix design for given traffic conditions, or failures in the subgrade or aggregate base course.
Potholes&nbsp;&ndash; A depression in the asphalt surface that is the result of the removal of broken pieces of pavement. They are formed as a result of expansion and contraction during freeze-thaw weather and water cycles combined with the amount of traffic load on the pavement. A pothole is typically the end result of other failures mentioned above that have not been corrected.
Other distress symptoms include corrugation, shoving or pushing, and excessive asphalt.
Once all of the evident distresses are noted and a numerical value assigned, the totals are added and the sum is subtracted from 100 to give a Pavement Condition Rating (PCR). For example, if a particular &frac12; mile of street was noted to have 6 or 8 transverse cracks, some longitudinal cracking, moderate shrinkage cracking, and two areas of alligator cracking, then the total deficiency value would likely be in the 20 to 25 point range. Subtracting this total from 100 produces a PCR of 75 to 80. A rating in this range typically means that the lifespan of the asphalt surface could be extended by sealing the cracks and applying an emulsified asphalt seal coat, or microsurfacing course.
Roads with PCRs of 60 to 75 may require more extensive repairs such as full depth patching and overlays, while roads with ratings below 60 typically require reconstruction. Obviously, a road or street with a rating of 90 to 100 is considered in good shape and little or no immediate attention is needed.
Once each street in the study has been rated, the results can then be tabulated and prioritized to develop a maintenance schedule based upon the street maintenance budget. A prioritization factor can also be assigned to some streets that should have a higher priority such as those that serve as main gateways to a city or campus that are more utilized than other streets.
In conclusion, a good Pavement Management System is a valuable tool that can help municipalities or campuses maintain and extend the life of their pavement. Systematically identifying minor problems before they become more serious can decrease the frequency of costly pavement reconstruction projects.

Pavement Condition Assessments can be conducted in a low-cost manner to evaluate existing conditions with the use of expensive testing equipment.

Gregg's Work

Learn about Crafton Tull's work on Phoenix Avenue Overpass.

Crafton Tull | Phoenix Avenue Overpass

AIA, LEED AP

Mark is a Senior Vice President and leads the Architecture Division at Crafton Tull, as well as serving on the Board of Directors. He received his bachelor's degree from the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design.
Mark is an active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), and is a LEED&reg; AP professional specializing in building design and construction.
Mark has worked for Crafton Tull for over 28 years, and he leads outstanding design teams in developing successful projects in major market sectors, including: primary and secondary education, postsecondary education, corporate, spiritual, municipal, sports, and industrial facilities.
FUN FACT: Mark started working at Crafton Tull on Valentine's Day in '94 and has loved working here ever since!

Learn more about Mark Owings and his role and experience at Crafton Tull.

Crafton Tull | Mark Owings

Mark is a Senior Vice President who leads the&nbsp;Architecture Division&nbsp;at Crafton Tull. Mark serves on the Board of Directors for Crafton Tull, bringing his passion for architecture, sustainability, and technology to the entire firm. He has a passion for visiting new places and encountering their varied art and architecture but is equally comfortable camping with friends and relatives. Mark leads outstanding design teams in developing successful projects in major market sectors, including primary and secondary education, postsecondary education, corporate, spiritual, municipal, sports, and industrial facilities.
Mark is an active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and is also a LEED AP&reg;&nbsp;professional.&nbsp;

It's no secret that farmers markets have become <a href="https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/NationalCountofFMDirectory17.JPG" title="Farmers market popularity" target="_blank" rel="noopener">increasingly popular in recent years</a>. As demand for fresh, local produce rises, cities across the country are investing in the development of versatile, strategically located venues with farmers markets in mind. When thoughtfully designed, public spaces that host farmers markets can also serve as festival backdrops, outdoor concert venues, demonstration kitchens, and more. From an urban planning and building design perspective, there are several factors to consider when determining an ideal farmers market location and whether or not a structure is feasible.
<h2>Visibility + Access</h2>
A farmers market can have a wide selection of the freshest local produce in town, but it cannot realize its full potential without a proper location. Central commercial districts, such as downtowns, often make for ideal locations because they offer built-in foot traffic along with easy access and high visibility.

Ensuring connectivity to parks and trail systems is a great way to boost traffic without requiring additional parking. Farmers markets located next to an open green space create opportunities for events that can attract new shoppers. Yoga classes, dog days of summer events where everyone brings their pup, and pop-up art shows can all draw people to a market.
<h2>Structure type</h2>
Many thriving farmers markets take place in the open by using a parking lot or a town square. At these events, vendors provide tents for shade. However, many cities choose to invest in large canopy structures, which provide protection from the elements and make it easy for vendors to set up and tear down. The positive economic impact that farmers markets offer can help offset the short-term construction costs associated with a shade structure. In fact, a 2008 study conducted by staff at Oklahoma State University found that every dollar in total farmers market gross sales generates $2.36 for the local economy.
&nbsp;
<img class="img-responsive" src="https://api.www.craftontull.com/media/uploads/insights/farmers_markets_public_spaces/farmers-markets-2.jpeg" alt="Farmers Market Pavillion" width="800" height="600" />
If the site allows for new construction of a covered pavilion, public restrooms and shaded seating are amenities that can elevate a farmers market's success. During the planning and design process, it's crucial to consider all of the potential uses a shade structure might provide on a particular site. For example, some communities use pavilions to host farmers markets during growing seasons, but during winter months the pavilion transforms into an outdoor ice skating rink.
An indoor farmers market allows for year-round use and can double as a versatile community event space. If a commercial kitchen is feasible as part of the building design, it can be used for cooking demonstrations, food-prep during festivals, or as an incubator for small business.
<img class="img-responsive" src="https://api.www.craftontull.com/media/uploads/insights/farmers_markets_public_spaces/farmers-markets-3-depot.jpeg" alt="Depot Park" width="800" height="775" />
<h6>DEPOT PARK LOCATED IN DOWNTOWN RUSSELLVILLE, ARKANSAS HOSTS THE POPE COUNTY FARMERS MARKET.</h6>

<h2>Success story</h2>
Providing areas with multiple uses is part of what has spelled success for <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestreptalks/2017/08/28/after-his-own-business-stalled-dan-carmody-took-over-detroits-eastern-market-to-help-others/#1247381b1df8">Detroit's Eastern Market</a>. The <a href="https://www.pps.org/places/detroit-eastern-market">farmers market</a> there dates back to 1891, but in 2006 it reorganized as a public/private venture. Today it has a wholesale market, a retail market, and a street market in a five-building complex. Peak foot traffic can hit 50,000 people on a Saturday. While few communities have the potential to reach that scale, more cities are taking advantage of the increasing demand for locally-grown produce.
Many communities are investing in strategically located, thoughtfully designed community spaces that serve as destination farmers markets. This investment is a way for cities to enhance quality of life and strengthen the local economy. When realizing their full potential, farmers markets provide more than access to local fruits and vegetables. The sights, sounds, and activities surrounding them become part of the fabric of a community and create a sense of place.
&nbsp;

Mark's Work

Learn about Crafton Tull's work on Conway Community + Aquatics Center.

Crafton Tull | Conway Community + Aquatics Center

Wes holds a master&rsquo;s degree in architecture from the University of Texas at Austin, and has been a registered architect since 1995. Wes came to work at Crafton Tull in 1998 and is thankful to be able to pursue his passion for architecture in a wonderful place like Fayetteville.
He has filled the role of design architect and project manager on a wide range of project types including educational, healthcare, and commercial office buildings. Wes enjoys taking a project from initial idea all the way to owner occupancy, overseeing each step along the way. This broad experience has allowed him to develop relationships with both client and contractor, drawing on the expertise of both for the success of the project.
FUN FACT: Wes had a brief movie acting career before discovering his passion for architecture, but remains a member of the Screen Actors Guild.

Learn more about Wes Burgess and his role and experience at Crafton Tull.

Crafton Tull | Wes Burgess

Wes has been a registered architect since 1995, and he came to work at Crafton Tull in 1998. He is thankful to be able to pursue his passion for architecture in a wonderful place like Fayetteville.
He has filled the role of design architect and project manager on a wide range of project types, including educational, healthcare, and commercial office buildings. Wes enjoys taking a project from the initial idea to owner occupancy, overseeing each step along the way. This broad experience has allowed him to develop relationships with both client and contractor, drawing on the expertise of both for the success of the project.

We&rsquo;re all aware of the benefits of eating healthy and getting regular exercise. But what about getting enough sunlight? Many of us tend to spend most of our time indoors, frequently sitting at a desk in front of a computer for hours at a time, disconnected from the weather, and rarely getting an ounce of vitamin D (at least during the work week).
That's where the importance of designing to capture and utilize natural lighting comes into play. This is important for all architectural buildings, but particularly for spaces people spend extended time, such as the workplace and community buildings that are publicly funded.
The benefits of lighting within community buildings are not limited to the health of their occupants; there are economic benefits as well.

TEST

<h2>Natural lighting within the workplace</h2>
It&rsquo;s difficult to overstate the benefits of natural lighting and views in the workplace. Multiple studies have been undertaken by universities and corporations that point to the fact that natural light in the workplace contributes significantly to the health of building occupants. Employees in these environments sleep better at night, take less sick leave, and show significant reduction in headaches, eyestrain, and blurred vision. Additionally, productivity is increased by the availability of natural light, and workers tend to feel more engaged. Natural lighting elements can lead to significant positive impacts on employee happiness and satisfaction, something that employers and municipalities shouldn&rsquo;t overlo&shy;&shy;ok.
<img src="https://api.www.craftontull.com/media/uploads/insights/natural_light/ozarks-go-1654787274.webp" alt="Ozarks Electric Corporate Offices" width="800" height="533" />

<h2>Natural lighting within training spaces</h2>
Occupants can also reap the benefits of sunlight within educational and training spaces. Several studies have shown that students&rsquo; test scores increase and reading comprehension improves in classrooms with good natural light, and it stands to reason that similar improvements would occur in naturally lit training rooms. The ability for occupants to visually stay connected to the outdoor environment has been shown to improve concentration. The World Green Building Council also reported that natural lighting and full spectrum light within the classroom decreased absenteeism overall.
<img src="https://api.www.craftontull.com/media/uploads/insights/natural_light/butterfield-elementary-1654787490.webp" alt="Training Space" width="800" height="526" />

<h2>Implementation of natural light for economic benefit</h2>
Natural light can be introduced to buildings in several ways, including windows, skylights, and clerestories. These components not only contribute significantly to positively improving the overall environment of a space, but they also decrease the amount of energy needed to power a building. Lighting typically makes up approximately 33% of a building&rsquo;s energy cost, so well-designed daylighting with appropriate controls can lead to long-term cost savings, something that should not be overlooked. Additionally, with today&rsquo;s high performance glass options, there is no need to design for increased heating and cooling loads in buildings with large areas of glass, as historically has been the case.
<img src="https://api.www.craftontull.com/media/uploads/insights/natural_light/willard-walker-hospice-home-1654787637.webp" alt="Natural light in healthcare setting" width="800" height="354" />
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Related Projects

Natural lighting in community buildings is beneficial to their environment and energy savings.

PROJECTS

ATU Health Sciences and Wellness