| The
Operations Building is divided into overlapping north and
south wings which are linked by a skylit cross axis, establishing
a public front side and a rear plant side, so interior spaces
can be located according to their relationship to plant
processes. Along the plant side, where they survey the process
facilities, are the control room and the laboratory. Administrative
offices and the lunch and meeting rooms overlook the Tijuana
River valley from the public front side. Locker, mechanical
and electrical and computer/electronics rooms are also provided.
The
building is designed to conserve energy through choice of
building materials, orientation on the site and configuration.
A portion of the project budget was set aside for public
art and the artist located a water feature in the building
forecourt to symbolize the plant's infrastructural role.
In this location, it is central to both public and staff
uses of the plant.
The
Maintenance Building houses the centralized mechanical/
HVAC equipment, the plant's maintenance shop and warehouse
facilities. Following the architectural theme established
by the Operations Building and extended throughout the plant,
it orients its solid walls towards the sun, and its windows
away, presenting its most open facade towards the entry
drive.
The
Chemical Building houses storage and chemical transfer systems,
chemical feed systems and auxiliary and utility chemical
systems. Chemicals are delivered by truck in returnable
containers which can be off-loaded by fork lift or come
to the plant in tank trucks. The storage area is adjacent
to the Chemical Building.
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