Civic/Institutional Design

Civicl and institutional design encompasses a wide variety of project types. It may be the design of a new building, a master plan for a new park or outdoor recreational facility, a highly specialized lighting project, renovation of a facility for residents with severe mental and physical disabilities, or a civic building that must serve a multitude of governmental functions.

The function of a building should be reflected in its design. Each building will make a statement about its owner through the quality of design, the types of materials, and how the building fits within the land. Good architecture reinforces and supports the activities performed in a building, it doesn’t just provide a place for activites to occur.

Good architecture considers function, multiple use, safety, and the use of natural resources such as shade, day-lighting, recycled materials, building orientation, and prevailing winds. Sensitivity to how buildings are placed on a site can create wonderful outdoor space suitable for community gathering or, if ignored, just leave leftover space to house an air-conditioning unit.

Educational architecture offers unique opportunities to teach by design. In today's classrooms, students are learning to be more conservative with natural resources, more conscientious about recycling and reusing materials, and more careful with the way they treat the environment. Children learn much of this information through reading and observation, but perhaps the most effective way schools can spread the message of conservation is by example.

FisherHeck, Inc. is a proponent of the movement toward "green" or "sustainable" buildings. Renewable energy sources, such as day-lighting, and passive solar design help conserve energy costs while promoting energy consciousness to children. We are interested in designing educational facilities that encompass more than just the building itself. If a nearby creek-bed can be integrated into the plans for the school site, it provides an outdoor laboratory where children can learn about biology, geology, earth science, and a variety of other subjects essential to their educational experience. We strive to design school buildings that encourage student creativity and promote curiosity. How do you inspire students if you build classrooms without character? How do you teach respect for the land if you tear down trees and pave over nature with asphalt?

FisherHeck, Inc. has provided architectural services for East Central ISD, San Antonio ISD, St. Peter’s Catholic School, Notre Dame Catholic School, the University of Texas at San Antonio, the Texas Department of Mental Health & Mental Retardation, and the Cities of San Antonio, Hollywood Park, and Kirby. Committed to creating unique design while being conscious of the client's goals and the site's surroundings, FisherHeck is dedicated to designing projects that strengthen and benefit community.