The Muscular Dystrophy Association needed more space to expand its existing Health Services, research departments, and MVP (Venture Philanthropy), Advocacy, and Community Programs. The initial plan was to demolish a parking structure and repeat the existing architecture in a 16,000 SF, two-level office addition. After analysis and design exploration, we elected to preserve the existing structure, and a new office addition was developed north in an abandoned wash.

The addition complements the existing entrance sequence and introduces a field of northern, vertical glazing that reflects the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. The east wall has a refined version of existing stone cladding that draws you toward the covered entrance and provides donor naming opportunities. A desert roof or “green roof” enhances the idea of laying low on the land, a “repurposing” of nature utilized by the footprint, and provides a deck for fundraising events.

This project is LEED Silver Certified.