For Immediate Release, March 12, 2013
Contact: lightsandwindows@USIP.org

“Lights and Windows Challenge”

Help the Institute find a more time- and cost- efficient way to wash windows and change light bulbs.

USIP seeks to reduce costs and minimize the time needed to wash the windows and change the light bulbs in its Schulz Great Hall and International Women’s Commons.

USIP is fortunate to have one of the most beautiful buildings in Washington. Designed to be a symbol of America’s commitment to peacebuilding under a striking glass roof, it is also a transparent and functional workspace and conference center.

The Institute has two large atria—one 82 feet high and the other 58 feet high. Floor to ceiling windows line three sides of these great halls; a row of lights caps the top edge of each of those three panels. Currently, for a crew to wash the windows and change the light bulbs, the Institute must install scaffolding to reach the upper heights. The process is both time-intensive and expensive. The slideshow below demonstrates the problem. There are a number of challenges that must be taken into consideration with all design proposals:

• The floor is made of soft limestone, and under these floors there are small water hoses used for the radiant heating/cooling system. Any structure coming from the ground must take care not to damage the floor. The present cleaning process begins with covering the floor with a ½” of Homosote and a ¾” plywood before securing the scaffolding;
• The process needs to minimize the time during which these halls cannot be used;
• The top of the walls have fiberglass panels. Any installation incorporated into the building’s design must not come into contact with these panels if that would cause damage;
• The steel in the curtain walls are coated with fire retardant special insulation. Any disturbance needs to be recoated.

The deadline for submission is April 23rd, 2013.

Inquiries and submissions should be sent to: lightsandwindows@USIP.org. USIP will host two open house events on March 30th and April 5th for interested parties to visit the building and meet with our Chief Building Engineer. Submissions should include a detailed description of all processes involved – including the creation of new tools or any possible installation suggestions – as well as an expected budget.

Having troubler viewing this slide show? Click here

*The prize money will be drawn from the USIP Endowment and is not from funds appropriated to USIP by Congress. The Institute is not liable for any costs incurred by respondents prior to issuance of an executed agreement with the Institute.

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The United States Institute of Peace is an independent, nonpartisan conflict management center created by Congress to prevent and mitigate international conflict through nonviolent means. USIP works to save lives, increase the government’s ability to deal with conflicts before they escalate, reduce government costs, and enhance national security. USIP is headquartered in Washington, DC. To learn more, visit www.usip.org.